Microsoft has been hiding Windows XP Service Pack 3 long from Windows Update but at last it is now available for download. Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system.

This new update does bring small number of new functionalities but in no way does it change the customer experience.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 can be downloaded as a standalone executable from Here. The installation package is 316 MB in size and is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network.

If you are updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update. The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP.

Users running Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) are advised to install a hotfix for a Microsoft Dynamics RMS issue prior to installing Windows XP SP3. Also if you are running IE 8 Beta 1 then it is recommended to uninstall it before updating to Service Pack 3 and then reinstall after you have successfully performed the update.