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 updates such as service packs is to turn on Windows Update for Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista, or Automatic Updates for Windows XP, and let Windows notify you when the updates you need are ready to install.
Learn how to identify what version of Windows and service pack you're running
Windows 8.1 is an update to Windows 8.
Learn about Windows 8.1.
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)
Get SP1 (advanced)
Support for Windows 7 RTM (without SP1) ends on April 9, 2013. Learn more.
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)
Get SP2 32-bit (advanced)
Get SP2 64-bit (advanced)
Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ended on July 12, 2011. Learn more.
Get SP1 32-bit (advanced)
Get SP1 64-bit (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)?
Important: On April 8, 2014, Microsoft retired technical support for Windows XP, including security updates that help protect your PC. If you continue to use Windows XP, your computer might become more vulnerable to security and virus risks. Learn more about end of support for Windows XP.
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)
Get SP3 (advanced)
Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended on July 13, 2010. Learn more.
Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package
Get 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"
