Information about Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2

INTRODUCTION

Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 is now available. This service pack is an update to Windows 7 and to Windows Server 2008 R2 that addresses customer and partner feedback.

SP1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 is a recommended collection of updates and improvements to Windows that are combined into a single installable update.

Windows 7 SP1 can help make your computer safer and more reliable. Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 provides a comprehensive set of innovations for enterprise-class virtualization. This includes new virtualization capabilities with Dynamic Memory and Microsoft RemoteFX.

Consumer end-users can find general information about Windows 7 SP1 at the following Microsoft website:

More Information

How to obtain Service Pack 1

Windows 7 Service Pack 1

To obtain Windows 7 SP1, visit the following Microsoft website:

Windows 2008 R2 Service Pack 1

To obtain Windows 2008 R2 SP1, visit the following Microsoft website:

How to obtain support for Service Pack 1

Support for Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Consumer end-users can use Microsoft Community to discuss issues that concern Windows 7 SP1. To do this, visit the following Microsoft website:

IT professionals can use the Windows 7 IT pro forum to discuss issues that concern Windows 7 SP1. To do this, visit the following Microsoft website:

Note For online help with troubleshooting SP1 installation issues, visit the following Microsoft website:

Support options for Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1

IT professionals can use the Windows 7 IT Pro forum to discuss issues that concern Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. To do this, visit the following Microsoft website:

How to obtain information about hotfixes and security updates that are included in Service Pack 1

To view a list of hotfixes and security updates that are included in SP1, visit the following Microsoft website:

Note Currently, the list of hotfixes and security updates is available only in English.

More information about Service Pack 1

Consumer end-users can find information about what is included in Windows 7 SP1 at the following Microsoft website:

What is included in Windows 7 SP1 IT professionals and advanced users can find more information, such as release notes and the SP1 deployment guide, at the following Microsoft TechNet websites:

Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 page on TechNet Note After you apply Service Pack 1, the startup setting of the DHCP Client Service changes from disabled to automatic. To avoid this, apply the hotfix that is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) article 2684965. For more information about KB 2684965, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

2684965 Startup Type property in the DHCP Client service is changed to Automatic in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

The recommended (and easiest) way to get SP1 is to turn on automatic updating in Windows Update in Control Panel and wait for Windows 7 to notify you that SP1 is ready to install. It takes about 30 minutes to install, and you’ll need to restart your computer about halfway through the installation.

To check if Windows 7 SP1 is already installed on your PC, select the Start button, right-click Computer, and then select Properties.

If Service Pack 1 is listed under Windows edition, SP1 is already installed on your PC.

Before you begin

Check if your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit

You’ll need to know if your PC is running a 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) version of Windows 7. Select the Start button, right-click Computer, and then select Properties. The version of Windows 7 is displayed next to System type.

Disk space requirements

Check to make sure your PC has enough free disk space to install SP1.

Estimated amount of free disk space needed

x86-based (32-bit): 750 MB

x64-based (64-bit): 1050 MB

Downloading SP1 from the Microsoft website

x86-based (32-bit): 4100 MB

x64-based (64-bit): 7400 MB

Back up important files

It’s a good idea to back up your important files, photos, and videos to an external hard disk, USB flash drive, or the cloud before installing the update.

Plug in and connect to the Internet

Make sure your PC is plugged in to power and you’re connected to the Internet.

Disable antivirus software

Some antivirus software might prevent SP1 from installing or slow down the installation. You can temporarily disable your antivirus software before the installation. If you do so, make sure you’re aware of the risks that might be involved and re-enable the antivirus software as soon as SP1 is done installing.

Installing Windows 7 SP1 using Windows Update (recommended)

If your PC is set to automatically install updates, you’ll be prompted by Windows Update to install SP1. Follow the instructions to install the update.

To manually install SP1 from Windows Update:

Select the Start button > All programs > Windows Update.

In the left pane, select Check for updates.

If any important updates are found, select the link to view available updates. In the list of updates, select Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB976932) and then select OK.

Note: If SP1 isn’t listed, you might need to install some other updates before installing SP1. Install any important updates and then follow these steps again to check for SP1.

Select Install updates. You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

Follow the instructions to install SP1.

After SP1 is installed, sign in to your PC. You might see a notification indicating whether the update was successful. If you disabled your antivirus software before the installation, make sure you turn it back on.

Downloading and installing Windows SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center

If you’re unable to install SP1 from Windows Update, you can download the installation package from the Microsoft Download Center and then install SP1 manually.

Go to the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 download page on the Microsoft website.

Select Install Instructions to see which packages are available for download, and make note of the one that you need.

Select the appropriate language from the drop-down list, and then select Download.

Select the packages you need to install, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install SP1. Your PC might restart a few times during the installation.

After SP1 is installed, sign in to your PC. You might see a notification indicating whether the update was successful. If you disabled your antivirus software before the installation, make sure you turn it back on.

Troubleshoot problems installing Windows SP1

If you try to install SP1 and see an error message that the installation wasn’t successful, this might be because there’s a problem with the Windows Servicing Store that is used to install updates or because your antivirus software is preventing the update from being installed.

To try and fix the problem, follow these steps and then try to install SP1 again.

Download and run the System Update Readiness Tool

Select the link in the table that corresponds with the version of Windows running on your PC.

Link to Microsoft Download Center

Windows 7 32-bit (x86)

Windows 7 64-bit (x64)

On the Microsoft Download Center page, select your language and then select Download. It might take a few minutes for the tool to download and install.

To install the tool immediately, select Open or Run and then follow the instructions. To use the tool later, select Save and download the installation files to your PC.

On the Windows Update Standalone Installer screen, select Yes or OK.

On the Installation complete screen, select Close.

Try installing the service pack again.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If your PC isn’t able to find or install updates, the Windows Update troubleshooter might be able to fix the problem.

Select the Start button, and then select Control Panel.

In the search box, enter troubleshooter and then select Troubleshooting from the list of results.

Under System and Security, select Fix problems with Windows Update and then follow the instructions.

After the troubleshooter is done, try installing the service pack again.

Service Pack and Update Center

Get the latest update for Windows 10

Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates to make sure your device is secure and up to date. This means you receive the latest fixes and security updates, helping your device run efficiently and stay protected.

Though updates are downloaded and installed automatically, they may not be available on all devices at the same time—we’re making sure updates are ready and compatible.

To check for updates manually, select the Start button, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update >, and then select Check for updates.

A service pack (SP) is a Windows update, often combining previously released updates, that helps make Windows more reliable. Service packs 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 8.1 and let Windows notify you when the updates you need are ready to install.

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.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

The latest service pack for Windows 7 is Service Pack 1 (SP1). Learn how to get SP1.

Support for Windows 7 RTM (without SP1) ended on April 9, 2013.

Windows Update: FAQ

Note: If you’re looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office updates.

In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you’ll get the latest fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If other questions come up when you update Windows 10, here are some other areas that might interest you:

When you only want info about updating Windows 10, you’ll find answers to many of your questions here:

When the Windows 10 May 2020 Update is ready for your device, it will be available to download and install from the Windows Update page in Settings. Choose a time that works best for you to download the update. You’ll then need to restart your device and complete the installation. After that, your device will be running Windows 10, version 2004.

To manually check for the latest recommended updates, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update .

To get help updating to the latest version of Windows 10, go to the Microsoft software download page and download the Update Assistant.

Some updates may not be available on all devices at the same time—we’re making sure updates are ready and compatible.

To stay up to date, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates.

If a feature update is available for your device, it will appear separately on the Windows Update page. To install it, select Download and install now.

Here are a few things you can try if you’re having trouble installing updates:

Make sure that your device is connected to the internet. Downloading updates requires an internet connection.

If you’re connected the internet, try to install the updates manually. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update , and then view available updates.
Check for updates

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot . Under Get up and running, select Windows Update.

The time required to download updates primarily depends on internet connection speed, network settings, and update size. Make sure your device is plugged in and connected to the internet to download updates faster.

You can’t stop updates entirely—because they help keep your device safe and secure, updates will eventually need to be installed and downloaded, regardless of your update settings. Here’s how to temporarily pause updates from being downloaded and installed. Note that after the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

In the Windows 10 November 2019 Update (version 1909) or later, or in Windows version 1809 for Pro or Enterprise, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Then choose one of the following options:

Select Pause updates for 7 days.

Select Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.

To finish installing an update, your device will need to restart. Windows will try to restart your device when you’re not using it. If it can’t, you’ll be asked to schedule the restart for a more convenient time. Or, you can schedule anytime by following these steps:

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update .

Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that’s convenient for you.

You can set active hours to make sure automatic restarts for updates only happen when you’re not using your device. Learn about active hours for Windows 10.

Try deleting files you don’t need, uninstalling apps you don’t use, or moving files to another drive like an external USB drive or OneDrive. For more tips on freeing up disk space, see Free up drive space in Windows 10.

We recommend keeping devices like laptops and tablets plugged in when you’re not using them. This way, if updates are installed outside active hours, your device will have enough power to complete the installation. Windows updates don’t consume more battery than other typical system processes.

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don’t recommend this unless it’s necessary.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Update > View update history .

For more info about what’s included in updates for Windows 10, see Windows 10 update history.

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must remove an update, you can do so in update history.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.

Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

Feature updates are typically released twice per year and include new functionality and capabilities as well as potential fixes and security updates. Quality updates are more frequent and mainly include small fixes and security updates. Windows is designed to deliver both kinds of updates to devices through Windows Update.

To double check that your device is up to date, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and see your update status and available updates.

To find which version of Windows you’re running, see Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Reserved storage is not automatically turned on by Windows in any update scenarios. It is only turned on for new devices with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) or later preinstalled, or devices on which a clean install was performed.

Note: If you’re looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office updates.

The best way to keep Windows 8.1 up to date is to turn on automatic updates. With automatic updates, you don’t have to search for updates online or worry about missing critical fixes or device drivers for your PC. Instead, Windows Update automatically installs important updates as they become available.

To turn on automatic updates:

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update. If you want to check for updates manually, select Check now.

Select Choose how updates get installed, and then, under Important updates, select Install updates automatically (recommended).

Under Recommended updates, select Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.

Under Microsoft Update, select Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows, and then select Apply.

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.

Note: If your PC is connected to a network where updates are managed by Group Policy, you might not be able to change settings related to Windows Update. For more info, contact your organization’s technical support.

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update. To check for updates manually, select Check now.

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don’t recommend this unless it’s necessary.

To see your PC’s update history, open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update > View your update history.

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must remove an update, you can do so in update history.

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you’re using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update > View your update history.

Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

Here are a few things to try if you’re having problems installing updates:

Make sure that your PC is connected to the internet. Some updates can’t be installed if you’re using a metered internet connection.

If you’re connected the internet and updates aren’t installed automatically, wait a few minutes and then try to install the updates manually.

See the Fix Windows Update errors guided walkthrough to try to fix the problem.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.