Microsoft has reached the end of the road when it comes down to the evolution of Windows XP through major updates. Moving onward, the Redmond company will focus exclusively on Windows Vista and Windows 7 with service pack releases. Specifically, if you are running Windows XP and still hoping for an SP, then by all means, don’t hold your breath. Or, if you were indeed holding your breath, then this is about the right time to exhale and move beyond the aging operating system. Windows 7 is now just a few days short of one month away, seeing how general availability is planned for October 22nd, 2009.

No more service packs for Windows XP, what does it mean? It means that SP3 was the last service pack for 32-bit (x86) XP and the SP2 was the last major update for 64-bit (x64). Immediately after the availability of SP3 for x86 XP, Microsoft confirmed officially that it was the last service pack for Windows Vista’s precursor. However, a potential SP3 seemed to be in the cards as far as x64 XP was concerned.

In fact, this is not the case at all. Microsoft offered official confirmation of the fact that it was not, nor would it be in the future, developing a third service pack for 64-bit XP. “We have received inquiries from our customers and partners on whether or not there will be a need for a Service Pack 3 for Windows Server 2003. Microsoft will not have a SP3 release for Windows Server 2003,” revealed Crissy House, the Windows Server Operations manager at Microsoft.

Yes, I know that it says Windows Server 2003. But you see, Microsoft delivered service packs for 64-bit Windows XP concomitantly with the major updates for Windows Server 2003. It’s that simple. And back in mid-2007, the Redmond company made available for download SP2 for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP 64-bit Professional.

I contacted Microsoft on the matter, and here is what a spokesperson had to say to me: “Microsoft is not currently planning any additional service packs for Windows XP. We can also confirm that no future service packs are planned for Windows Server 2003.” In addition, earlier this year, I also had a chat with a Microsoft employee working on Windows 7, who confirmed that there was no work being done on a future service pack for Windows XP or Windows Server 2003.

Windows XP SP3 RTM Build 5512 is available for download here.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 is available for download here.