Compare Windows XP to Windows Vista

Upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista and enjoy new and improved features. And to help make upgrading as easy as possible, you'll get no-charge, unlimited phone support for 90 days following your upgrade to Windows Vista.¹

	Windows XP	Windows Vista

Enjoy more
Find, fix, and share photos Organize, edit, and share your favorite photos with family and friends using Windows Photo Gallery.
Find almost anything Find documents, e-mail, photos, and more in a snap through Instant Search.
Turn any room into a media room Manage and enjoy digital photos, music, TV shows, and movies in your living room with Windows Media Center.^M
Play the way you want Easily install, organize, and play games using Windows Game Explorer.
Make movie magic Retain high-definition quality as you capture, edit, and publish movies from a video camcorder with Windows Movie Maker.²

	Windows XP	Windows Vista

Worry less
Help your kids stay safer Help keep your children safer online with customizable Parental Controls.
Back up and restore files Get improved backup and restore functions, including automatically scheduled backups, with Windows Backup and Restore Center.
Help safeguard sensitive data Better protect your data against loss or theft if your mobile PC is ever lost or stolen with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption.^B
Guard against external threats Help protect your PC from external threats with Windows Firewall.
Find and remove spyware Help protect your PC by regularly scanning your computer for spyware with Windows Defender.³

Windows XP feature improved in Windows Vista

Next steps

¹Customers can contact Microsoft as often as they need during this important 90-day period. See our phone support hours of operation and further information for Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, and Windows Vista Home Basic.

²High-definition support is only available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate.

³Windows Defender is a free download for Windows XP.

Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.