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 current Windows Vista–based PC

The easiest way to update your Windows Vista-based PC with SP1 is by using the Windows Update control panel. Just set Windows Update to automatically download important updates and Windows Update will download SP1 when it's available for your PC. (It could take a month or more before SP1 shows up on your PC, so please be patient.) After SP1 is downloaded you'll see an alert like this:

New updates are available alert

Click on the alert to start the installation, which will take approximately one hour. (For the first half hour, you'll be able to use your PC. Then, you'll be asked to restart, and you won't be able to use your PC for the last half hour of the installation.)

You can also manually download and install Windows Vista SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center , but we strongly recommend using Windows Update. You should be an advanced computer user and have a broadband connection to consider using the Microsoft Download Center for SP1.

How to turn on automatic updates

Upgrading to Windows Vista SP1 on your existing PC

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. Click here to learn more about the exclusive offers on Windows Vista products.

Buying a new PC with Windows Vista with SP1

As most new PCs now come with Windows Vista with SP1 pre-installed, you can enjoy all the latest benefits of Windows Vista without doing anything at all. Click here to get the latest promotions from our featured System Builders.

Windows Vista® + Windows Live™

Stay connected to friends and family and share memories easily with free, easy-to-use Windows Live tools. Think of it as enhancing the power of the Windows experience combined with the limitless possibility of the Internet. The beauty of it is, everything works together so you can connect and share how and when you want. See what's new with Windows Live!
See what's new with Windows Live!

Check out these Windows Vista SP1 Special Offers for:

As a genuine Microsoft software user, you can be confident that you will have access to the latest features; updates and support that will help you improve your productivity and expand the capabilities of your PC.
Click here to learn more.

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