The Windows Vista SP1 RTM Show Is Over

Applause might not be in order, but the fact of the matter is that the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 show is closing in towards the moment of the final curtain. Christopher Flores, Director Windows Communications, noted that the Redmond company was pleased with the evolution delivered by SP1 to Windows Vista. The service pack entered the beta stages of development in mid-2007, and hit RTM in December of last year, to be released to manufacturing on February 4, 2008. On March 18, Vista SP1 went live on the Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update, with the first five versions in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Microsoft subsequently released SP1 in the remaining 31 languages via WU and the Download Center on April 15. As of April 23, the Redmond company marks another milestone on the availability of the first service pack for Vista.

"We're happy to announce that we are beginning automatic distribution of SP1 in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. So what does this mean? Over the next few months, Microsoft will automatically distribute Windows Vista SP1 to PCs that have automatic updates turned on and running English, French, German, Spanish, or Japanese via Windows Update. Automatic distribution will only occur, according to user settings, on PCs ready for SP1. After Windows Vista SP1 downloads, WU will let you know that 'new updates are available.' You'll then be asked to make a few clicks before the installation of SP1 will begin," Flores said.

Even with Vista SP1's distribution over AU debuting on April 23, end users will not be able to see the service pack immediately. Flores explained that the automatic serving of SP1 is a gradual process and that it will take some time until SP1 will be deployed on Vista RTM copies with AU enabled. The remaining 31 languages of Vista SP1 are planned for availability through Automatic Updates starting with mid-May. "We hope you enjoy the many improvements that have been made in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and are excited to start automatic distribution so more of you can begin experiencing the benefits," Flores added.