What is Service Pack 1?

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is the complete set of Windows Vista updates Microsoft has issued over the past year plus additional enhancements to improve your PC experience. SP1 doesn't add new features or require you to learn anything new—it simply makes your PC more reliable, run more smoothly, and even more enjoyable to use, all at no charge.

Updating your Windows Vista–based PC

In mid-April, SP1 will automatically download and install on Windows Vista–based PCs that have automatic updating turned on. This is the easiest and most convenient way to update a Windows Vista–based PC, and we strongly encourage using this method. You can, however, download and install Windows Vista SP1 manually from the Microsoft Download Center.

How to turn on automatic updates

Upgrading from Windows XP

If you have Windows XP, you may be able to upgrade your PC to Windows Vista with SP1. Use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows Vista. You can buy Windows Vista with SP1 on a DVD from a local or online retailer, or you can purchase and download Windows Vista with SP1 from Windows Marketplace.

Get Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Windows Vista with SP1 on new PCs

You'll start seeing PCs with Windows Vista with SP1 pre-installed at retailers around the middle of 2008. But you don't need to wait to buy a new PC. You can easily update a new Windows Vista–based PC to SP1 over the Internet, free of charge. There is no difference between a version of Windows Vista that's been updated with SP1 and the version of it that will be pre-installed on new PCs.

Shop for new PCs

Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.