: Offered automated file backup scheduling and the ability to create system image backups (though full system imaging was primarily an Ultimate/Business feature). Activation and Recovery
: Many manufacturers (like Dell or HP) included recovery partitions or discs that allow for reinstallation and automatic activation without requiring a manual key entry. : Offered automated file backup scheduling and the
: Introduced a sleek, glass-like UI with translucent window borders, live taskbar thumbnails, and the "Windows Flip 3D" navigation feature for switching between open applications. : A central hub for managing photos, music,
: A central hub for managing photos, music, and videos, which also supported TV tuners for watching and recording live television directly on the PC. : It is possible to install Vista without
: If internet activation fails, users can sometimes still activate by calling Microsoft's automated phone system .
: Provided instant "as-you-type" search results from the Start menu and the Windows Sidebar, which hosted "Gadgets"—small apps like clocks, weather checkers, and CPU monitors.
: It is possible to install Vista without entering a key during setup, which provides a 30-day "grace period" for evaluation.