Query NT, W2K, or XP registry for applied hotfixes

If hotfixes have been applied to Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, that is recorded in the registry. Check the following registry key to see what hotfixes have been applied. This is how utilities can query the OS about which hotfixes have been applied.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Hotfix

There will be a subkey for each hotfix that has been applied. This registry tip applies to NT, W2K and XP.

Freeware utility Hotfix Control uses this info to keep track of what hotfixes are applied, and when they were applied. Site says its for Windows NT but as far as I can tell it works fine for W2K and XP also.

Microsoft' utility Network Security Hotfix Checker ( HFNetChk ) is a command-line tool that enables an administrator to check the patch status of Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP machines.

  • St Bernard's product UpdateEXPERT is a software patch vulnerability assessment tool that scans your networked systems for missing patches and remediates discovered weaknesses for increased protection. UpdateEXPERT features an extensive database (including service packs, hotfixes and other patches) that is maintained by St. Bernard Software's software patch experts.
  • About Wayne Maples

    Share this article


    Article not looking right or info is missing? Let us know so that we can fix it: .


    Receive all the latest articles by email!

    Receive Real-Time & Monthly WindowsNetworking.com article updates in your mailbox. Enter your email below!
    Click for Real-Time sample & Monthly sample

    Become a WindowsNetworking.com member!

    Discuss your network issues with thousands of other network administrators. Click here to join!

    Community Area

    Log in | Register

    Limited time offer!

    SolarWinds screenshot

    Subscribe to WindowsNetworking.com Newsletters today and get a free copy of the new SolarWinds Exchange Monitor!

    Readers' Choice

    Which is your preferred software-based Backup solution?