Windows LiveWindows Live™

Essentials: System requirements 

Windows Live products require the following:

  • Operating system: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32-bit edition only), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions), Windows 7 Beta (32-bit or 64-bit editions), or Windows Server 2008. Note: Windows Live Movie Maker is not supported on Windows XP
  • Processor: 1 GHz or higher for Windows Vista; 800 MHz or higher for Windows XP
  • Memory: 128 MB of RAM (256 MB or more recommended) for Windows XP; 512 MB for Windows Vista
  • Resolution: Minimum 1024 x 768
  • Internet connection: Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
  • Browser: Windows Live Toolbar requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or later
  • Graphics or video card: Windows Live Movie Maker requires ATI Radeon 9500 (or higher) or nVidia GeForce FX 5900 (or higher).
View detailed release notes (pdf)
View detailed release notes (xps)

Additional requirements

The following components are needed for specific Windows Live programs, and may be installed for you if they’re not already on your computer.
  • For Writer: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher*
  • For Photo Gallery: SQL 2005 Compact Edition and Windows Imaging Codecs*
  • For Photo Gallery and Movie Maker: Some components of DirectX9.
* Not required when installing on Windows Vista.
Note
To install or uninstall Windows Live products, you must have administrator rights on the computer.
Depending on your security settings, you might see one or more of these messages.
  1. If you see a message asking if you want to Run or Save, click Run.
  2. If you see a message asking if you want to Run or Save, click Run.
  3. If you see a message asking if you want to Cancel or Allow, click Allow.
  4. Once the installation is done, you’ll find your new programs in the Windows Live folder on your Windows Start menu.

Get all these programs, or just a few—they’re free!

Clicking "Download" means you agree to the Microsoft service agreement and privacy statement. The download may include updates to Windows Live programs you already have. You’ll get future updates to these and other Microsoft programs from Microsoft Update. Learn more
If your installation doesn’t start right away, check the system requirements, or click Try again.
Trying again downloads a standalone installer to your computer. This takes a little while, but may work better, depending on your connection settings.