Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Applies to: Windows 7

 

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)

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:
 
  1. Select the Start button > All programs > Windows Update.
  2. In the left pane, select Check for updates.
  3. 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.
     
  4. Select Install updates.
    Administrator permission required
     You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
  5. Follow the instructions to install SP1.
  6. 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.
 
  1. Go to the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 download page on the Microsoft website.
  2. Select Install Instructions to see which packages are available for download, and make note of the one that you need.
  3. Select the appropriate language from the drop-down list, and then select Download.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. On the Windows Update Standalone Installer screen, select Yes or OK.
  4. On the Installation complete screen, select Close.
  5. 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.
 
  1. Select the Start button, and then select Control Panel.
  2. In the search box, enter troubleshooter and then select Troubleshooting from the list of results.
  3. Under System and Security, select Fix problems with Windows Update and then follow the instructions.
  4. After the troubleshooter is done, try installing the service pack again.