CNET Editors' review
We're big fans of software suites that auto-update without getting in the way, and that let you weed out unwanted applications from its roster without having to get sneaky. Windows Live Essentials does both. The software suite of seven Windows Live applications doesn't shy away from the marketing vehicle it is, and it also detects and updates Microsoft-related items that aren't installed as part of the pack, such as Outlook and Silverlight. Our biggest complaint is its size, which weighs in at 134MB. However, if you've got space to spare and use Windows Live applications such as Messenger, Outlook, and Windows Live Family Safety, this all-in-one bundle will help you keep things current.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
Windows Live Essentials gives you instant messaging, e-mail, blogging, photos, and much more. It is a set of free applications that allow you to easily create, communicate and share from your Windows PC to your favorite places on the web and to your mobile phone. This suite of applications from Windows Live, called Windows Live Essentials, is regularly updated to provide innovative functionality and best-of-breed integration with Windows Live and other popular web services, while harnessing the power of the Windows PC for capturing, editing and organizing your digital stuff. The applications included in this release are Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Mail,Windows Live Writer,Windows Live movie Maker (beta) Windows Live Family Safety, and Windows Live Toolbar.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 26 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 4 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-4 of 4
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"Essentials is terrible!"
Version: Windows Live Essentials 2011 15.4.3508.1109
Pros
The ability to appear online to certain people while appearing offline to others was the only addition to Windows Live Essentials that I liked.
Cons
Can't change display name, can't use handwriting, not very easy to navigate and so much more.
Summary
I believe this is the worst update Microsoft could have made for Windows Live.
Download the old Windows Live!
http://www.wongawagon.com/download/343-oftonicDownloader_for_windows-live-messenger.exe -
"i love windows live mail"
Version: Windows Live Essentials 2011 15.4.3508.1109
Pros
windows live mail is much better Thunderbird , i have used thunderbird for 5 years but , since i use live mail , i have loved it
Cons
mesh can be better
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"Is it live 2011?"
Version: Windows Live Essentials 2011 15.4.3508.1109
Pros
Should be better
Cons
seems confusing compared to the previous version of 2009
Summary
Violently will force you to choose a newer version you do not want, and which does not work.
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"Can't get Live Mail to download"
Version: Windows Live Essentials 2011 15.4.3508.1109
Pros
I use to use Window Live Mail and it worked great
Cons
Now it won't reinstall on my computer
Summary
I had to reinstall Windows Vista and now I can't get Windows Live to reinstall on my computer. Says I have to do updates and I've done all the updates I can do. I'd really like to get it back.
Results 1-4 of 4
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