Microsoft has released what will likely be its last major update for Windows XP, announcing it has released it Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to manufacturing channels.

The update will be available to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Enterprise customers, stated Release Manager for SP3 Chris Keroack in a blog.

Microsoft is also close to releasing the service pack to the web. It is scheduled for April 29, to be available through Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.

Automatic Update distribution for users at home will start in early summer, according to Keroack.

The release comes after several delays for the service pack, which had been scheduled for initial release as early as 2006.

Microsoft Software Update