The release candidate (RC) version of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) has finally been released to the public. Vista SP2 RC (and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2) was initially only available to Microsoft Technet subscribers and MSDN subscribers. Although not quite the final release, SP2 RC includes a number of new improvements over the SP2 Beta released earlier. If you are thinking of downloading this release, we’ve included direct download links to Service Pack 2 RC 32/64 bit standalone installer towards the end of this article.
According to Microsoft, Vista SP2 is built with performance enhancements in mind. It’s supposed to include over 650 hotfixes that address various performances, security and reliability issues. Some of the new features you can look forward to in Vista SP2 are listed below:
- Windows Search 4.0 with faster searching and more relevant results
- The ability to record onto Blu-Ray Media through Vista instead of a third-party application
- Bluetooth 2.1 Feature pack to support emerging Bluetooth technology
- Simplified Wi-Fi configuration tool
- Improved file synchronization across time zones
- Support for new 64-bit CPUs from VIA technologies
- Improved performance for Wi-Fi connections after your computer comes out of sleep mode
- Improvements to DirectX multimedia with an improved graphics experience for gamers
- Better streaming capabilities for high-def audio and video
- Improved content protection for TV programs recorded with Windows Media Center
Download
Note that the standalone installer featured here is capable of updating both 32/64 bit editions of Windows Vista (size is ~1.3GB). This can also be used to install Service Pack 2 RC for Windows Server 2008. All download links point to official files hosted on Microsoft servers. Download managers are supported.
[Click Here] to download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 RC 32-bit and 64-bit standalone installer (ISO Image)
