---
title: "What are the Hotfixes and Patches in SQL Server?"  
description: "What are the Hotfixes and Patches in SQL Server?"  
author: "Shikhar Arora"  
published: 2019-12-06  
updated: 2023-06-30  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/92513/what-are-the-hotfixes-and-patches-in-sql-server  
category: "database"  
tags: ["database programming", "database"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What are the Hotfixes and Patches in SQL Server?

What are the Hotfixes and Patches in [SQL Server](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12343/sql-server-2017-ctp-2-0-now-available)

## Answers

### Answer by Mark John

**Hotfixes and Patches in [SQL](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/202/the-detailed-concept-of-stored-procedure-in-sql-server) [Server](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/710/apache-server-installation-on-windows)**

A hotfix is a [small software patch](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/302324/open-source-software-benefits-risks-and-best-practices) that is applied to live systems. A hotfix is a single, cumulative package that includes one or more files used to address a problem in a software product. Hotfixes are typically released to address critical security vulnerabilities or to fix specific bugs that are [causing problems for users.](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/785/introduction-of-troubleshooting)

A patch is a general term for any software update that is applied to a software product. Patches can include hotfixes, as well as other types of updates, such as cumulative updates and service packs.

![What are the Hotfixes and Patches in SQL Server?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/8e99877c-2e13-4c37-a425-4f5dcd2ca837/images/fedf00e9-dd6d-46f3-ae86-e41b4abb8b25.png)

In SQL Server, hotfixes and patches are typically released through the Microsoft Download Center. You can also subscribe to Microsoft's notification service to be notified when new hotfixes and patches are released.

Once you have downloaded a hotfix or patch, you can install it using the following steps:

1. Open the **Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio**.
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance that you want to update.
3. Expand the **Management** folder and select **Update Services**.
4. In the **Update Services** window, click the **Download Updates** button.
5. Select the hotfix or patch that you want to install and click the **Install** button.

After the hotfix or patch has been installed, you may need to restart the SQL Server service.

It is important to keep your SQL Server installation up to date with the latest hotfixes and patches. This will help to protect your system from security vulnerabilities and to ensure that your SQL Server installation is functioning properly.

## Key Differences between Hotfixes and Patches

- **Size:** Hotfixes are typically small, while patches can be small or large.
- **Scope:** Hotfixes fix a specific problem, while patches can fix multiple problems or include other types of updates.
- **Testing:** Hotfixes are typically not as extensively tested as patches.
- **Release frequency:** Hotfixes are released more frequently than patches.


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/92513/what-are-the-hotfixes-and-patches-in-sql-server

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