diff --git a/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go b/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
index 269fcad7424..d3e13a4f9d9 100644
--- a/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -68,6 +68,9 @@ func Validate_ScaleSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 0)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("replicas"), &obj.Replicas, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *appsv1beta1.ScaleSpec) *int32 { return &oldObj.Replicas }))...)
diff --git a/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta2/zz_generated.validations.go b/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta2/zz_generated.validations.go
index 85e3e6147b3..3c16d10b674 100644
--- a/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta2/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/pkg/apis/apps/v1beta2/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -68,6 +68,9 @@ func Validate_ScaleSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 0)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("replicas"), &obj.Replicas, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *appsv1beta2.ScaleSpec) *int32 { return &oldObj.Replicas }))...)
diff --git a/pkg/apis/autoscaling/v1/zz_generated.validations.go b/pkg/apis/autoscaling/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
index dfe00d930a6..1c71f7f80e5 100644
--- a/pkg/apis/autoscaling/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/pkg/apis/autoscaling/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -68,6 +68,9 @@ func Validate_ScaleSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 0)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("replicas"), &obj.Replicas, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *autoscalingv1.ScaleSpec) *int32 { return &oldObj.Replicas }))...)
diff --git a/pkg/apis/core/v1/zz_generated.validations.go b/pkg/apis/core/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
index 5ea67206150..bdde796f66b 100644
--- a/pkg/apis/core/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/pkg/apis/core/v1/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import (
 	fmt "fmt"
 
 	corev1 "k8s.io/api/core/v1"
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -77,6 +78,9 @@ func Validate_ReplicationControllerList(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operat
 	// field corev1.ReplicationControllerList.Items
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []corev1.ReplicationController) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_ReplicationController)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("items"), obj.Items, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *corev1.ReplicationControllerList) []corev1.ReplicationController { return oldObj.Items }))...)
@@ -88,6 +92,9 @@ func Validate_ReplicationControllerSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operat
 	// field corev1.ReplicationControllerSpec.Replicas
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -101,6 +108,9 @@ func Validate_ReplicationControllerSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operat
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 0)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("minReadySeconds"), &obj.MinReadySeconds, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *corev1.ReplicationControllerSpec) *int32 { return &oldObj.MinReadySeconds }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/api/extensions/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/api/extensions/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
index 16bd37c4e04..6d2a1666ae3 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/api/extensions/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/api/extensions/v1beta1/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -67,6 +67,9 @@ func Validate_ScaleSpec(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 0)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("replicas"), &obj.Replicas, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *ScaleSpec) *int32 { return &oldObj.Replicas }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index 8daed8e2db8..94892383e82 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -65,6 +65,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -72,6 +75,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -80,6 +86,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T3")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("t3"), &obj.T3, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *T3 { return &oldObj.T3 }))...)
@@ -91,6 +100,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -102,6 +114,9 @@ func Validate_T4(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T4.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T4.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T4) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index e0e380f4a99..5788f6f579f 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/all_types_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E1")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -63,11 +66,17 @@ func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1")...)
 
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/cross_pkg/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/cross_pkg/zz_generated.validations.go
index 1798bfc0736..97ce08e259a 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/cross_pkg/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/cross_pkg/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -56,6 +57,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -64,6 +68,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT1Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT1Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -72,6 +79,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -80,6 +90,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT2Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT2Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -88,6 +101,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT3")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("primitivest3"), &obj.PrimitivesT3, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *primitives.T3 { return &oldObj.PrimitivesT3 }))...)
@@ -95,6 +111,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PrimitivesT3Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.PrimitivesT3Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -103,6 +122,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -111,6 +133,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE1Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE1Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -119,6 +144,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -127,6 +155,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE2Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE2Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -135,6 +166,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE3")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E3(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -143,6 +177,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE3Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE3Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E3(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -151,6 +188,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE4
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E4) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE4")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E4(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -159,6 +199,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.TypedefsE4Ptr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *typedefs.E4) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.TypedefsE4Ptr")...)
 			errs = append(errs, typedefs.Validate_E4(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -167,6 +210,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherString
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherString")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherString"), &obj.OtherString, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.StringType { return &oldObj.OtherString }))...)
@@ -174,6 +220,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherStringPtr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherStringPtr")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherStringPtr"), obj.OtherStringPtr, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.StringType { return oldObj.OtherStringPtr }))...)
@@ -181,6 +230,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherInt
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherInt")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherInt"), &obj.OtherInt, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.IntType { return &oldObj.OtherInt }))...)
@@ -188,6 +240,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherIntPtr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherIntPtr")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherIntPtr"), obj.OtherIntPtr, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.IntType { return oldObj.OtherIntPtr }))...)
@@ -195,6 +250,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherStruct
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherStruct")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherStruct"), &obj.OtherStruct, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.StructType { return &oldObj.OtherStruct }))...)
@@ -202,6 +260,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.OtherStructPtr
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.OtherStructPtr")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("otherStructPtr"), obj.OtherStructPtr, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *other.StructType { return oldObj.OtherStructPtr }))...)
@@ -209,6 +270,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.SliceOfOtherStruct
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.SliceOfOtherStruct")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StructType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.SliceOfOtherStruct values")
@@ -219,6 +283,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.ListMapOfOtherStruct
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.ListMapOfOtherStruct")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a other.StructType, b other.StructType) bool { return a.StringField == b.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StructType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.SliceOfOtherStruct values")
@@ -229,6 +296,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.MapOfOtherStringToOtherStruct
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[other.StringType]other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.MapOfOtherStringToOtherStruct keys")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/elide_no_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/elide_no_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index 45155dede7e..496025b23f2 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/elide_no_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/elide_no_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_HasFieldVal(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 	// field HasFieldVal.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field HasFieldVal.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *HasFieldVal) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -60,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_HasFieldVal(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 
 func Validate_HasTypeVal(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *HasTypeVal) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type HasTypeVal
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type HasTypeVal")...)
 
 	// field HasTypeVal.S has no validation
@@ -88,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.HasNoValFieldVal
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *HasNoVal) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.HasNoValFieldVal")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("hasNoValFieldVal"), &obj.HasNoValFieldVal, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *HasNoVal { return &oldObj.HasNoValFieldVal }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/embedded/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/embedded/zz_generated.validations.go
index 9e8977f0f53..26dd31341a2 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/embedded/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/embedded/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -71,6 +71,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.IntField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T2.IntField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
@@ -82,6 +85,9 @@ func Validate_T3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T3.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T3.StringField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T3) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
@@ -89,6 +95,9 @@ func Validate_T3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T3.IntField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T3.IntField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T3) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/keys/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/keys/zz_generated.validations.go
index f74ab88224e..f21259adc77 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/keys/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/keys/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -66,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[UnvalidatedStringType]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *UnvalidatedStringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -76,6 +86,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapValidatedTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[ValidatedStringType]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ValidatedStringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapValidatedTypedefField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -87,6 +100,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypeField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj UnvalidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypeField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -97,6 +113,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ValidatedMapTypeField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ValidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ValidatedMapTypeField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -110,6 +129,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 
 func Validate_ValidatedMapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ValidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ValidatedMapType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ValidatedMapType(keys)")
 	})...)
@@ -120,6 +142,9 @@ func Validate_ValidatedMapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldP
 
 func Validate_ValidatedStringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ValidatedStringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ValidatedStringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "ValidatedStringType")...)
 
 	return errs
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
index c78aeb19e35..efdf874ae89 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *f
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
@@ -73,6 +83,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
index 3d3e0db5c2a..5d47ce0b36b 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherStruct")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 
 func Validate_OtherTypedefStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherTypedefStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherTypedefStruct")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_OtherTypedefStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fl
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -70,6 +80,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
@@ -81,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index 876a5c944b7..5d4ecc6f6df 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField(keys) #1")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
index b49a264142c..6695b015d11 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/maps/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type MapType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapType")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapType[*]")
@@ -59,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fiel
 
 func Validate_MapTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type MapTypedefType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapTypedefType")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapTypedefType[*]")
@@ -70,6 +77,9 @@ func Validate_MapTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPat
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -77,6 +87,9 @@ func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *f
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -84,6 +97,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
@@ -95,6 +111,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/multiple_tags/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/multiple_tags/zz_generated.validations.go
index a0a1f693cde..c8bf791b803 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/multiple_tags/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/multiple_tags/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1 #1")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1 #2")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1 #3")...)
@@ -59,6 +62,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S false #1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S false #2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S false #3")...)
@@ -69,6 +75,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2 false #1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2 false #2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2 false #3")...)
@@ -82,6 +91,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T2
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T2 false #1")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T2 false #2")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "type T2 true")...)
@@ -89,6 +101,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S false #1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S false #2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T2.S true")...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index 1f35c9c8833..60f41b8c713 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_field_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E1")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -60,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -67,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -75,6 +84,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T3")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("t3"), &obj.T3, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *T3 { return &oldObj.T3 }))...)
@@ -82,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -90,6 +105,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E2")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("e2"), &obj.E2, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *E2 { return &oldObj.E2 }))...)
@@ -101,6 +119,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index f3d8938b40d..9716b26ce97 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/one_type_match/with_type_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1")...)
 
 	// field T1.TypeMeta has no validation
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/structs/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/structs/zz_generated.validations.go
index 4d788478fe4..124a93e6ece 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/structs/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/structs/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -99,6 +100,9 @@ func Validate_T00(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T01) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T01
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T01, no flags")...)
 
 	// field T01.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -106,6 +110,9 @@ func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T01.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T01.S, no flags")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T01) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -113,6 +120,9 @@ func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T01.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T01.PS, no flags")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("ps"), obj.PS, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T01) *string { return oldObj.PS }))...)
@@ -120,6 +130,9 @@ func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T01.T
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T01.T, no flags")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_Tother(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -128,6 +141,9 @@ func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T01.PT
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T01.PT, no flags")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_Tother(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -138,6 +154,9 @@ func Validate_T01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T02) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T02
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T02, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
@@ -148,6 +167,9 @@ func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T02.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T02.S, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -158,6 +180,9 @@ func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T02.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T02.PS, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -168,6 +193,9 @@ func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T02.T
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T02.T, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -179,6 +207,9 @@ func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T02.PT
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T02.PT, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -192,6 +223,9 @@ func Validate_T02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T03) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T03
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T03, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
@@ -203,6 +237,9 @@ func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T03.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T03.S, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -214,6 +251,9 @@ func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T03.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T03.PS, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -225,6 +265,9 @@ func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T03.T
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T03.T, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -237,6 +280,9 @@ func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 	// field T03.PT
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T03.PT, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -251,6 +297,9 @@ func Validate_T03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_TMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *TMultiple) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type TMultiple
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "TMultiple, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
@@ -268,6 +317,9 @@ func Validate_TMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	// field TMultiple.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "TMultiple.S, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -285,6 +337,9 @@ func Validate_TMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	// field TMultiple.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "TMultiple.PS, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -302,6 +357,9 @@ func Validate_TMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	// field TMultiple.T
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "TMultiple.T, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -320,6 +378,9 @@ func Validate_TMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 	// field TMultiple.PT
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Tother) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "TMultiple.PT, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -342,6 +403,9 @@ func Validate_Tother(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Tother.OS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Tother, no flags")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("os"), &obj.OS, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Tother) *string { return &oldObj.OS }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
index dc3be29b6a6..11fc97154af 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ordering/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -70,6 +70,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_E01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E01) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E01
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "E01, no flags")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -77,6 +80,9 @@ func Validate_E01(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_E02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E02) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E02
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "E02, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
@@ -87,6 +93,9 @@ func Validate_E02(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_E03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E03) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E03
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "E03, ShortCircuit"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
@@ -98,6 +107,9 @@ func Validate_E03(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pa
 
 func Validate_EMultiple(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *EMultiple) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type EMultiple
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	if e := validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "EMultiple, ShortCircuit 1"); len(e) != 0 {
 		errs = append(errs, e...)
 		return // do not proceed
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
index 316f8baa337..b353d293a2e 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PS")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("ps"), obj.PS, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return oldObj.PS }))...)
@@ -60,6 +64,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PI
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PI")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pi"), obj.PI, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *int { return oldObj.PI }))...)
@@ -67,6 +74,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PB
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PB")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pb"), obj.PB, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *bool { return oldObj.PB }))...)
@@ -74,6 +84,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PF
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PF")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pf"), obj.PF, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *float64 { return oldObj.PF }))...)
@@ -81,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PT2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PT2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -97,6 +113,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PS
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.PS")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("ps"), obj.PS, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *string { return oldObj.PS }))...)
@@ -104,6 +123,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PI
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.PI")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pi"), obj.PI, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *int { return oldObj.PI }))...)
@@ -111,6 +133,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PB
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.PB")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pb"), obj.PB, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *bool { return oldObj.PB }))...)
@@ -118,6 +143,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PF
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.PF")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pf"), obj.PF, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *float64 { return oldObj.PF }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
index ceaf93bbe87..84d3819e15d 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -60,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.I
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.I")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("i"), &obj.I, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *int { return &oldObj.I }))...)
@@ -67,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.B
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.B")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("b"), &obj.B, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *bool { return &oldObj.B }))...)
@@ -74,6 +83,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.F
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.F")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("f"), &obj.F, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *float64 { return &oldObj.F }))...)
@@ -81,6 +93,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -106,6 +121,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -113,6 +131,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.I
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.I")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("i"), &obj.I, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *int { return &oldObj.I }))...)
@@ -120,6 +141,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.B
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.B")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("b"), &obj.B, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *bool { return &oldObj.B }))...)
@@ -127,6 +151,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.F
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.F")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("f"), &obj.F, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *float64 { return &oldObj.F }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/public_private/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/public_private/zz_generated.validations.go
index e1bdaffb676..16de705f710 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/public_private/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/public_private/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.Public
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.Public")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("public"), &obj.Public, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.Public }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b5514658ec9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc.go
@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+/*
+Copyright 2024 The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+// +k8s:validation-gen=TypeMeta
+// +k8s:validation-gen-scheme-registry=k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/testscheme.Scheme
+
+// This is a test package.
+package defaultbehavior
+
+import "k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/testscheme"
+
+var localSchemeBuilder = testscheme.New()
+
+type StructPrimitive struct {
+	TypeMeta int
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intField"
+	IntField int `json:"intField"`
+
+	// +k8s:optional
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intPtrField"
+	IntPtrField *int `json:"intPtrField"`
+}
+
+type StructSlice struct {
+	TypeMeta int
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field sliceField"
+	SliceField []S `json:"sliceField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field typedefSliceField"
+	TypeDefSliceField MySlice `json:"typedefSliceField"`
+}
+
+type StructMap struct {
+	TypeMeta int
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field mapKeyField"
+	MapKeyField map[S]string `json:"mapKeyField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field mapValueField"
+	MapValueField map[string]S `json:"mapValueField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field aliasMapKeyTypeField"
+	AliasMapKeyTypeField AliasMapKeyType `json:"aliasMapKeyTypeField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field aliasMapValueTypeField"
+	AliasMapValueTypeField AliasMapValueType `json:"aliasMapValueTypeField"`
+}
+
+type StructStruct struct {
+	TypeMeta int
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field directComparableStructField"
+	DirectComparableStructField DirectComparableStruct `json:"directComparableStructField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field nonDirectComparableStructField"
+	NonDirectComparableStructField NonDirectComparableStruct `json:"nonDirectComparableStructField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field directComparableStructPtrField"
+	DirectComparableStructPtr *DirectComparableStruct `json:"directComparableStructPtrField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field nonDirectComparableStructPtrField"
+	NonDirectComparableStructPtr *NonDirectComparableStruct `json:"nonDirectComparableStructPtrField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field DirectComparableStruct"
+	DirectComparableStruct
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field NonDirectComparableStruct"
+	NonDirectComparableStruct
+}
+
+type StructEmbedded struct {
+	TypeMeta int
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field DirectComparableStruct"
+	DirectComparableStruct `json:"directComparableStruct"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field NonDirectComparableStruct"
+	NonDirectComparableStruct `json:"nonDirectComparableStruct"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field NestedDirectComparableStructField"
+	NestedDirectComparableStructField NestedDirectComparableStruct `json:"nestedDirectComparableStructField"`
+
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field NestedNonDirectComparableStructField"
+	NestedNonDirectComparableStructField NestedNonDirectComparableStruct `json:"nestedNonDirectComparableStructField"`
+}
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type TypeDefStruct"
+type TypeDefStruct struct{}
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type MySlice"
+type MySlice []int
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type S"
+type S string
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type MapKeyType"
+type AliasMapKeyType MapKeyType
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type MapValueType"
+type AliasMapValueType MapValueType
+
+// no validation
+type MapKeyType map[S]string
+
+// no validation
+type MapValueType map[string]S
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type DirectComparableStruct"
+type DirectComparableStruct struct {
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intField"
+	IntField int `json:"intField"`
+}
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type NonDirectComparableStruct"
+type NonDirectComparableStruct struct {
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intField"
+	IntPtrField *int `json:"intPtrField"`
+}
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type NestedDirectComparableStruct"
+type NestedDirectComparableStruct struct {
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intField"
+	DirectComparableStructField DirectComparableStruct `json:"directComparableStructField"`
+}
+
+// +k8s:validateFalse="type NestedNonDirectComparableStruct"
+type NestedNonDirectComparableStruct struct {
+	// +k8s:validateFalse="field intField"
+	NonDirectComparableStructField NonDirectComparableStruct `json:"nonDirectComparableStructField"`
+}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc_test.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..972049ed2c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/doc_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+/*
+Copyright 2025 The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+package defaultbehavior
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/validation/field"
+	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
+)
+
+func Test_StructPrimitive(t *testing.T) {
+	st := localSchemeBuilder.Test(t)
+	st.Value(&StructPrimitive{
+		IntField:    1,
+		IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+	}).ExpectMatches(field.ErrorMatcher{}.ByType().ByField(), field.ErrorList{
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+	})
+	st.Value(&StructPrimitive{
+		IntField:    1,
+		IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+	}).OldValue(&StructPrimitive{
+		IntField:    1,
+		IntPtrField: ptr.To(1), // Different pointers but value unchanged.
+	}).ExpectValid()
+}
+
+func Test_StructSlice(t *testing.T) {
+	st := localSchemeBuilder.Test(t)
+	st.Value(&StructSlice{
+		SliceField:        []S{""},
+		TypeDefSliceField: MySlice{1},
+	}).ExpectMatches(field.ErrorMatcher{}.ByType().ByField(), field.ErrorList{
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("sliceField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("sliceField[0]"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("typedefSliceField"), "", ""),
+	})
+
+	st.Value(&StructSlice{
+		SliceField:        []S{""},
+		TypeDefSliceField: MySlice{1},
+	}).OldValue(&StructSlice{
+		SliceField:        []S{""},
+		TypeDefSliceField: MySlice{1},
+	}).ExpectValid()
+}
+
+func Test_StructMap(t *testing.T) {
+	st := localSchemeBuilder.Test(t)
+	st.Value(&StructMap{
+		MapKeyField:            map[S]string{S("k"): "v"},
+		MapValueField:          map[string]S{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapKeyTypeField:   AliasMapKeyType{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapValueTypeField: AliasMapValueType{"k": "v"},
+	}).ExpectMatches(field.ErrorMatcher{}.ByType().ByField(), field.ErrorList{
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("mapKeyField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("mapValueField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("mapValueField[k]"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("aliasMapKeyTypeField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("aliasMapValueTypeField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("aliasMapValueTypeField[k]"), "", ""),
+	})
+
+	st.Value(&StructMap{
+		MapKeyField:            map[S]string{S("k"): "v"},
+		MapValueField:          map[string]S{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapKeyTypeField:   AliasMapKeyType{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapValueTypeField: AliasMapValueType{"k": "v"},
+	}).OldValue(&StructMap{
+		MapKeyField:            map[S]string{S("k"): "v"},
+		MapValueField:          map[string]S{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapKeyTypeField:   AliasMapKeyType{"k": "v"},
+		AliasMapValueTypeField: AliasMapValueType{"k": "v"},
+	}).ExpectValid()
+}
+
+func Test_StructStruct(t *testing.T) {
+	st := localSchemeBuilder.Test(t)
+	st.Value(&StructStruct{
+		DirectComparableStructField: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructField: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+		DirectComparableStructPtr: &DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructPtr: &NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+	}).ExpectMatches(field.ErrorMatcher{}.ByType().ByField(), field.ErrorList{
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStructField").Child("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStructField").Child("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStructPtrField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStructPtrField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStructPtrField").Child("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStructPtrField").Child("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("DirectComparableStruct"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("NonDirectComparableStruct"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("DirectComparableStruct").Child("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("NonDirectComparableStruct").Child("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+	})
+
+	st.Value(&StructStruct{
+		DirectComparableStructField: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructField: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+		DirectComparableStructPtr: &DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructPtr: &NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+	}).OldValue(&StructStruct{
+		DirectComparableStructField: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructField: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+		DirectComparableStructPtr: &DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStructPtr: &NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+	}).ExpectValid()
+}
+
+func Test_StructEmbedded(t *testing.T) {
+	st := localSchemeBuilder.Test(t)
+	st.Value(&StructEmbedded{
+		DirectComparableStruct: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStruct: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+	}).ExpectMatches(field.ErrorMatcher{}.ByType().ByField(), field.ErrorList{
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStruct"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStruct"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("directComparableStruct").Child("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nonDirectComparableStruct").Child("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedDirectComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedDirectComparableStructField").Child("directComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedDirectComparableStructField").Child("directComparableStructField").Child("intField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedNonDirectComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedNonDirectComparableStructField").Child("nonDirectComparableStructField"), "", ""),
+		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("nestedNonDirectComparableStructField").Child("nonDirectComparableStructField").Child("intPtrField"), "", ""),
+	})
+
+	st.Value(&StructEmbedded{
+		DirectComparableStruct: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStruct: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+		NestedDirectComparableStructField: NestedDirectComparableStruct{
+			DirectComparableStructField: DirectComparableStruct{
+				IntField: 1,
+			},
+		},
+		NestedNonDirectComparableStructField: NestedNonDirectComparableStruct{
+			NonDirectComparableStructField: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+				IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+			},
+		},
+	}).OldValue(&StructEmbedded{
+		DirectComparableStruct: DirectComparableStruct{
+			IntField: 1,
+		},
+		NonDirectComparableStruct: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+			IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+		},
+		NestedDirectComparableStructField: NestedDirectComparableStruct{
+			DirectComparableStructField: DirectComparableStruct{
+				IntField: 1,
+			},
+		},
+		NestedNonDirectComparableStructField: NestedNonDirectComparableStruct{
+			NonDirectComparableStructField: NonDirectComparableStruct{
+				IntPtrField: ptr.To(1),
+			},
+		},
+	}).ExpectValid()
+}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/zz_generated.validations.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..26a3efd54d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/ratcheting/default_behavior/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -0,0 +1,438 @@
+//go:build !ignore_autogenerated
+// +build !ignore_autogenerated
+
+/*
+Copyright The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+// Code generated by validation-gen. DO NOT EDIT.
+
+package defaultbehavior
+
+import (
+	context "context"
+	fmt "fmt"
+
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
+	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
+	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
+	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
+	field "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/validation/field"
+	testscheme "k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/testscheme"
+)
+
+func init() { localSchemeBuilder.Register(RegisterValidations) }
+
+// RegisterValidations adds validation functions to the given scheme.
+// Public to allow building arbitrary schemes.
+func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
+	scheme.AddValidationFunc((*StructEmbedded)(nil), func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, obj, oldObj interface{}) field.ErrorList {
+		switch op.Request.SubresourcePath() {
+		case "/":
+			return Validate_StructEmbedded(ctx, op, nil /* fldPath */, obj.(*StructEmbedded), safe.Cast[*StructEmbedded](oldObj))
+		}
+		return field.ErrorList{field.InternalError(nil, fmt.Errorf("no validation found for %T, subresource: %v", obj, op.Request.SubresourcePath()))}
+	})
+	scheme.AddValidationFunc((*StructMap)(nil), func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, obj, oldObj interface{}) field.ErrorList {
+		switch op.Request.SubresourcePath() {
+		case "/":
+			return Validate_StructMap(ctx, op, nil /* fldPath */, obj.(*StructMap), safe.Cast[*StructMap](oldObj))
+		}
+		return field.ErrorList{field.InternalError(nil, fmt.Errorf("no validation found for %T, subresource: %v", obj, op.Request.SubresourcePath()))}
+	})
+	scheme.AddValidationFunc((*StructPrimitive)(nil), func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, obj, oldObj interface{}) field.ErrorList {
+		switch op.Request.SubresourcePath() {
+		case "/":
+			return Validate_StructPrimitive(ctx, op, nil /* fldPath */, obj.(*StructPrimitive), safe.Cast[*StructPrimitive](oldObj))
+		}
+		return field.ErrorList{field.InternalError(nil, fmt.Errorf("no validation found for %T, subresource: %v", obj, op.Request.SubresourcePath()))}
+	})
+	scheme.AddValidationFunc((*StructSlice)(nil), func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, obj, oldObj interface{}) field.ErrorList {
+		switch op.Request.SubresourcePath() {
+		case "/":
+			return Validate_StructSlice(ctx, op, nil /* fldPath */, obj.(*StructSlice), safe.Cast[*StructSlice](oldObj))
+		}
+		return field.ErrorList{field.InternalError(nil, fmt.Errorf("no validation found for %T, subresource: %v", obj, op.Request.SubresourcePath()))}
+	})
+	scheme.AddValidationFunc((*StructStruct)(nil), func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, obj, oldObj interface{}) field.ErrorList {
+		switch op.Request.SubresourcePath() {
+		case "/":
+			return Validate_StructStruct(ctx, op, nil /* fldPath */, obj.(*StructStruct), safe.Cast[*StructStruct](oldObj))
+		}
+		return field.ErrorList{field.InternalError(nil, fmt.Errorf("no validation found for %T, subresource: %v", obj, op.Request.SubresourcePath()))}
+	})
+	return nil
+}
+
+func Validate_AliasMapKeyType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj AliasMapKeyType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type AliasMapKeyType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapKeyType")...)
+	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_S)...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_AliasMapValueType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj AliasMapValueType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type AliasMapValueType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapValueType")...)
+	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_S)...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type DirectComparableStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type DirectComparableStruct")...)
+
+	// field DirectComparableStruct.IntField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intField")...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_MySlice(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MySlice) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type MySlice
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MySlice")...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_NestedDirectComparableStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NestedDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type NestedDirectComparableStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type NestedDirectComparableStruct")...)
+
+	// field NestedDirectComparableStruct.DirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("directComparableStructField"), &obj.DirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *NestedDirectComparableStruct) *DirectComparableStruct {
+			return &oldObj.DirectComparableStructField
+		}))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_NestedNonDirectComparableStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NestedNonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type NestedNonDirectComparableStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type NestedNonDirectComparableStruct")...)
+
+	// field NestedNonDirectComparableStruct.NonDirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nonDirectComparableStructField"), &obj.NonDirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *NestedNonDirectComparableStruct) *NonDirectComparableStruct {
+			return &oldObj.NonDirectComparableStructField
+		}))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type NonDirectComparableStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type NonDirectComparableStruct")...)
+
+	// field NonDirectComparableStruct.IntPtrField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intField")...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("intPtrField"), obj.IntPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) *int { return oldObj.IntPtrField }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_S(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *S) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// type S
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
+	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type S")...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_StructEmbedded(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StructEmbedded) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// field StructEmbedded.TypeMeta has no validation
+
+	// field StructEmbedded.DirectComparableStruct
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field DirectComparableStruct")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("directComparableStruct"), &obj.DirectComparableStruct, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructEmbedded) *DirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.DirectComparableStruct }))...)
+
+	// field StructEmbedded.NonDirectComparableStruct
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field NonDirectComparableStruct")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nonDirectComparableStruct"), &obj.NonDirectComparableStruct, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructEmbedded) *NonDirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.NonDirectComparableStruct }))...)
+
+	// field StructEmbedded.NestedDirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NestedDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field NestedDirectComparableStructField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NestedDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nestedDirectComparableStructField"), &obj.NestedDirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructEmbedded) *NestedDirectComparableStruct {
+			return &oldObj.NestedDirectComparableStructField
+		}))...)
+
+	// field StructEmbedded.NestedNonDirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NestedNonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field NestedNonDirectComparableStructField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NestedNonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nestedNonDirectComparableStructField"), &obj.NestedNonDirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructEmbedded) *NestedNonDirectComparableStruct {
+			return &oldObj.NestedNonDirectComparableStructField
+		}))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_StructMap(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StructMap) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// field StructMap.TypeMeta has no validation
+
+	// field StructMap.MapKeyField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[S]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field mapKeyField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_S)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("mapKeyField"), obj.MapKeyField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructMap) map[S]string { return oldObj.MapKeyField }))...)
+
+	// field StructMap.MapValueField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]S) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field mapValueField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_S)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("mapValueField"), obj.MapValueField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructMap) map[string]S { return oldObj.MapValueField }))...)
+
+	// field StructMap.AliasMapKeyTypeField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj AliasMapKeyType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field aliasMapKeyTypeField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_AliasMapKeyType(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("aliasMapKeyTypeField"), obj.AliasMapKeyTypeField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructMap) AliasMapKeyType { return oldObj.AliasMapKeyTypeField }))...)
+
+	// field StructMap.AliasMapValueTypeField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj AliasMapValueType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field aliasMapValueTypeField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_AliasMapValueType(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("aliasMapValueTypeField"), obj.AliasMapValueTypeField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructMap) AliasMapValueType { return oldObj.AliasMapValueTypeField }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_StructPrimitive(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StructPrimitive) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// field StructPrimitive.TypeMeta has no validation
+
+	// field StructPrimitive.IntField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intField")...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructPrimitive) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
+
+	// field StructPrimitive.IntPtrField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
+				return // do not proceed
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field intPtrField")...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("intPtrField"), obj.IntPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructPrimitive) *int { return oldObj.IntPtrField }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_StructSlice(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StructSlice) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// field StructSlice.TypeMeta has no validation
+
+	// field StructSlice.SliceField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []S) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field sliceField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_S)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("sliceField"), obj.SliceField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructSlice) []S { return oldObj.SliceField }))...)
+
+	// field StructSlice.TypeDefSliceField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MySlice) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field typedefSliceField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_MySlice(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("typedefSliceField"), obj.TypeDefSliceField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructSlice) MySlice { return oldObj.TypeDefSliceField }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
+
+func Validate_StructStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StructStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+	// field StructStruct.TypeMeta has no validation
+
+	// field StructStruct.DirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field directComparableStructField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("directComparableStructField"), &obj.DirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *DirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.DirectComparableStructField }))...)
+
+	// field StructStruct.NonDirectComparableStructField
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field nonDirectComparableStructField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nonDirectComparableStructField"), &obj.NonDirectComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *NonDirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.NonDirectComparableStructField }))...)
+
+	// field StructStruct.DirectComparableStructPtr
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field directComparableStructPtrField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("directComparableStructPtrField"), obj.DirectComparableStructPtr, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *DirectComparableStruct { return oldObj.DirectComparableStructPtr }))...)
+
+	// field StructStruct.NonDirectComparableStructPtr
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field nonDirectComparableStructPtrField")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(fldPath.Child("nonDirectComparableStructPtrField"), obj.NonDirectComparableStructPtr, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *NonDirectComparableStruct { return oldObj.NonDirectComparableStructPtr }))...)
+
+	// field StructStruct.DirectComparableStruct
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *DirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field DirectComparableStruct")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_DirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(safe.Value(fldPath, func() *field.Path { return fldPath.Child("DirectComparableStruct") }), &obj.DirectComparableStruct, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *DirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.DirectComparableStruct }))...)
+
+	// field StructStruct.NonDirectComparableStruct
+	errs = append(errs,
+		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonDirectComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
+			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field NonDirectComparableStruct")...)
+			errs = append(errs, Validate_NonDirectComparableStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
+			return
+		}(safe.Value(fldPath, func() *field.Path { return fldPath.Child("NonDirectComparableStruct") }), &obj.NonDirectComparableStruct, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *StructStruct) *NonDirectComparableStruct { return &oldObj.NonDirectComparableStruct }))...)
+
+	return errs
+}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/maps/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
index 0a512f519df..1fcb13d2fc0 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -90,6 +91,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.MT1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_T1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("mt1"), obj.MT1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) map[string]T1 { return oldObj.MT1 }))...)
@@ -99,6 +103,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T3
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T3")...)
 
 	// field T3.T4
@@ -115,6 +122,9 @@ func Validate_T4(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T4.MT3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_T3)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("mt3"), obj.MT3, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T4) map[string]T3 { return oldObj.MT3 }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
index f126983098b..1ebdaf5c959 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -65,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PT1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -82,6 +86,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PT2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -96,6 +103,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PT1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -106,6 +116,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PT2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -116,6 +129,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.PT3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -128,6 +144,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T3
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T3")...)
 
 	// field T3.I has no validation
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/slices/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/slices/zz_generated.validations.go
index 1e60142ba07..fb6802c71c8 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/slices/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/recursive/slices/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -90,6 +91,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T2.ST1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_T1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("st1"), obj.ST1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) []T1 { return oldObj.ST1 }))...)
@@ -99,6 +103,9 @@ func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T3
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T3")...)
 
 	// field T3.T4
@@ -115,6 +122,9 @@ func Validate_T4(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T4.ST3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []T3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_T3)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("st3"), obj.ST3, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T4) []T3 { return oldObj.ST3 }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
index 78c2e2fe6f8..6144e21a4e4 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/multiple_validations/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct #1")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct #2")...)
 
@@ -57,6 +61,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField #1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField #2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
index 00f2e9649f6..0f70452efc5 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *f
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
@@ -73,6 +83,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
index 51e32a725ae..77351fab73a 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherStruct")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 
 func Validate_OtherTypedefStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherTypedefStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherTypedefStruct")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_OtherTypedefStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fl
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -70,6 +80,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
@@ -81,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
@@ -92,6 +108,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.UnvalidatedListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_OtherStruct)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("UnvalidatedListField"), obj.UnvalidatedListField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) []OtherStruct { return oldObj.UnvalidatedListField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
index cf3c1535431..73c4b2e3ab9 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/slices/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_ListType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ListType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListType")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListType[*]")
@@ -59,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_ListType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fie
 
 func Validate_ListTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ListTypedefType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListTypedefType")...)
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListTypedefType[*]")
@@ -70,6 +77,9 @@ func Validate_ListTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPa
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -77,6 +87,9 @@ func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *f
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -84,6 +97,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
@@ -95,6 +111,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachkey/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachkey/zz_generated.validations.go
index 20b7530bed5..05603483916 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachkey/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachkey/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Struct.MapField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[UnvalidatedStringType]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *UnvalidatedStringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Struct.MapTypedefField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -71,6 +78,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapValidatedTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[ValidatedStringType]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ValidatedStringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Struct.MapValidatedTypedefField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -81,6 +91,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypeField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj UnvalidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Struct.MapTypeField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -90,6 +103,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ValidatedMapTypeField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ValidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "Struct.ValidatedMapTypeField(keys)")
 			})...)
@@ -102,6 +118,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 
 func Validate_ValidatedMapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ValidatedMapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ValidatedMapType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "ValidatedMapType(keys)")
 	})...)
@@ -111,6 +130,9 @@ func Validate_ValidatedMapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldP
 
 func Validate_ValidatedStringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ValidatedStringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ValidatedStringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "ValidatedStringType")...)
 
 	return errs
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
index 7e8f79fe17e..fc030f63ed0 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
index 91dbe96de17..604838a8768 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/map_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
index 1e9dfc11098..922665ca515 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_primitive/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
index e3166b543df..f8c03528e9e 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/slice_of_struct/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherTypedefStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
index 3f034ef725e..a7b73881763 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_map/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type MapType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapType[*]")
 	})...)
@@ -58,6 +62,9 @@ func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fiel
 
 func Validate_MapTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type MapTypedefType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapTypedefType[*]")
 	})...)
@@ -68,6 +75,9 @@ func Validate_MapTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPat
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -75,6 +85,9 @@ func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *f
 
 func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *Struct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type Struct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type Struct")...)
 
 	// field Struct.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -82,6 +95,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -92,6 +108,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
index 5796574cbd2..df48f76ed5b 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/eachval/typedef_to_slice/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_ListType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ListType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListType[*]")
 	})...)
@@ -58,6 +62,9 @@ func Validate_ListType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fie
 
 func Validate_ListTypedefType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ListTypedefType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 		return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type ListTypedefType[*]")
 	})...)
@@ -71,6 +78,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListField[*]")
 			})...)
@@ -81,6 +91,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj ListTypedefType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListTypedefField[*]")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/immutable/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/immutable/zz_generated.validations.go
index 4fb6bcffbc9..b6aff0a3255 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/immutable/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/immutable/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_ImmutableType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ImmutableType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type ImmutableType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -60,6 +64,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
@@ -67,6 +74,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringPtrField"), obj.StringPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return oldObj.StringPtrField }))...)
@@ -74,6 +84,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("structField"), &obj.StructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *ComparableStruct { return &oldObj.StructField }))...)
@@ -81,6 +94,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *ComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("structPtrField"), obj.StructPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *ComparableStruct { return oldObj.StructPtrField }))...)
@@ -88,6 +104,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.NonComparableStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("noncomparableStructField"), &obj.NonComparableStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *NonComparableStruct { return &oldObj.NonComparableStructField }))...)
@@ -95,6 +114,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.NonComparableStructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *NonComparableStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("noncomparableStructPtrField"), obj.NonComparableStructPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *NonComparableStruct { return oldObj.NonComparableStructPtrField }))...)
@@ -102,6 +124,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SliceField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("sliceField"), obj.SliceField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) []string { return oldObj.SliceField }))...)
@@ -109,6 +134,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByReflect(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("mapField"), obj.MapField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) map[string]string { return oldObj.MapField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/multiple_keys/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/multiple_keys/zz_generated.validations.go
index eebdcd83c76..c6805afd2cc 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/multiple_keys/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/multiple_keys/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherStruct, b OtherStruct) bool {
 				return a.Key1Field == b.Key1Field && a.Key2Field == b.Key2Field
 			}, validate.ImmutableByReflect)...)
@@ -62,6 +66,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherTypedefStruct, b OtherTypedefStruct) bool {
 				return a.Key1Field == b.Key1Field && a.Key2Field == b.Key2Field
 			}, validate.ImmutableByReflect)...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/single_key/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/single_key/zz_generated.validations.go
index 501e4599546..807d77de92b 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/single_key/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/listmap/single_key/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherStruct, b OtherStruct) bool { return a.KeyField == b.KeyField }, validate.ImmutableByReflect)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("listField"), obj.ListField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) []OtherStruct { return oldObj.ListField }))...)
@@ -60,6 +64,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherTypedefStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherTypedefStruct, b OtherTypedefStruct) bool { return a.KeyField == b.KeyField }, validate.ImmutableByReflect)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("listTypedefField"), obj.ListTypedefField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) []OtherTypedefStruct { return oldObj.ListTypedefField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/doc_test.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/doc_test.go
index d084889683e..46d416e2f28 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/doc_test.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/doc_test.go
@@ -46,6 +46,16 @@ func Test(t *testing.T) {
 		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("typedefField"), 0, content.MinError(1)),
 		field.Invalid(field.NewPath("typedefPtrField"), 0, content.MinError(1)),
 	)
+	// Test validation ratcheting
+	st.Value(&Struct{
+		IntPtrField:     ptr.To(0),
+		UintPtrField:    ptr.To(uint(0)),
+		TypedefPtrField: ptr.To(IntType(0)),
+	}).OldValue(&Struct{
+		IntPtrField:     ptr.To(0),
+		UintPtrField:    ptr.To(uint(0)),
+		TypedefPtrField: ptr.To(IntType(0)),
+	}).ExpectValid()
 
 	st.Value(&Struct{
 		IntField:        1,
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/zz_generated.validations.go
index c8172d6675e..21495665141 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/minimum/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_IntType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type IntType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -60,6 +63,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
@@ -67,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("intPtrField"), obj.IntPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int { return oldObj.IntPtrField }))...)
@@ -74,6 +83,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Int16Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int16) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("int16Field"), &obj.Int16Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int16 { return &oldObj.Int16Field }))...)
@@ -81,6 +93,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Int32Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("int32Field"), &obj.Int32Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int32 { return &oldObj.Int32Field }))...)
@@ -88,6 +103,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Int64Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("int64Field"), &obj.Int64Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int64 { return &oldObj.Int64Field }))...)
@@ -95,6 +113,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.UintField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *uint) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("uintField"), &obj.UintField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *uint { return &oldObj.UintField }))...)
@@ -102,6 +123,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.UintPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *uint) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("uintPtrField"), obj.UintPtrField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *uint { return oldObj.UintPtrField }))...)
@@ -109,6 +133,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Uint16Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *uint16) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("uint16Field"), &obj.Uint16Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *uint16 { return &oldObj.Uint16Field }))...)
@@ -116,6 +143,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Uint32Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *uint32) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("uint32Field"), &obj.Uint32Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *uint32 { return &oldObj.Uint32Field }))...)
@@ -123,6 +153,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.Uint64Field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *uint64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("uint64Field"), &obj.Uint64Field, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *uint64 { return &oldObj.Uint64Field }))...)
@@ -130,6 +163,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.TypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_IntType(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -138,6 +174,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.TypedefPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Minimum(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, 1)...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_IntType(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/opaque/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/opaque/zz_generated.validations.go
index f303cf0cf28..6210190a545 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/opaque/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/opaque/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -77,6 +78,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_OtherString(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherString) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherString
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherString")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -84,11 +88,17 @@ func Validate_OtherString(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 
 func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherStruct")...)
 
 	// field OtherStruct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field OtherStruct.StringField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *OtherStruct) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
@@ -102,6 +112,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.StructField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_OtherStruct(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -110,6 +123,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -122,6 +138,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.OpaqueStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.OpaqueStructField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("opaqueStructField"), &obj.OpaqueStructField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *OtherStruct { return &oldObj.OpaqueStructField }))...)
@@ -129,6 +148,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.OpaqueStructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
 				return // do not proceed
@@ -140,6 +162,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SliceOfStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.SliceOfStructField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.SliceOfStructField vals")
@@ -151,6 +176,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SliceOfOpaqueStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.SliceOfOpaqueStructField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.SliceOfOpaqueStructField vals")
@@ -161,6 +189,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListMapOfStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListMapOfStructField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherStruct, b OtherStruct) bool { return a.StringField == b.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListMapOfStructField vals")
@@ -172,6 +203,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.ListMapOfOpaqueStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListMapOfOpaqueStructField")...)
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(a OtherStruct, b OtherStruct) bool { return a.StringField == b.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.ListMapOfOpaqueStructField vals")
@@ -182,6 +216,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapOfStringToStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[OtherString]OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherString) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapOfStringToStructField keys")
 			})...)
@@ -197,6 +234,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapOfStringToOpaqueStructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[OtherString]OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapKey(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherString) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.MapOfStringToOpaqueStructField keys")
 			})...)
@@ -212,6 +252,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 
 func Validate_TypedefMapOther(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj TypedefMapOther) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type TypedefMapOther
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "type TypedefMapOther")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -219,6 +262,9 @@ func Validate_TypedefMapOther(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPa
 
 func Validate_TypedefSliceOther(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj TypedefSliceOther) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type TypedefSliceOther
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "type TypedefSliceOther")...)
 
 	return errs
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/nonzero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/nonzero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
index 49829b71239..996057dcd70 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/nonzero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/nonzero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -64,6 +67,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -75,6 +81,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -86,6 +95,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -97,6 +109,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.BoolField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -108,6 +123,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.BoolPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
index afdc74af490..2cbb773d7b3 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zero_defaults/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -54,12 +54,18 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
 
 	// field Struct.StringPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -72,12 +78,18 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("intField"), &obj.IntField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int { return &oldObj.IntField }))...)
 
 	// field Struct.IntPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
@@ -90,12 +102,18 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 			// optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("boolField"), &obj.BoolField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *bool { return &oldObj.BoolField }))...)
 
 	// field Struct.BoolPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			// optional fields with default values are effectively required
 			if e := validate.RequiredPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				errs = append(errs, e...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zz_generated.validations.go
index 78dd83d2321..9f187794952 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/optional/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_IntType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type IntType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type IntType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_IntType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fiel
 
 func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type MapType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type MapType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_MapType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fiel
 
 func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type OtherStruct
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type OtherStruct")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -70,6 +80,9 @@ func Validate_OtherStruct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *
 
 func Validate_SliceType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj SliceType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type SliceType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type SliceType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -77,6 +90,9 @@ func Validate_SliceType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *fi
 
 func Validate_StringType(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type StringType
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type StringType")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -88,6 +104,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -98,6 +117,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -108,6 +130,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -119,6 +144,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringTypedefPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *StringType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -130,6 +158,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -140,6 +171,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -150,6 +184,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalValue(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -161,6 +198,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IntTypedefPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *IntType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -172,6 +212,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.OtherStructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalPointer(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -183,6 +226,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SliceField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalSlice(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -193,6 +239,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SliceTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj SliceType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalSlice(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -204,6 +253,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalMap(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
@@ -214,6 +266,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.MapTypedefField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj MapType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			if e := validate.OptionalMap(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj); len(e) != 0 {
 				return // do not proceed
 			}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/deep/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/deep/zz_generated.validations.go
index b1df9d4d759..f5d5d438bc8 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/deep/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/deep/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "structField", func(o *OtherStruct) *SmallStruct { return &o.StructField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *SmallStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "stringField", func(o *SmallStruct) *string { return &o.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 					return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "StructField.StructField")
@@ -78,6 +82,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "structField", func(o *OtherStruct) *SmallStruct { return &o.StructField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *SmallStruct) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "stringField", func(o *SmallStruct) *string { return &o.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 					return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "StructPtrField.StructField")
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/nonincluded/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/nonincluded/zz_generated.validations.go
index 07b08f3fcd8..56834253659 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/nonincluded/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/nonincluded/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -52,6 +52,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructType
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *other.StructType) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "stringField", func(o *other.StructType) *string { return &o.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "subfield Struct.(other.StructType).StringField")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/shallow/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/shallow/zz_generated.validations.go
index 13e6aa3f44d..00bc98497f3 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/shallow/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/subfield/shallow/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -53,6 +54,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "stringField", func(o *OtherStruct) *string { return &o.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "subfield Struct.StructField.StringField")
 			})...)
@@ -74,6 +78,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StructPtrField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *OtherStruct) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.Subfield(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, "stringField", func(o *OtherStruct) *string { return &o.StringField }, func(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) field.ErrorList {
 				return validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "subfield Struct.StructPtrField.StringField")
 			})...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/issubresource/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/issubresource/zz_generated.validations.go
index e09a2600158..48821544698 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/issubresource/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/issubresource/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/root/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/root/zz_generated.validations.go
index 7874ba13ecb..20f7445020c 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/root/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/root/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/subresource/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/subresource/zz_generated.validations.go
index c800d54b283..3ca113b5f1a 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/subresource/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/supported_resources/subresource/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field T1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/doc_test.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/doc_test.go
index 564382d84c2..3bbc4edecca 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/doc_test.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/doc_test.go
@@ -28,10 +28,18 @@ func Test(t *testing.T) {
 	}).ExpectValidateFalseByPath(map[string][]string{
 		"stringField": {"field Struct.StringField"},
 	})
+	// Test validation ratcheting
+	st.Value(&Struct{}).OldValue(&Struct{}).ExpectValid()
 
 	st.Value(&Struct{
 		StringField: "abc",
 	}).ExpectValidateFalseByPath(map[string][]string{
 		"stringField": {"field Struct.StringField"},
 	})
+	// Test validation ratcheting
+	st.Value(&Struct{
+		StringField: "abc",
+	}).OldValue(&Struct{
+		StringField: "abc",
+	}).ExpectValid()
 }
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/zz_generated.validations.go
index 5183ed29095..81e19cd3c08 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_false/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field Struct.StringField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_true/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_true/zz_generated.validations.go
index 6e4b4712470..5a425c89556 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_true/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/tags/validate_true/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -53,6 +53,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.StringField
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "field Struct.StringField")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("stringField"), &obj.StringField, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return &oldObj.StringField }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/type_args/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/type_args/zz_generated.validations.go
index 76b94a9e383..7707e9a9005 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/type_args/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/type_args/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -50,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E1")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -61,6 +64,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.S1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*primitives.T1](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T1.S1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -69,6 +75,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PS1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *primitives.T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*primitives.T1](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "PT1.PS1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, primitives.Validate_T1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -77,6 +86,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*E1](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T1.E1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -85,6 +97,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PE1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*E1](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "T1.PE1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -93,6 +108,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.I1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*int](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "T1.I1")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("i1"), &obj.I1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *int { return &oldObj.I1 }))...)
@@ -100,6 +118,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PI1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult[*int](ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, true, "T1.PI1")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("pi1"), obj.PI1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) *int { return oldObj.PI1 }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
index 5b7fc13c04d..90ace869022 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/typedefs/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ func RegisterValidations(scheme *testscheme.Scheme) error {
 
 func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E1")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -56,6 +60,9 @@ func Validate_E1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_E2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E2
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E2")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -63,6 +70,9 @@ func Validate_E2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_E3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E3
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E3")...)
 
 	return errs
@@ -70,11 +80,17 @@ func Validate_E3(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_E4(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E4) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type E4
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type E4")...)
 
 	// field E4.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *E4) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -84,6 +100,9 @@ func Validate_E4(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T1
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T1")...)
 
 	// field T1.TypeMeta has no validation
@@ -91,6 +110,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -99,6 +121,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PE1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PE1")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E1(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -107,6 +132,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -115,6 +143,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PE2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PE2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -123,6 +154,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E3")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E3(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -131,6 +165,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PE3
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E3) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PE3")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E3(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -139,6 +176,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.E4
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E4) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.E4")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E4(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -147,6 +187,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PE4
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *E4) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PE4")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_E4(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -155,6 +198,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.T2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.T2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -163,6 +209,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.PT2
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T1.PT2")...)
 			errs = append(errs, Validate_T2(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
@@ -173,11 +222,17 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 
 func Validate_T2(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *T2) (errs field.ErrorList) {
 	// type T2
+	if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+		return nil // no changes
+	}
 	errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "type T2")...)
 
 	// field T2.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "field T2.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T2) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/lists/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/lists/zz_generated.validations.go
index 0fba0ff9c40..f586748d8f5 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/lists/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/lists/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -58,6 +59,9 @@ func Validate_M1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field M1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "M1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *M1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -69,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.LM1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj []M1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachSliceVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, nil, Validate_M1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("lm1"), obj.LM1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) []M1 { return oldObj.LM1 }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/maps/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
index 8038e0df057..7b8e86a35a4 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/maps/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import (
 	context "context"
 	fmt "fmt"
 
+	equality "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
 	operation "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
 	safe "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	validate "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
@@ -58,6 +59,9 @@ func Validate_M1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field M1.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.FixedResult(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, false, "M1.S")...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *M1) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -69,6 +73,9 @@ func Validate_T1(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field.Pat
 	// field T1.MSM1
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj map[string]M1) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && equality.Semantic.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.EachMapVal(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj, Validate_M1)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("msm1"), obj.MSM1, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *T1) map[string]M1 { return oldObj.MSM1 }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitive_pointers/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitive_pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
index 5541b49597e..2b92cfb9ace 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitive_pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitive_pointers/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.SP
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("sp"), obj.SP, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return oldObj.SP }))...)
@@ -58,6 +61,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.IP
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("ip"), obj.IP, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int { return oldObj.IP }))...)
@@ -65,6 +71,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.BP
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("bp"), obj.BP, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *bool { return oldObj.BP }))...)
@@ -72,6 +81,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.FP
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("fp"), obj.FP, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *float64 { return oldObj.FP }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
index d3a973b1e1d..3bad101b188 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/output_tests/update_validations/primitives/zz_generated.validations.go
@@ -51,6 +51,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.S
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *string) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("s"), &obj.S, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *string { return &oldObj.S }))...)
@@ -58,6 +61,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.I
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *int) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("i"), &obj.I, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *int { return &oldObj.I }))...)
@@ -65,6 +71,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.B
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *bool) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("b"), &obj.B, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *bool { return &oldObj.B }))...)
@@ -72,6 +81,9 @@ func Validate_Struct(ctx context.Context, op operation.Operation, fldPath *field
 	// field Struct.F
 	errs = append(errs,
 		func(fldPath *field.Path, obj, oldObj *float64) (errs field.ErrorList) {
+			if op.Type == operation.Update && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && *obj == *oldObj)) {
+				return nil // no changes
+			}
 			errs = append(errs, validate.ImmutableByCompare(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)
 			return
 		}(fldPath.Child("f"), &obj.F, safe.Field(oldObj, func(oldObj *Struct) *float64 { return &oldObj.F }))...)
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..25165586610
--- /dev/null
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util.go
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+/*
+Copyright 2025 The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+package util
+
+import (
+	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/parser/tags"
+	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+)
+
+// GetMemberByJSON returns the child member of the type that has the given JSON
+// name. It returns nil if no such member exists.
+func GetMemberByJSON(t *types.Type, jsonName string) *types.Member {
+	for i := range t.Members {
+		if jsonTag, ok := tags.LookupJSON(t.Members[i]); ok {
+			if jsonTag.Name == jsonName {
+				return &t.Members[i]
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// IsNilableType returns true if the argument type can be compared to nil.
+func IsNilableType(t *types.Type) bool {
+	t = NativeType(t)
+
+	switch t.Kind {
+	case types.Pointer, types.Map, types.Slice, types.Interface: // Note: Arrays are not nilable
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// NativeType returns the Go native type of the argument type, with any
+// intermediate typedefs removed. Go itself already flattens typedefs, but this
+// handles it in the unlikely event that we ever fix that.
+//
+// Examples:
+// * Trivial:
+//   - given `int`, returns `int`
+//   - given `*int`, returns `*int`
+//   - given `[]int`, returns `[]int`
+//
+// * Typedefs
+//   - given `type X int; X`, returns `int`
+//   - given `type X int; []X`, returns `[]X`
+//
+// * Typedefs and pointers:
+//   - given `type X int; *X`, returns `*int`
+//   - given `type X *int; *X`, returns `**int`
+//   - given `type X []int; X`, returns `[]int`
+//   - given `type X []int; *X`, returns `*[]int`
+func NativeType(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	ptrs := 0
+	for {
+		switch t.Kind {
+		case types.Alias:
+			t = t.Underlying
+		case types.Pointer:
+			ptrs++
+			t = t.Elem
+		default:
+			goto done
+		}
+	}
+done:
+	for range ptrs {
+		t = types.PointerTo(t)
+	}
+	return t
+}
+
+// NonPointer returns the value-type of a possibly pointer type. If type is not
+// a pointer, it returns the input type.
+func NonPointer(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	for t.Kind == types.Pointer {
+		t = t.Elem
+	}
+	return t
+}
+
+// IsDirectComparable returns true if the type is safe to compare using "==".
+// It is similar to gengo.IsComparable, but it doesn't consider Pointers to be
+// comparable (we don't want shallow compare).
+func IsDirectComparable(t *types.Type) bool {
+	switch t.Kind {
+	case types.Builtin:
+		return true
+	case types.Struct:
+		for _, f := range t.Members {
+			if !IsDirectComparable(f.Type) {
+				return false
+			}
+		}
+		return true
+	case types.Array:
+		return IsDirectComparable(t.Elem)
+	case types.Alias:
+		return IsDirectComparable(t.Underlying)
+	}
+	return false
+}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util_test.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..5ff3ae6cb8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util/util_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,454 @@
+/*
+Copyright 2025 The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+package util
+
+import (
+	"reflect"
+	"testing"
+
+	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+)
+
+func TestGetMemberByJSON(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		t        *types.Type
+		jsonTag  string
+		want     *types.Member
+		wantBool bool
+	}{{
+		name: "exact match",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Members: []types.Member{
+				{Name: "Field0", Tags: `json:"field0"`},
+				{Name: "Field1", Tags: `json:"field1"`},
+				{Name: "Field2", Tags: `json:"field2"`},
+			},
+		},
+		jsonTag:  "field1",
+		want:     &types.Member{Name: "Field1", Tags: `json:"field1"`},
+		wantBool: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "no match",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Members: []types.Member{
+				{Name: "Field0", Tags: `json:"field0"`},
+				{Name: "Field1", Tags: `json:"field1"`},
+			},
+		},
+		jsonTag:  "field2",
+		want:     nil,
+		wantBool: false,
+	}}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := GetMemberByJSON(tt.t, tt.jsonTag)
+			if !reflect.DeepEqual(got, tt.want) {
+				t.Errorf("GetMemberByJSON() got %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestIsNilableType(t *testing.T) {
+	tStruct := &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{Name: "MyStruct"},
+		Kind: types.Struct,
+	}
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		t    *types.Type
+		want bool
+	}{{
+		name: "pointer",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: tStruct,
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to pointer",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Pointer,
+				Elem: tStruct,
+			},
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "map",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Map,
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to map",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Map,
+			},
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "slice",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Slice,
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to slice",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Slice,
+			},
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "interface",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Interface,
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to interface",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Interface,
+			},
+		},
+		want: true,
+	}, {
+		name: "struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Struct,
+		},
+		want: false,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Struct,
+			},
+		},
+		want: false,
+	}, {
+		name: "builtin",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Builtin,
+		},
+		want: false,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to builtin",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Builtin,
+			},
+		},
+		want: false,
+	}}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := IsNilableType(tt.t); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("IsNilableType() = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNativeType(t *testing.T) {
+	tStruct := &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{Name: "MyStruct"},
+		Kind: types.Struct,
+	}
+	pStruct := &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{Name: "*MyStruct"},
+		Kind: types.Pointer,
+		Elem: tStruct,
+	}
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		t    *types.Type
+		want *types.Type
+	}{{
+		name: "struct",
+		t:    tStruct,
+		want: tStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer to struct",
+		t:    pStruct,
+		want: pStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias to struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name:       types.Name{Name: "Alias"},
+			Kind:       types.Alias,
+			Underlying: tStruct,
+		},
+		want: tStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer to alias to struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "*Alias"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: &types.Type{
+				Kind:       types.Alias,
+				Underlying: tStruct,
+			},
+		},
+		want: pStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "alias of pointer to struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name:       types.Name{Name: "AliasP"},
+			Kind:       types.Alias,
+			Underlying: pStruct,
+		},
+		want: pStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer to alias of pointer to struct",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "*AliasP"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: &types.Type{
+				Name:       types.Name{Name: "AliasP"},
+				Kind:       types.Alias,
+				Underlying: pStruct,
+			},
+		},
+		want: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "**MyStruct"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: pStruct,
+		},
+	}}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if want, got := tt.want.String(), NativeType(tt.t).String(); want != got {
+				t.Errorf("NativeType() = %q, want %q", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNonPointer(t *testing.T) {
+	tStruct := &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{Name: "MyStruct"},
+		Kind: types.Struct,
+	}
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		t    *types.Type
+		want *types.Type
+	}{{
+		name: "value",
+		t:    tStruct,
+		want: tStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "*MyStruct"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: tStruct,
+		},
+		want: tStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer pointer",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "**MyStruct"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: &types.Type{
+				Kind: types.Pointer,
+				Elem: tStruct,
+			},
+		},
+		want: tStruct,
+	}, {
+		name: "pointer alias pointer",
+		t: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "*AliasP"},
+			Kind: types.Pointer,
+			Elem: &types.Type{
+				Name: types.Name{Name: "AliasP"},
+				Kind: types.Alias,
+				Underlying: &types.Type{
+					Name: types.Name{Name: "*MyStruct"},
+					Kind: types.Pointer,
+					Elem: tStruct,
+				},
+			},
+		},
+		want: &types.Type{
+			Name: types.Name{Name: "AliasP"},
+			Kind: types.Alias,
+			Underlying: &types.Type{
+				Name: types.Name{Name: "*MyStruct"},
+				Kind: types.Pointer,
+				Elem: tStruct,
+			},
+		},
+	}}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := NonPointer(tt.t); !reflect.DeepEqual(got, tt.want) {
+				t.Errorf("NonPointer() = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// gengo has `PointerTo()` but not the rest, so keep this here for consistency.
+func ptrTo(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	return &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{
+			Package: "",
+			Name:    "*" + t.Name.String(),
+		},
+		Kind: types.Pointer,
+		Elem: t,
+	}
+}
+
+func sliceOf(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	return &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{
+			Package: "",
+			Name:    "[]" + t.Name.String(),
+		},
+		Kind: types.Slice,
+		Elem: t,
+	}
+}
+
+func mapOf(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	return &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{
+			Package: "",
+			Name:    "map[string]" + t.Name.String(),
+		},
+		Kind: types.Map,
+		Key:  types.String,
+		Elem: t,
+	}
+}
+
+func arrayOf(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	return &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{
+			Package: "",
+			Name:    "[2]" + t.Name.String(),
+		},
+		Kind: types.Array,
+		Len:  2,
+		Elem: t,
+	}
+}
+
+func aliasOf(name string, t *types.Type) *types.Type {
+	return &types.Type{
+		Name: types.Name{
+			Package: "",
+			Name:    "Alias_" + name,
+		},
+		Kind:       types.Alias,
+		Underlying: t,
+	}
+}
+
+func TestIsDirectComparable(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		in     *types.Type
+		expect bool
+	}{
+		{
+			in:     types.String,
+			expect: true,
+		}, {
+			in:     ptrTo(types.String),
+			expect: false,
+		}, {
+			in:     sliceOf(types.String),
+			expect: false,
+		}, {
+			in:     mapOf(types.String),
+			expect: false,
+		}, {
+			in:     aliasOf("s", types.String),
+			expect: true,
+		}, {
+			in: &types.Type{
+				Name: types.Name{
+					Package: "",
+					Name:    "struct_comparable_member",
+				},
+				Kind: types.Struct,
+				Members: []types.Member{
+					{
+						Name: "s",
+						Type: types.String,
+					},
+				},
+			},
+			expect: true,
+		}, {
+			in: &types.Type{
+				Name: types.Name{
+					Package: "",
+					Name:    "struct_uncomparable_member",
+				},
+				Kind: types.Struct,
+				Members: []types.Member{
+					{
+						Name: "s",
+						Type: ptrTo(types.String),
+					},
+				},
+			},
+			expect: false,
+		}, {
+			in:     arrayOf(types.String),
+			expect: true,
+		}, {
+			in:     arrayOf(aliasOf("s", types.String)),
+			expect: true,
+		}, {
+			in:     arrayOf(ptrTo(types.String)),
+			expect: false,
+		}, {
+			in:     arrayOf(mapOf(types.String)),
+			expect: false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		if got, want := IsDirectComparable(tc.in), tc.expect; got != want {
+			t.Errorf("%q: expected %v, got %v", tc.in, want, got)
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validation.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validation.go
index dc8f966fd5a..38ef3b40323 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validation.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validation.go
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ import (
 
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/sets"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/validation/field"
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/generator"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/namer"
@@ -52,9 +53,11 @@ var (
 	safePkg             = "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/safe"
 	safePkgSymbols      = mkPkgNames(safePkg, "Field", "Cast", "Value")
 	operationPkg        = "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/operation"
-	operationPkgSymbols = mkPkgNames(operationPkg, "Operation", "MatchesSubresource")
+	operationPkgSymbols = mkPkgNames(operationPkg, "Operation", "MatchesSubresource", "Update")
 	contextPkg          = "context"
 	contextPkgSymbols   = mkPkgNames(contextPkg, "Context")
+	equalityPkg         = "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/equality"
+	equalityPkgSymbols  = mkPkgNames(equalityPkg, "Semantic")
 )
 
 // genValidations produces a file with autogenerated validations.
@@ -219,14 +222,6 @@ func (td *typeDiscoverer) DiscoverType(t *types.Type) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// unalias returns the unaliased type.
-func unalias(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
-	for t.Kind == types.Alias {
-		t = t.Underlying
-	}
-	return t
-}
-
 // discoverType walks the given type recursively and returns a typeNode
 // representing it. This does not distinguish between discovering a type
 // definition and discovering a field of a struct.  The first time it
@@ -255,7 +250,7 @@ func (td *typeDiscoverer) discoverType(t *types.Type, fldPath *field.Path) (*typ
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): typedefs to pointers are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 		}
 	case types.Pointer:
-		pointee := unalias(t.Elem)
+		pointee := util.NativeType(t.Elem)
 		switch pointee.Kind {
 		case types.Pointer:
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): pointers to pointers are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
@@ -267,23 +262,23 @@ func (td *typeDiscoverer) discoverType(t *types.Type, fldPath *field.Path) (*typ
 	case types.Array:
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): fixed-size arrays are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 	case types.Slice:
-		elem := unalias(t.Elem)
+		elem := util.NativeType(t.Elem)
 		switch elem.Kind {
 		case types.Pointer:
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): lists of pointers are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 		case types.Slice:
-			if unalias(elem.Elem) != types.Byte {
+			if util.NativeType(elem.Elem) != types.Byte {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): lists of lists are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 			}
 		case types.Map:
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): lists of maps are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 		}
 	case types.Map:
-		key := unalias(t.Key)
+		key := util.NativeType(t.Key)
 		if key != types.String {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): maps with non-string keys are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
 		}
-		elem := unalias(t.Elem)
+		elem := util.NativeType(t.Elem)
 		switch elem.Kind {
 		case types.Pointer:
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s (%s): maps of pointers are not supported", fldPath.String(), t)
@@ -416,7 +411,7 @@ func (td *typeDiscoverer) discoverType(t *types.Type, fldPath *field.Path) (*typ
 			// system, while preventing validation on them since that functionality is not yet
 			// implemented. Once validation support for map-of-slices is added, this check should
 			// be removed.
-			if unalias(t).Kind == types.Map && unalias(t).Elem.Kind == types.Slice {
+			if util.NativeType(t).Kind == types.Map && util.NativeType(t).Elem.Kind == types.Slice {
 				return nil, fmt.Errorf("field %s: validation for map of slices is not supported", fldPath)
 			}
 			klog.V(5).InfoS("found type-attached validations", "n", validations.Len(), "type", t)
@@ -595,7 +590,7 @@ func (td *typeDiscoverer) discoverStruct(thisNode *typeNode, fldPath *field.Path
 			// system, while preventing validation on them since that functionality is not yet
 			// implemented. Once validation support for map-of-slices is added, this check should
 			// be removed.
-			if unalias(childType).Kind == types.Map && unalias(childType).Elem.Kind == types.Slice {
+			if util.NativeType(childType).Kind == types.Map && util.NativeType(childType).Elem.Kind == types.Slice {
 				return fmt.Errorf("field %s: validation for map of slices is not supported", childPath)
 			}
 			child.fieldValidations.Add(validations)
@@ -838,7 +833,7 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitRegisterFunction(c *generator.Context, schemeRegist
 			"safe":      mkSymbolArgs(c, safePkgSymbols),
 			"context":   mkSymbolArgs(c, contextPkgSymbols),
 		}
-		if !isNilableType(rootType) {
+		if !util.IsNilableType(rootType) {
 			targs["typePfx"] = "*"
 		}
 
@@ -905,7 +900,7 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitValidationFunction(c *generator.Context, t *types.T
 		"context":    mkSymbolArgs(c, contextPkgSymbols),
 		"objTypePfx": "*",
 	}
-	if isNilableType(t) {
+	if util.IsNilableType(t) {
 		targs["objTypePfx"] = ""
 	}
 
@@ -958,6 +953,7 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitValidationForChild(c *generator.Context, thisChild
 		}
 		sw.Do("// type $.inType|raw$\n", targs)
 		emitComments(validations.Comments, sw)
+		emitRatchetingCheck(c, thisNode.valueType, sw)
 		emitCallsToValidators(c, validations.Functions, sw)
 		if thisNode.valueType.Kind == types.Alias {
 			underlyingNode := thisNode.underlying.node
@@ -1010,9 +1006,14 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitValidationForChild(c *generator.Context, thisChild
 			bufsw := sw.Dup(buf)
 
 			validations := fld.fieldValidations
+
+			// fldRatchetingChecked is used to avoid emitting the ratcheting check multiple times.
+			fldRatchetingChecked := false
 			if !validations.Empty() {
 				emitComments(validations.Comments, bufsw)
+				emitRatchetingCheck(c, fld.childType, bufsw)
 				emitCallsToValidators(c, validations.Functions, bufsw)
+				fldRatchetingChecked = true
 			}
 
 			// If the node is nil, this must be a type in a package we are not
@@ -1028,6 +1029,10 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitValidationForChild(c *generator.Context, thisChild
 					// validations, call its validation function.
 					if validations := fld.fieldValIterations; g.hasValidations(fld.node.elem.node) && !validations.Empty() {
 						emitComments(validations.Comments, bufsw)
+						if !fldRatchetingChecked {
+							emitRatchetingCheck(c, fld.childType, bufsw)
+							fldRatchetingChecked = true
+						}
 						emitCallsToValidators(c, validations.Functions, bufsw)
 					}
 					// Descend into this field.
@@ -1037,12 +1042,20 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitValidationForChild(c *generator.Context, thisChild
 					// validations, call its validation function.
 					if validations := fld.fieldKeyIterations; g.hasValidations(fld.node.key.node) && !validations.Empty() {
 						emitComments(validations.Comments, bufsw)
+						if !fldRatchetingChecked {
+							emitRatchetingCheck(c, fld.childType, bufsw)
+							fldRatchetingChecked = true
+						}
 						emitCallsToValidators(c, validations.Functions, bufsw)
 					}
 					// If this field is a map and the value-type has
 					// validations, call its validation function.
 					if validations := fld.fieldValIterations; g.hasValidations(fld.node.elem.node) && !validations.Empty() {
 						emitComments(validations.Comments, bufsw)
+						if !fldRatchetingChecked {
+							emitRatchetingCheck(c, fld.childType, bufsw)
+							fldRatchetingChecked = true
+						}
 						emitCallsToValidators(c, validations.Functions, bufsw)
 					}
 					// Descend into this field.
@@ -1120,6 +1133,27 @@ func (g *genValidations) emitCallToOtherTypeFunc(c *generator.Context, node *typ
 	sw.Do("errs = append(errs, $.funcName|raw$(ctx, op, fldPath, obj, oldObj)...)\n", targs)
 }
 
+// emitRachetingCheck emits a equivalence check for default ratcheting.
+func emitRatchetingCheck(c *generator.Context, t *types.Type, sw *generator.SnippetWriter) {
+	// Emit equivalence check for default ratcheting.
+	// TODO: Need to have a follow-up PR to handle the default behavior
+	// for slices and maps.
+	targs := generator.Args{
+		"operation": mkSymbolArgs(c, operationPkgSymbols),
+	}
+	// If the type is a builtin, we can use a simpler equality check when they are not nil.
+	if util.IsDirectComparable(util.NonPointer(util.NativeType(t))) {
+		_, exprPfx, _ := getLeafTypeAndPrefixes(t)
+		targs["exprPfx"] = exprPfx
+		sw.Do("if op.Type == $.operation.Update|raw$ && (obj == oldObj || (obj != nil && oldObj != nil && $.exprPfx$obj == $.exprPfx$oldObj)) {\n", targs)
+	} else {
+		targs["equality"] = mkSymbolArgs(c, equalityPkgSymbols)
+		sw.Do("if op.Type == $.operation.Update|raw$ && $.equality.Semantic|raw$.DeepEqual(obj, oldObj) {\n", targs)
+	}
+	sw.Do("   return nil // no changes\n", nil)
+	sw.Do("}\n", nil)
+}
+
 // emitCallsToValidators emits calls to a list of validation functions for
 // a single field or type. validations is a list of functions to call, with
 // arguments.
@@ -1334,7 +1368,7 @@ func toGolangSourceDataLiteral(sw *generator.SnippetWriter, c *generator.Context
 				"objType":    v.ObjType,
 				"objTypePfx": "*",
 			}
-			if isNilableType(v.ObjType) {
+			if util.IsNilableType(v.ObjType) {
 				targs["objTypePfx"] = ""
 			}
 
@@ -1431,16 +1465,6 @@ func toGolangSourceDataLiteral(sw *generator.SnippetWriter, c *generator.Context
 	}
 }
 
-// isNilableType returns true if the argument type can be compared to nil.
-func isNilableType(t *types.Type) bool {
-	t = unalias(t)
-	switch t.Kind {
-	case types.Pointer, types.Map, types.Slice, types.Interface: // Note: Arrays are not nilable
-		return true
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
 // getLeafTypeAndPrefixes returns the "leaf value type" for a given type, as
 // well as type and expression prefix strings for the input type.  The type
 // prefix can be prepended to the given type's name to produce the nilable form
@@ -1466,7 +1490,7 @@ func getLeafTypeAndPrefixes(inType *types.Type) (*types.Type, string, string) {
 		nPtrs++
 		leafType = leafType.Elem
 	}
-	if !isNilableType(leafType) {
+	if !util.IsNilableType(leafType) {
 		typePfx = "*"
 		if nPtrs == 0 {
 			exprPfx = "&"
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/common.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/common.go
index 145262edc61..93cea458e84 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/common.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/common.go
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ limitations under the License.
 package validators
 
 import (
-	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/parser/tags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
 )
 
@@ -27,75 +26,6 @@ const (
 	libValidationPkg = "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/api/validate"
 )
 
-func getMemberByJSON(t *types.Type, jsonName string) *types.Member {
-	for i := range t.Members {
-		if jsonTag, ok := tags.LookupJSON(t.Members[i]); ok {
-			if jsonTag.Name == jsonName {
-				return &t.Members[i]
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// isNilableType returns true if the argument type can be compared to nil.
-func isNilableType(t *types.Type) bool {
-	for t.Kind == types.Alias {
-		t = t.Underlying
-	}
-	switch t.Kind {
-	case types.Pointer, types.Map, types.Slice, types.Interface: // Note: Arrays are not nilable
-		return true
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
-// nativeType returns the Go native type of the argument type, with any
-// intermediate typedefs removed. Go itself already flattens typedefs, but this
-// handles it in the unlikely event that we ever fix that.
-//
-// Examples:
-// * Trivial:
-//   - given `int`, returns `int`
-//   - given `*int`, returns `*int`
-//   - given `[]int`, returns `[]int`
-//
-// * Typedefs
-//   - given `type X int; X`, returns `int`
-//   - given `type X int; []X`, returns `[]X`
-//
-// * Typedefs and pointers:
-//   - given `type X int; *X`, returns `*int`
-//   - given `type X *int; *X`, returns `**int`
-//   - given `type X []int; X`, returns `[]int`
-//   - given `type X []int; *X`, returns `*[]int`
-func nativeType(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
-	ptrs := 0
-	for {
-		if t.Kind == types.Alias {
-			t = t.Underlying
-		} else if t.Kind == types.Pointer {
-			ptrs++
-			t = t.Elem
-		} else {
-			break
-		}
-	}
-	for range ptrs {
-		t = types.PointerTo(t)
-	}
-	return t
-}
-
-// nonPointer returns the value-type of a possibly pointer type. If type is not
-// a pointer, it returns the input type.
-func nonPointer(t *types.Type) *types.Type {
-	for t.Kind == types.Pointer {
-		t = t.Elem
-	}
-	return t
-}
-
 // rootTypeString returns a string representation of the relationship between
 // src and dst types, for use in error messages.
 func rootTypeString(src, dst *types.Type) string {
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/each.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/each.go
index c3e20de6fbb..d17e574ddc0 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/each.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/each.go
@@ -24,6 +24,8 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/validation/field"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/codetags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -78,7 +80,7 @@ func (listTypeTagValidator) ValidScopes() sets.Set[Scope] {
 
 func (lttv listTypeTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag) (Validations, error) {
 	// NOTE: pointers to lists are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-	t := nativeType(context.Type)
+	t := util.NativeType(context.Type)
 	if t.Kind != types.Slice && t.Kind != types.Array {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("can only be used on list types")
 	}
@@ -88,7 +90,7 @@ func (lttv listTypeTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Ta
 		// Allowed but no special handling.
 	case "map":
 		// NOTE: maps of pointers are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-		if nativeType(t.Elem).Kind != types.Struct {
+		if util.NativeType(t.Elem).Kind != types.Struct {
 			return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("only lists of structs can be list-maps")
 		}
 
@@ -138,19 +140,19 @@ func (listMapKeyTagValidator) ValidScopes() sets.Set[Scope] {
 
 func (lmktv listMapKeyTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag) (Validations, error) {
 	// NOTE: pointers to lists are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-	t := nativeType(context.Type)
+	t := util.NativeType(context.Type)
 	if t.Kind != types.Slice && t.Kind != types.Array {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("can only be used on list types")
 	}
 	// NOTE: lists of pointers are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-	if nativeType(t.Elem).Kind != types.Struct {
+	if util.NativeType(t.Elem).Kind != types.Struct {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("only lists of structs can be list-maps")
 	}
 
 	var fieldName string
-	if memb := getMemberByJSON(nativeType(t.Elem), tag.Value); memb == nil {
+	if memb := util.GetMemberByJSON(util.NativeType(t.Elem), tag.Value); memb == nil {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("no field for JSON name %q", tag.Value)
-	} else if k := nativeType(memb.Type).Kind; k != types.Builtin {
+	} else if k := util.NativeType(memb.Type).Kind; k != types.Builtin {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("only primitive types can be list-map keys (%s)", k)
 	} else {
 		fieldName = memb.Name
@@ -210,7 +212,7 @@ var (
 
 func (evtv eachValTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag) (Validations, error) {
 	// NOTE: pointers to lists and maps are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-	t := nativeType(context.Type)
+	t := util.NativeType(context.Type)
 	switch t.Kind {
 	case types.Slice, types.Array, types.Map:
 	default:
@@ -350,7 +352,7 @@ var (
 
 func (ektv eachKeyTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag) (Validations, error) {
 	// NOTE: pointers to lists are not supported, so we should never see a pointer here.
-	t := nativeType(context.Type)
+	t := util.NativeType(context.Type)
 	if t.Kind != types.Map {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("can only be used on map types")
 	}
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/immutable.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/immutable.go
index 519484e67e2..12be03c7924 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/immutable.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/immutable.go
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/sets"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/codetags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -52,7 +54,7 @@ var (
 func (immutableTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, _ codetags.Tag) (Validations, error) {
 	var result Validations
 
-	if nonPointer(nativeType(context.Type)).Kind == types.Builtin {
+	if util.NonPointer(util.NativeType(context.Type)).Kind == types.Builtin {
 		// This is a minor optimization to just compare primitive values when
 		// possible. Slices and maps are not comparable, and structs might hold
 		// pointer fields, which are directly comparable but not what we need.
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/limits.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/limits.go
index 47f52aa2473..57a79920070 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/limits.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/limits.go
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/sets"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/codetags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -58,7 +60,7 @@ func (minimumTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag) (Va
 
 	// This tag can apply to value and pointer fields, as well as typedefs
 	// (which should never be pointers). We need to check the concrete type.
-	if t := nonPointer(nativeType(context.Type)); !types.IsInteger(t) {
+	if t := util.NonPointer(util.NativeType(context.Type)); !types.IsInteger(t) {
 		return result, fmt.Errorf("can only be used on integer types (%s)", rootTypeString(context.Type, t))
 	}
 
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/required.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/required.go
index 11e05eef047..b52acdd2e17 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/required.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/required.go
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/codetags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -91,7 +93,7 @@ func (rtv requirednessTagValidator) doRequired(context Context) (Validations, er
 	// originally defined as a value-type or a pointer-type in the API.  This
 	// one does.  Since Go doesn't do partial specialization of templates, we
 	// do manual dispatch here.
-	switch nativeType(context.Type).Kind {
+	switch util.NativeType(context.Type).Kind {
 	case types.Slice:
 		return Validations{Functions: []FunctionGen{Function(requiredTagName, ShortCircuit, requiredSliceValidator)}}, nil
 	case types.Map:
@@ -145,7 +147,7 @@ func (rtv requirednessTagValidator) doOptional(context Context) (Validations, er
 	if hasDefault, zeroDefault, err := rtv.hasZeroDefault(context); err != nil {
 		return Validations{}, err
 	} else if hasDefault {
-		if !isNilableType(context.Type) && zeroDefault {
+		if !util.IsNilableType(context.Type) && zeroDefault {
 			return Validations{Comments: []string{"optional value-type fields with zero-value defaults are purely documentation"}}, nil
 		}
 		validations, err := rtv.doRequired(context)
@@ -162,7 +164,7 @@ func (rtv requirednessTagValidator) doOptional(context Context) (Validations, er
 	// originally defined as a value-type or a pointer-type in the API.  This
 	// one does.  Since Go doesn't do partial specialization of templates, we
 	// do manual dispatch here.
-	switch nativeType(context.Type).Kind {
+	switch util.NativeType(context.Type).Kind {
 	case types.Slice:
 		return Validations{Functions: []FunctionGen{Function(optionalTagName, ShortCircuit|NonError, optionalSliceValidator)}}, nil
 	case types.Map:
@@ -183,7 +185,7 @@ func (rtv requirednessTagValidator) doOptional(context Context) (Validations, er
 // hasZeroDefault returns whether the field has a default value and whether
 // that default value is the zero value for the field's type.
 func (rtv requirednessTagValidator) hasZeroDefault(context Context) (bool, bool, error) {
-	t := nonPointer(nativeType(context.Type))
+	t := util.NonPointer(util.NativeType(context.Type))
 	// This validator only applies to fields, so Member must be valid.
 	tagsByName, err := gengo.ExtractFunctionStyleCommentTags("+", []string{defaultTagName}, context.Member.CommentLines)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -262,7 +264,7 @@ func (requirednessTagValidator) doForbidden(context Context) (Validations, error
 	// optional check and short-circuit (but without error).  Why?  For
 	// example, this prevents any further validation from trying to run on a
 	// nil pointer.
-	switch nativeType(context.Type).Kind {
+	switch util.NativeType(context.Type).Kind {
 	case types.Slice:
 		return Validations{
 			Functions: []FunctionGen{
diff --git a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/subfield.go b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/subfield.go
index 7643dd364d2..f9f154fde6b 100644
--- a/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/subfield.go
+++ b/staging/src/k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/validators/subfield.go
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/sets"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/codetags"
 	"k8s.io/gengo/v2/types"
+
+	"k8s.io/code-generator/cmd/validation-gen/util"
 )
 
 const (
@@ -58,12 +60,12 @@ func (stv subfieldTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag
 	args := tag.Args
 	// This tag can apply to value and pointer fields, as well as typedefs
 	// (which should never be pointers). We need to check the concrete type.
-	t := nonPointer(nativeType(context.Type))
+	t := util.NonPointer(util.NativeType(context.Type))
 	if t.Kind != types.Struct {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("can only be used on struct types")
 	}
 	subname := args[0].Value
-	submemb := getMemberByJSON(t, subname)
+	submemb := util.GetMemberByJSON(t, subname)
 	if submemb == nil {
 		return Validations{}, fmt.Errorf("no field for json name %q", subname)
 	}
@@ -83,12 +85,12 @@ func (stv subfieldTagValidator) GetValidations(context Context, tag codetags.Tag
 
 		for _, vfn := range validations.Functions {
 			nilableStructType := context.Type
-			if !isNilableType(nilableStructType) {
+			if !util.IsNilableType(nilableStructType) {
 				nilableStructType = types.PointerTo(nilableStructType)
 			}
 			nilableFieldType := submemb.Type
 			fieldExprPrefix := ""
-			if !isNilableType(nilableFieldType) {
+			if !util.IsNilableType(nilableFieldType) {
 				nilableFieldType = types.PointerTo(nilableFieldType)
 				fieldExprPrefix = "&"
 			}