Summary
- September 2026 Windows security update for hotpatch-enabled devices will require a restart because some security components cannot be updated without one.
- Organizations using Windows Autopatch with hotpatch-enabled Windows 11 or Windows Server devices are affected.
- Devices not using hotpatch are unaffected, and hotpatch enrollment/configuration does not change.
- No action is required, but admins should notify users, review maintenance windows, and monitor deployment compliance.
The September 2026 Windows security update requires a restart for hotpatch-enabled devices because it is a standard update. Devices will remain enrolled in hotpatching, with no changes to enrollment. Administrators should inform users, review restart policies, and monitor updates; no action or compliance changes are needed.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1462918
Primary Service: AutoPatch
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Low
Release Start: 01 Sept 2026
Release End: 01 Nov 2026
Last Modified: August 28, 2026
Category: Prevent or fix issues
Tags: New feature, User impact
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: Windows Autopatch
History
8/27/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
The September 2026 Windows security update will be released as a standard update rather than a hotpatch update. Some of the security improvements in this update change components that cannot be updated without a restart. As a result, devices enrolled in hotpatching will need to restart to complete installation.
Rollout schedule
- September 2026: Standard update with restart required for all devices including those that are hotpatch-enabled.
- October 2026: Planned baseline update month with restart required.
- November 2026: Next hotpatch update expected.
Impact on your organization
Who is affected
- Organizations using Windows Autopatch with hotpatch-enabled devices
- Users of devices currently enrolled in hotpatch updates
Platforms and services
- Windows Autopatch
- Windows 11 hotpatch
- Windows Server hotpatch
What will happen
- Hotpatch-enabled devices will require a restart to complete installation of the September 2026 security update.
- Hotpatch-enabled devices will remain enrolled in hotpatch updates.
- Devices not using hotpatch updates are unaffected because standard Windows security updates already require a restart.
- No changes are being made to hotpatch enrollment or configuration requirements.
Action required / recommendations
No action is required.
We recommend that administrators:
- Inform affected users that a restart will be required following installation of the September 2026 security update.
- Review maintenance windows and device restart policies to help ensure timely installation.
- Continue monitoring update deployment and compliance through existing management tools.
- Track the hotpatch update calendars on the Windows release health site for both Windows 11 and Windows Server.
Learn more
- Windows 11 hotpatch calendar – Windows 11 release information | Release health | Windows | Microsoft Learn
- Windows Server hotpatch calendar – Windows Server release information | Windows Search release information | Windows | Microsoft Learn
Compliance considerations
No compliance action is required. Update installation and restart behavior will be reflected in update history and compliance reports as usual.