A service pack (SP) is a Windows update, often combining previously released updates, that helps make Windows more reliable. Service packs, which are provided free of charge on this page, can include security and performance improvements and support for new types of hardware. Make sure you install the latest service pack to help keep Windows up to date. Service packs take about 30 minutes to install, and you'll need to restart your computer about halfway through the installation.
The recommended (and easiest) way to get service packs is to turn on Windows Update for Windows 7 and Windows Vista, or Automatic Updates for Windows XP, and let Windows notify you when the service packs you need are ready to install. Turning on Automatic Updating is quick and easy, and it saves you time and disk space.
Which version of Windows and service pack am I running?
The latest service pack for Windows 7 is Service Pack 1 (SP1).
Learn how to get the right service pack for Windows 7 installed automatically today with Windows Update (recommended)
Download SP1 from the Download Center (advanced)
What's included in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7
The latest service pack for Windows Vista is Service Pack 2 (SP2). To install Windows Vista SP2, you must first have SP1 installed.
Learn how to get the right service pack for Windows Vista installed automatically today with Windows Update (recommended)
Download SP2 32-bit from the Download Center (advanced)
Download SP2 64-bit from the Download Center (advanced)
Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ended on July 12, 2011. Learn more.
Download SP1 32-bit from the Download Center (advanced)
Download SP1 64-bit from the Download Center (advanced)
What's included in Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
What's included in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Why won't my hardware device work after installing a Windows Vista service pack?
Why can't my computer play sound after installing a Windows Vista service pack?
Why am I prompted to activate Windows after installing a Windows Vista service pack?
Why do I get a "missing system component" error when installing Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)?
The latest service pack for Windows XP is Service Pack 3 (SP3). To install Windows XP SP3, you must first have SP1a or SP2 installed.
Learn how to get the right service pack for Windows XP installed automatically today with Automatic Updating (recommended)
Download SP3 from the Download Center (advanced)
Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. Learn more.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package
Windows XP Service Pack 1a Express Install
How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3
List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
When you try to install Windows XP Service Pack, you receive the error message "Access is denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
Windows XP Service Pack 3 installation fails with an error message, and the following error is logged in the service pack installation log: "8007F0F4 - STATUS_PREREQUISITE_FAILED"
Service packs for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 can be downloaded using Windows Update, an easy and free way to help keep your PC safer and running smoothly.
If you’re using Windows Update, service packs are downloaded, but aren’t installed automatically. You’ll need to install service packs manually. If you’re not using Windows Update, go to the Microsoft Update website to download service packs and then install them.
It’s best to evaluate new service packs as soon as they are available so your business or organization can have the fastest possible transition time. When preparing to deploy a service pack, it's important to test your essential line of business (LOB) programs. Before deploying a service pack, go to Windows Client TechCenter to learn more.
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