Chrome, Firefox, and other third-party browsers can't access it (Microsoft says they're working to modernize this). If you're wondering what that is, it's a Windows XP relic that currently depends on Microsoft Internet Explorer and uses ActiveX. Instead, they'll use the Microsoft Update Catalog (Opens in a new window). One significant change going forward is that updates will no longer be available via the Microsoft Download Center. Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2 will all begin receiving single updates on a monthly basis (security updates will continue to be released on their own schedule). No such update has been announced for Windows 8.1 yet, but Microsoft has also stated that it will begin releasing monthly comprehensive updates for non-security patches. The update will also support slipstream installations, meaning you can roll the software updates into a unified installer and bring a system fully up-to-date at base install. Microsoft isn't calling this new ' convenience rollup (Opens in a new window)' Windows 7 SP2, but that's functionally what it provides. As a result, the last four years of updates and patches has to be run manually.

In the past, Microsoft ameliorated this problem by releasing several service packs over the life of the OS, but Windows 7 only ever got one service pack, in 2011. This enables organizations to deploy a single set of updates.One of the disadvantages to using an older Microsoft operating system is the need to install several hundred megabytes of patches after the initial OS is loaded. It also provides ongoing improvements to the Windows Operating System (OS) by including previous updates delivered over Windows Update and continuing incremental updates to the Windows 7 platforms based on customer and partner feedback. Windows 7 SP1 helps keep your PCs and servers on the latest support level.

Installing SP1 helps keep Windows 7 up to date. SP1 also includes new improvements to features and services in Windows 7, such as improved reliability when connecting to HDMI audio devices, printing using the XPS Viewer, and restoring previous folders in Windows Explorer after restarting.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) 64-Bit is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7.

Windows 7 sp2 update