Windows XP SP3 Released to Manufacturing Channels

Microsoft Windows XP SP3 will release on April 29 and distribution via auto updates for consumers in early summer.

Microsoft Corporation announced that Windows XP Service Pack 3 will be made available to the general public on April 29.

"Windows XP SP3 bits are now working their way through our manufacturing channels to be available to OEM and Enterprise customers," Microsoft said in a statement.

Microsoft has said that work is complete on the third service pack for the Windows XP operating system.

Windows XP is the most used operating system in the world and this latest service pack release would include all the updates since the SP2.

Windows XP, Service Pack 3 would be made available to Microsoft business customers earlier than the public release.

Chris Keroack the release manager for Windows XP Service Pack says on Microsoft TechNet forums:

Keroack also said that Windows XP SP3 Automatic Update distribution for users of Windows XP at home will begin in early summer. Online documentation for the new service pack will also be updated by April 29.

Meanwhile, Microsoft will withdraw XP from the market in June 2008, hoping to push adoption of its new OS, Vista.