Windows Live Downloads - Version 2

Summary:

• Links to download the current version (now called) Windows Essentials 2012 applications/programs
• Links to download the 2011 version of the Windows Live Essentials 2011 applications/programs
• Links to download  the  prior  version of  the Windows Live Essentials 2009 applications/programs
• Links to download earlier versions (Windows Live Essentials 2008) are no longer available from Microsoft

Links:

• Windows Essentials 2012 (note name change)
• Windows Live Essentials 2011 
• Download Links for 2012 is the QFE1 build released Sept. 2012 (note Mail, Messenger, Writer will retain the ‘Live’ name)
• Download links for 2011 are for build QFE3 released March 2012
• System Requirements for 2012 and 2011 (recommended reading)

Direct download to Microsoft server for the installer executable file

Full version 2012 installer
http://g.live.com/1rewlive5-all/en/wlsetup-all.exe

Web Version 2012 Installer – English Language Version
http://g.live.com/1rewlive5-web/en/wlsetup-web.exe

Full Version 2011 Installer – English Language version
http://g.live.com/1rewlive4-all/en/wlsetup-all.exe

Web Version 2011 Installer – English Language Version
http://g.live.com/1rewlive4-web/en/wlsetup-web.exe

Note: Direct download links above are for the English language installer. For a different country replace the ‘en’ with the local language code.

Microsoft Windows Live Web Site (web version installer for 2012)

http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials

Microsoft Windows Live Worldwide Downloads(web version installer for 2012)

http://explore.live.com/worldwide-downloads

System Requirements (2012 version) -suggested reading
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/Windows-Essentials-2012-system-requirements

System Requirements (2011 version)  – suggested reading
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-2011-system-requirements
Note: Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 require the respective o/s Platform Update

Older version (2009):

Windows Live Essentials 2009  (Earlier version still available primarily for Windows XP  and Server 2008 compatibility (not recommended for use on Vista or Windows 7 since it may prompt for mandatory upgrade to 2011 version)

Direct download to Microsoft server for the installer executable file
Full Version Installer English Language version
http://g.live.com/1rewlive3/en/wlsetup-all.exe
Web Version Installer – English Language Version
http://g.live.com/1rewlive3/en/wlsetup-web.exe

Note: Direct download links above are for the English language installer. For a different country replace the ‘en’ with the local language code.

Microsoft Windows Live Web Site links(web version installer)
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-xp

Microsoft Download Center(web version installer)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=00ed0c6b-152f-49eb-88c8-278267802f57

System Requirements (2009 Version)  – suggested reading
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-system-requirements

Comments:

Windows Essentials 2012

1. Initial version released August 7, 2012 (Build 16.4.3503.0728);

2. QFE1 version released Sept 27, 2012 (Build 16.4.3505.0912)

3. Does not include Live Mesh (Sky Drive Desktop app replaces Live Mesh)

4. Will remove Live Mesh if installed

5. Will remove Messenger Companion if installed

6. Photo Gallery and Movie Maker rebranded as Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker. No change in branding to the names for Windows Live applications (Mail, Messenger, and Writer)

7. Update  primarily for Photo Gallery and Movie Maker (both programs install as one package)

8. Windows Update KB 2741355 is a pre-requisite for DirectX 9 support in Movie Maker on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 systems.

Windows Live Essentials 2011 (Wave 4)

1. Initial Version RTW released Sept 30, 2010

- Build Number 15.4.3502.0922

- c.f. Windows Live Essentials 2011 available for download

2. QFE1 Version RTW released Dec 1, 2010

- Build Number 15.4.3508.1109 ( Windows Live Mesh and Family Safety not updated)

- no GUI changes, no official update notice  available on Windows Live Team site

- Full and Web Installers did not require/receive a build number update

3. QFE2 Version RTW released July 7, 2011

- Build Number 15.4.3538.513  (Installer) – See #5 below for link to build number by program

- Windows Live  Team QFE2 update notification and overview  of  changes

4. QFE3 version RTW released on March 20, 2012

- Build Number 15.4.3555.308  (Installer) – See #5 below for link to build number by program

- Windows Team QFE3 update notification (additional details not available at this time)

5. Windows Live Essentials 2011 Version/Build Numbers – itemized list for each individual program

Windows Live Essentials 2009 (Wave 3)

1. Last/Final 2009 version (QFE3) was released May 12, 2010

2. QFE3 is the last planned update for Windows Live Essentials 2009 (Wave 3)

3. Last version to support Windows XP

4. Support for the 2009 version will continue for the ‘foreseeable future’

5. The ‘foreseeable future’ does not mean ‘in perpetuity’; XPSp3 Extended Support ends Apr. 2014

6. The ‘foreseeable future’ may not mean until the end of XPSp3 Extended Support(i.e. Plan ahead)

7. Windows Live Essentials 2009 Version/Build Numbers

Revisions:

March 20, 2012: Original Publish Date

March 26, 2012:  Revised title and published as new blog entry to supersede (not replace) earlier searchable entry.

August 7, 2012: Updated to include information on release of Windows Essentials 2012

October 7, 2012: Updated for Windows Essentials 2012 QFE1;  Added noted for Movie Maker/DirectX 9 support on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB 2741355 pre-requisite)