Download Windows Essentials 2012 (Build 16.4.3508.0205)

Microsoft Windows Essentials 2012 (16.4.3508.0205) is now available for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. This release includes new versions of Windows Movie Maker and Windows Photo Gallery as well as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Family Safety*, Windows Live Writer and Outlook Connector Pack.

* Windows Live Family Safety is also installed for Windows 7 users only, as Windows 8 has built-in family safety functionalities.


Note: Messenger was retired in April 2013, and is no longer available on most operating systems. Your Messenger contacts will come with you when you update to Skype.

Overview
Windows Essentials is a suite of freeware applications by Microsoft that aims to offer integrated and bundled e-mail, photo-sharing, blog publishing, and security services. Essentials programs are designed to integrate well with each other, with Microsoft Windows, and with other Microsoft web-based services such as SkyDrive and Outlook.com, so that they operate as a "seamless whole".

Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive:
If you have Windows Live Mesh installed, it will automatically be removed if you install the new Movie Maker or Photo Gallery (available as part of Windows Essentials 2012).

Microsoft SkyDrive will be installed in place of Windows Live Mesh. To sync folders from the cloud to all of your PCs, you will need to install SkyDrive on all of your PCs or Macs.

Please read this article for more information.

Download
The links in this section correspond to files available for this download.

Please Note: Clicking Download means you agree to the Microsoft service agreement and privacy statement.

What's new in Windows Essentials 2012 (16.4.3508.0205)?
There are no official release notes for this new build, but this build most likely brings performance improvements and minor bug fixes.

System requirements
Windows Live Essentials requires the following:
  • Operating system: 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7, or 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 8, or Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Processor: 1.6 GHz or higher with SSE2 support. SSE2 is supported on Pentium 4 processors or newer, and AMD K8 processors or newer.
  • Memory: 1 GB of RAM or higher
  • Resolution: 1024 × 576 minimum
  • Internet connection: Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
  • Graphics card: Windows Movie Maker requires a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 or higher and Shader Model 2 or higher.
  • Windows Photo Gallery and Movie Maker: require some features of DirectX 9, which might be installed for you if they're not found on your computer.
  • Messenger: video chat requires a webcam, a microphone, speakers or a headset, and high-speed Internet access. HD video chat requires a compatible HD webcam and a 2.0 GHz or higher processor. HD webcams might also have additional system requirements.

References:
Windows Essentials Release Notes
Wikipedia

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