Compare editions: Compare Windows XP to Windows Vista

Compare Windows Vista editions

Compare Windows Vista to Windows XP

Compare Windows Vista editions

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

¹ Customers 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.

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

³ Windows Defender is a free download for Windows XP.

Not sure which version is right for you? Remember help is available at 1.570.420.1104 or through Online Chat. You can also find assistance by visiting our shop.

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