Other performance parameters, such as file transfers, launches and installs don't seem affected that much. In the first few days, you lose startup performance because all of your SuperFetch data, which is used to speed up performance, is cleared from your system.

Performance is touted as a big advantage of this service pack, but the results here are mixed. This may be disconcerting to less-technical users, because you'll have to turn them back on manually. Installing SP1 will also turn off Windows Defender and User Account Control. Because I frequently make changes to my PCs, this is an annoyance I don't need. The trouble is a combination of changes to the hard disk, memory and other system parameters detected by the OS can trigger that nag. If it detects what it considers a new system or an illegitimate configuration, it will remind you that the OS needs to be reactivated. Instead, Microsoft has reverted to a nagging approach. This function disabled the OS if it determined that it was no longer installed on the same system.

One thing you should note is that Microsoft has done away with the so-called kill switch, or reduced functionality mode.

But don't expect too much in the way of new features: This release targets performance, reliability and security. Installation took less than an hour, during which my PC rebooted several times. Through my MSDN subscription, I got it before the official release for an early look. At least the controversy over SP1's availability has been settled: It's now available to all. Perhaps it's the general lack of confidence in Vista, or just high expectations for a release that will hopefully address some of the ongoing criticisms of the operating system. News Microsoft Quietly Rolls out Vista Service Pack 1įew service packs (SPs) have received more attention than Windows Vista SP1.

Windows vista service pack 1