Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Applies to Windows 7

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7. Installing SP1 helps keep Windows 7 up to date. For more information, see What's included in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1).

How to get SP1

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 learn if Windows 7 SP1 is already installed

• Click the Start button , right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
  If Service Pack 1 is listed under Windows edition, SP1 is already installed on your computer.

Disk space requirements

Make sure you have enough free disk space to install SP1 (even though much of that space will be reclaimed after the installation). If you need to create free disk space, go to Strategies for freeing disk space on the Windows website.

Installation method	Estimated amount of free disk space required
Windows Update	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
Installing SP1 using an installation DVD	x86-based (32-bit): 4100 MB x64-based (64-bit): 7400 MB

Show all

Before you begin

Installing SP1 using Windows Update (recommended)

Downloading and installing SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center

Installing SP1 using an installation DVD

Uninstalling SP1

Help stay safe and keep your computer up to date

Notes

• For general information about service packs, go to the Service Pack Center webpage on the Windows website.
• For technical information about SP1, such as release notes and the SP1 deployment guide, go to the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 resources webpage on the Microsoft TechNet website.