Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista is a collection of all security updates and patches that have been released since the final version of the system was completed in November 2006 until the release of SP1, as well as other previously unpublished updates, available only on special order. Service Pack 2 includes support for Bluetooth 2.1 and wireless network configuration via Windows Connect Now (WCN), it also allows you to save Blu-Ray discs. In the exFAT file system, the ability to store dates in UTC has been added, allowing synchronization between different time zones.

SP2 streamlines search by installing a new Windows Search 4 engine. The ability to detect incompatible drivers during installation has also been added. In addition, Service Pack 2 brings a number of improvements in system performance and reliability.

Service Pack 2 can only be installed on a system on which Service Pack 1 has already been installed - on the RTM version the update will not succeed. This does not apply to Windows Server 2008, of course, which was released immediately in SP1 version.