
The most noteworthy fix for Windows 7 is improved HDMI audio, after some users reported that HDMI audio devices can be lost after system reboots. However, the download is smaller if you update using Windows Update, as you'll already have the previous updates and the rest of the service pack only includes minor updates and tweaks to the operating system.

The standalone service pack weighs in at about 500MB for 64-bit versions of the OS and, like most previous Windows service packs, includes all previous updates. On 16 February, the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 service packs will be available for MSDN and TechNet subscribers, as well as Volume License customers.

The final releases (RTM) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 (SP1) have already been officially handed over to Microsoft's OEM partners. The update will be available via Microsoft's Download Center and Windows Update. Microsoft's Windows communications manager, Brandon LeBlanc, has made a short statement over on the Windows Team Blog, announcing that the first service pack for Windows 7 will be freely available to the masses on 22 February.
