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Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Sean Endicott

Will Microsoft charge for Windows security updates starting in July? Yes, but for Windows Server 2025, not Windows 11.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition's display, showing the battery indicator at 92% and 4 hours, 39 minutes of estimated usage remaining.

Microsoft is launching a paid subscription for Windows security updates, but the cost will hit those running Windows Server 2025, not Windows 11. Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 has been free while in preview, but when the option leaves preview in July, it will cost $1.50 per CPU core per month.

I suspect many who manage servers already know about the change coming in July and whether it will affect their organization. The problem is that this story made the rounds because some outlets used — dare I say — clickbait headlines that suggested PC owners may have to pay for Windows 11 security updates starting this summer.

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