Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Windows Live Photo Gallery collects a simple set of tools for downloading, editing, and sharing photos. Its functional design and excellent capabilities make it one of the most user-friendly photo programs we've ever tested.
The program's interface was clearly designed by Microsoft and felt instantly comfortable, with the familiar feel of Windows. All the commands and functions were logically organized, and the program was pleasing to use, though the Help file's vague instructions for panoramic photos were a disappointment. Nevertheless, we uploaded some photos from our digital camera with a single button click and were quickly able to choose a shot to edit. Windows Live Photo Gallery offers basic editorial tools that seem likely to delight novices and frustrate photo experts. The program quickly cropped our selected image and minimally adjusted its color, but not much more. We were able to publish our photos online or even burn a CD within the program's interface, a surprising but pleasant addition. One disappointment was the Panoramic Photo feature. We were curious about creating panoramic photos, but apparently you can't select it as a function, and the Help file offers little in the way of useful advice. Beyond that misstep, Windows Live Photo Gallery is a smooth and likeable entry-level photo management system. This is a photo program anyone can use.
Windows Live Photo Gallery is a free utility from Microsoft. While it hit a snag with its panorama option, the overall program was smooth sailing, and we recommend it.
Publisher's Description
From Microsoft:
With Photo Gallery, it's a snap to get your photos and videos from your camera to your PC. Find your favorite photos and share them with friends and family. Make your great photos look even better, and create impressive panoramic photos too.
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All versions:
2.9 starsout of 17 votes
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Current version:
2.2 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-9 of 9
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"Love the touch up feature"
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
This program has the basic edit software, for most pictures; and I use it a lot. Simple to use, don't forget to update on install; or you will miss out on the better features for editing.
Cons
One small bug, that may be part of my system limitations, or lack of patience. When adjusting the sharpness too fast; the program saves, and I have to go back and revert to original, and take it slower. No big deal, and might be system limitations. I would rather it stall and catch up; but perhaps there is a reason.
Summary
Anyone editing or saving pictures; needs this program. The touch up box alone, makes it worth the while; as a stand alone program.
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"It is what it is."
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
Basic photo editing and processing. For free.
Cons
JUST basic photo editing and processing.
Summary
It does what Microsoft says it will do. It's a basic photo editor. If you're looking for more, try Photoshop. Oh, I forgot... you thought you were going to get industrial grade imaging software for free, so Photo Gallery sucks. Right. Gotcha.
For the 'computer ninjas' out there that can't make the most recent version run on XP, it won't install on OS/2 or an Apple IIGS either. Upgrade you're steam-powered computer, or ask someone that knows what they're talking about. They'll explain it to you. -
"Same Problems As Everyone Else"
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
None at all
Cons
Wanted it for Photo Fuse but couldn't get the 2011 version which is the only that has it. What I DID get was so elementary and useless that I too uninstalled. Seems I was limited to 2009 version since I have XP, although I had to guess that since there was no indication during download. I spent TOO much time trying to find/download the 2011 version for download only to read in forums that there does not seem to be one for Windows XP. Every time I tried to download 2011, it installed 2009. Since what I wanted this for, Photo Fuse, is on the 2011 version, it was basically a pointless, and FRUSTRATING, exercise for me. I played around with Photo Gallery anyway and was disappointed by the simplistic tools. I use GIMP to edit my photos/photoshop and I have those simple tools PLUS waaaaay more.
Summary
Don't waste your time
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"will not install in my XP SP3"
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
nothing to add
Cons
nothing to add
Summary
The installer errored as not a windos32 application
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"Forget this,it's useless."
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
None. I tried the other version-Windows Live Photo Gallery for Windows XP and both Windows XP and Windows 7. And it froze on both operating systems. So it's not a Windows 7 or Windows XP issue ,it's this program. And 2011 version was no better-same problem.
Cons
This program caused me nothing but problems on both my Windows XP and Windows 7 laptops.I tried the Windows XP version on both Windows 7 and Windows XP.It was a disaster and the 2011 version,well that was even worse.That has a horrible ribbon toolbar making it confusing to use. And it froze and crashed just like the XP version did. There are 2 versions of Windows Live-2009 for Windows XP,Windows Vista and Windows 7.And Windows Live 2011 for Windows Vista and Windows 7.which most people don't use or like,so they use the 2009 version. But while Windows live messenger and mail for Windows XP is great on Windows 7 and XP,Photo Gallery is TERRIBLE. It crashed and slowed down both computers I tried it on. So I had to uninstall it. It also comes bundled with a lot of other software-Windows Live Sync and some other things,which could be the cause of the problems I had with it.
Summary
So need I say more? so forget Windows Live Photo Gallery it is nothing but a disaster and you will uninstall it like I did. as it does nothing but crash and slow your computer and freeze it. just stick with Windows live Mesenger for windows XP,which works also on windows 7. and also windows live mail for windows XP is good and works on Windows 7. You don't need 2011 version for Windows 7.but stay away from Windows Live Photo gallery both versions are terrible. You are better off using the default Windows photo viewer that comes with both windows XP and windows 7. Not this- Windows Live Photo Gallery.Andrea Borman
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"Windows Picture viewer was better for viewing photos"
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
Good for editing, and publishing pictures to social sites easily..
Cons
Viewing pictures was easier and less buggy in winXP Picture Viewer, sometimes when you try to enlarge a photo, or even turn it 90 degrees it clicks to the next photo, and several other bugs that haven't been addressed in windows7
Summary
I would use it to publish photos to the web easily, and edit them, but would look elsewhere for a tool/program for simply viewing the photos.
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"Great for organizing photos."
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
Easy to use. Organizes downloaded photos into the gallery.
Cons
This is a great product. Microsoft should have included it with Windows 7.
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"Will not let me download."
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
Don't know because I get an error message when I try to download it.
Cons
The whole thing
Summary
Get an error message about an invalid win 32.
Could not download it. Got an error message.
Updated on Jun 15, 2011 -
"Unable to install new version."
Version: Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011
Pros
I have earlier version which I found very useful. I would like to try the update.
Cons
Windows Xp reports that wlsetup is not a valid Win32 application.
I can not start the Windows Live Installer.
Results 1-9 of 9
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