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.
| Installation method | Estimated amount of free disk space needed |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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)
- 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
- 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
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.
Windows version Link to Microsoft Download Center Windows 7 32-bit (x86) Download Windows 7 64-bit (x64) Download 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
- 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.