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This is your chance to be heard. Join us for an open feedback session focused on the current state of Windows Server 2025 and the roadmap for the next version of Windows Server (vNext). We’ll share a...
Pearl-Angeles
Updated May 08, 2026
Hampus Söderberg's avatar
Hampus Söderberg
Copper Contributor
May 13, 2026

Great news about free Hot Patching in Windows Server 2025! 
Will it also be free for Server vNext?
I’d also love to see more Windows and Azure Arc features unlocked for free in Insider builds so we can properly test, demo, educate, and provide telemetry + feedback on pre‑release tech. That feels like a win‑win for both the community and Microsoft 🙂

  • Neil_Hinnant's avatar
    Neil_Hinnant
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    May 13, 2026

    Hi Hampus - our changes to the Hotpatching model through Azure Arc will apply to all supported versions. 

    Thank you for your feedback on the Windows Insider program and Arc, we'll take a look at what we can do here to make Arc and services available through Arc easier to evaluate for customers. 

    • Hampus Söderberg's avatar
      Hampus Söderberg
      Copper Contributor
      May 13, 2026

      Thanks for your reply!
      A quick follow up to clarify. I wish Windows Server Insider Preview would qualify for Azure Hybrid Benefit so we can check that checkbox in Azure Arc and get access to the Arc Premium features like HotPatching, Update Manager and Guest Configuration for free. All for non-production lab/demo use.
      Thanks!