How to Download Windows Service Pack 3

Windows Update (Preferred Method)

• 1). Open Internet Explorer. Browse to the Windows Update website using the link in Resources.
  
  
• 2). Click the "Express" button to install the high-priority updates that are available for your computer. Note that Service Pack 3 for Windows XP requires that you have Service Pack 1a or 2 currently installed. If you do not, these updates will be installed before Service Pack 3.
  
  
• 3). Follow the prompts to install Service Pack 3 and all other available updates. This method is preferred over installing Service Pack 3 manually on its own, because other important security updates for your computer may be downloaded along with the Service Pack. Your computer may need to be rebooted several times during this process. After each reboot, return to the Windows Update website and click the "Express" button again.
  
  

Manual Download (Alternative Method)

• 1). Visit the download page for Windows XP Service Pack 3 using the link in Resources.
  
  
• 2). Click the "Download" button to begin downloading the file. Save it to your desktop. The downloadable version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 is more than 300 megabytes, so it may take some time to download. Note that you should only use this method to update your system if Windows Update fails.
  
  
• 3). Double-click the file and follow the prompts to update your Windows XP installation. Your computer will need to be restarted after the installation is complete.