Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

jack00810 reviewed v15.4.3502.0922 on Aug 26, 2011

The program is good, but advertisement is annoying. And it forcibly opens an IE window from a link despite chrome being my default browser.

ZenWarrior reviewed v15.4.3502.0922 on Oct 7, 2010

Does not install on XP.

DoHickey reviewed v14.0.8089.0726 on Aug 28, 2009

I couldn't get this to work on XP sp-3 either.
I had to do a system restore to get my old version back.
It kept saying not enough memory and disk is full.
It was running in 3 instances in the windows process window, even after re-starting the computer.

guru_v reviewed v14.0.8089.0726 on Aug 20, 2009

To the person who says it won't install on XP - it does, without problems. I have installed it on a laptop running XP SP3, and a desktop running XP SP2, with all patches, save for the SP3 bundle. No problems in either case.

as for changes, who knows, as Microsoft once again keeps us in the dark. There is nothing on the Live Essentials site or team blog. I actually wonder how Betanews got wind of it, as the product never gives a clue until much after a release that a new release is available.

After the install, there is no list of changes,, and before the install, there is nothing indicating what will be changed, Typical Microsoft. It will take some time to sort out what has actually been changed - but as a long time user, I'd say it probably only affects the users of Windows 7, as I can't see many changes being made for help with the remaining Windows XP problems. Again, typical Microsoft.

5 stars for being fairly good, and free. 0 stars for no word on changes, and no way listed to find out.

Vimes reviewed v14.0.8089.0726 on Aug 20, 2009

Upgraded my previous version fine. Runs well and it is a great client t use. Comparable to Windows other free mail clients and I do like the way it handles and inserts photos, very simple to use. I prefer it over Thunderbird and Eudora.
Creating rules is still a little cumbersome and sometimes the font formatting / stle and colour fails to apply when replying to a person and writing within their text, if that makes sense.!
I do miss the icons that were available in the earlier previews. I do miss being able to display your contacts in a list in the main pane like you could with their previous clients.
Good newsgroup support.

plasticpig72 reviewed v14.0.8089.0726 on Aug 20, 2009

Not a good start installs but will not run either on win9 or XP

frankwick reviewed v14.0.8050.1202 on Jan 15, 2009

This program shows promise but still has some unfinished items. The program works great and is reliable, but there are some UI elements which really bug me. For example, they removed ALL icons form the tool bar and the folder tree. As a result, it looks unfinished.

Photo mail is a cool feature, but it needs more effects and options to feel complete. The photo borders are somewhat old looking. Outlook 2007 has great photo effects. you would think the LIVE team could borrow these.

The junk mail controls are very good. On par with Outlook 2007.

It's worth checking out. Much better than Outlook Express, Windows Mail (the default Vista version), and Thunderbird 2.

When Win7 ships, there will be no mail client built in. There will be a link for you to download Windows Live Mail. So, we may see an update by summer.

ahmedelsadek reviewed v14.0.8050.1202 on Jan 14, 2009

is there any problem to install over older version

jotte_ct reviewed v14.0.8050.1202 on Jan 14, 2009

Is this portable?

dreamz reviewed v14.0.8050.1202 on Jan 14, 2009

Good looking and feature rich email application.Easy to use. Gives you a great overview to an unlimited numbers of mail accounts (POP3, IMAP, HTTP, Gmail, etc).

Outstanding seach oppertunities. Calendar application integrated. Works perfect with a Windows Live account.

Addware? No way, Gmail is addware.
/dreamz

DoHickey reviewed v1.0 Final on Feb 3, 2008

This fills my Temp folder with crap.
If you upload images or other files This uses something called upload control. The folder that Your file is located in is scanned and it puts things your temp that isn't cleared. I had hundreds of files in my temp from using Microsoft upload control. This isn't better than Outlook Express at all.

Stephen Bungert reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 12, 2007

Throughout this piece of adwares development it has been consistently listed as freeware, no amount of emails to Fileforum gets it changed.

Complain about a programme from a small, one man developer who lists his programme as freeware when it's adware and it gets changed straight away. Do the same with Microsoft and nothing happens. Why?

This is adware, plain and simple.

Adrian79 reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

NICE, all that say negative stuff are haters. I have office 2007 and i dont even use outlook anymore!

gcbetaman reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

Gosh darn it. I was really expecting more. And actually, I DID get more. More of the same. This is OE with a blonde wig and lots more mascara.

Under the hood, WLM is Windows Classic with nothing improved as far as setting up e-mail accounts. If you sort of cross your eyes and blur your vision while looking at the UI you'll sware you're looking at Thunderbird Mail.

Anywho. On the plus side -- super fast searching and great tools for sending photos in emails.

carlz reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

Now that Gmail has gone IMAP, this Micro$oft application is irrelevant.

Mystenes reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

@computershack tru to buy new glasses

DaComboMan reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

A bit late in the game as usual aren't they?

Besides, i don't have to look at humongous adds before i can spot a new email in my GMail box.

Worry about Google inventory of my inbox?
Who knows how much MSN already knows about half of this world? Big Daddy is watchin' over us!

computershack reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

Excellent E-mail application with a simple uncluttered GUI. Not had a single issue with it.

The Google apologists on here giving it a "1" rating should ask themselves whether they're happy with Google indexing their e-mail with their search engine and the invasion of privacy that brings.

brusco reviewed v1.0 Final on Nov 7, 2007

Desktop mail clients are old and outdated. Webmail is the way to go. This is microsofts way of tying their live mail service to their OS. The old crumbling Empire up to its old tricks.

EVERYTHING ms does is about selling more windows licenses. If this was web based (hotmail, live mail web are feature crippled by comparison) it would allow other OS in, this is a no-no.

MS trying to be cool and do web apps is like a 65 years old man jumping out of a Ferrari with MC hammer pants, white boot sneakers and Vanilla Ice hair screaming "hey everyone, I'm hip!"

If MS is to be saved it must ditch its OS, and crud apps like this.

Kevin_S reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on Aug 27, 2007

I am a legal owner of Windows XP Media Center, OEM Home and Vista Ultimate. I have formatted my PC 3 times, installing a FRESH copy of Windows each time. I am also a subscriber to Hotmail Plus. Needless to say, Microsoft has my money. :-)

That being said, Windows Live Mail Desktop rarely, if ever, works when checking my Hotmail. I always get DeltaSync errors. My repeated requests for help to Microsoft have been greeted with "uninstall the app, clear the registry and reinstall the NEWEST version." It's always a form letter answer.

This product is garbage. It's unsupported and seldom updated. The Live Mail Blog hasn't had an entry in months.

I say fry this turkey and eat it because this bird won't fly.

Dodo@Baden reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on Aug 22, 2007

after downloading, something missed by installing...
i downloaded it somewhere else, it worked then.

nice prog, but how can i set a pw by startup or somewhere else. i have privat mail and do not want, that others can read it.

crashoverride reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on Aug 4, 2007

Can't give much of a review since the darn thing won't even start. Keeps giving an error message saying it needs an internet connection on the first start. Well duh I'm connected to the freaking internet and it's allowed through the firewall so... Windows Live Mail, another fine piece of garbage brought to you by the fine folks at Microsoft.

yourmum reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on Jun 1, 2007

I love it. It's much more stable, great GUI and easy to use. OK, so, it doesnt work with gmail? So what!? It's made for Windows Live Mail for goodness sake...Five out of five :)

It doesnt seem to delete any emails on hotmail servers or gmail servers, it seems to download a "local" copy of your emails and work with that, but it's not an issue, seeing as live mail is intended to be a webmail anyway

Another thing, STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT THE ADS!!! If it werent for those ads, you'd have no windows live network at all...!!! And, besides, you can cover the ads with active search!
--> To login as another passport, go in as "work Offline" and it should say "sign in with Windows Live Passport", hit that and it should come up with a login box ;)

Adrian79 reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on Jun 1, 2007

i have outlook 2007 pro... i dont even have it installed anymore LOL great job with the free proggy!! thanks MS!!!

b0mmel reviewed v8.0.1226 Beta on May 31, 2007

I'm quite impressed. The client is super-ergonomic and one delicious looking piece of quality software. For those that use a mail client this is probably the best solution.

For most people webmail through the browser will be enough, though.

zarkann reviewed v8.0.1223 Beta on Apr 9, 2007

This program is fabulous. LOT better than Outlook Express wich i was using for years... but because i can't access anymore my hotmail account, i tried this software.

Just to answer a comment i saw before, YES you can tray that program.. just click on close and it will go directly to the systray like any other version of outlook and outlook express.

--- > I just have one question though How can i change my passport account on live mail desktop ? i have put the wrong login and now i'm stuck with it. I can't change it lol.

ye110mann reviewed v8.0.1223 Beta on Mar 8, 2007

Surprisingly good. I prefer it to Outlook. Handles my IMAP, Hotmail, and Gmail fine. It doesn't delete my Gmail messages on the server though which is weird.
I only use Outlook for the calendar now.

Cris3 reviewed v8.0.1223 Beta on Dec 15, 2006

It did not work well with my gmail account. It put all my archived mail in the inbox folder like they were new. Then it tried to junk hundreds of the archived mail.

Perhaps I didn't choose the best setup options and could fix that, but I don't see where it is worth dealing with for my accounts. Gmail notifier and MSN Messenger works fine the old fashioned way.

I gave it a three because it is not very intuitive working with gmail although it says it does work with gmail.

ps: Who cares about the ads. They are on every webpage I visit and this is a "Live" program.

smanofsteel76 reviewed v8.0.1223 Beta on Dec 14, 2006

I think Microsoft is doing a great job with this software. It is very useful for people with hotmail accounts, especially if you have more than one like me.

RSS feeds are handled great. Its not Google Reader but it works. I really like that if I subscribe to a feed in IE7, it adds the feed in WLMD.

My ONLY complaint is that the calendar isn't built in, it just opens my Windows Live calendar in IE7. I hope they decide to add this feature or create some sort of add-in.

I am really excited about Windows Live products...I think the toolbar and favorites are a great add-on for IE7. I just hope Microsoft keeps up the good work!

Yogurth reviewed v8.0.1223 Beta on Dec 14, 2006

There are alternatives that offer the same functionality without 1/4 of screen covered in flashing animated AD.......what I mean is for FREE.

castiglione reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Dec 6, 2006

Stephen Bungert, this is what you wrote (quoting for rebuttal): "hbkh, read my post again, idiot. I'm giving this a one for your stupid comments. I'm also giving it a one because it's adware and not freeware. For some reason (probably because the producer is MS, FileForum won't change the license type like they normally do).

Search google for resource hacker and you can use it to remove the ad pane"

Issue One: Yes, it's Adware, for one reason: TO KEEP IT FREE, "Idiot"!!!

Issue Two: BetaNews DOES NOT have to change a license wording for ANY reason by ANYone.

Issue Three: You may not have known this (which would be extremely obvious to anyone that you know anything), but you can hide the GRAPHICAL ad on the right side with the ACTIVE SEARCH feature (a little known but powerful hider of the "ad" pane), which ONLY gives text ads and search results for what you search.

Gave this a five to compensate for your negative yet wrong review.

Stephen Bungert reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 22, 2006

hbkh, read my post again, idiot. I'm giving this a one for your stupid comments. I'm also giving it a one because it's adware and not freeware. For some reason (probably because the producer is MS, FileForum won't change the license type like they normally do).

Search google for resource hacker and you can use it to remove the ad pane.

castiglione said:
'Issue One: Yes, it's Adware, for one reason: TO KEEP IT FREE, "Idiot"!!!

Issue Two: BetaNews DOES NOT have to change a license wording for ANY reason by ANYone.'

You dumb idiot... you admit yourself it's adware... so why are you moaning about my post... d***.

Are you blind? Read my posts again... did I ask them to change the licence that this piece of crap has? No! I asked them to change what the liar at MS did when they submitted this junk to FileForum... alter it's licence description from freeware to adware... which it is, as you just stated in your post. ;-)

Im giving it a one to compensate for your blindly positive, yet wrong review.

Dark reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 18, 2006

This is quite the substantial improvement over the previous beta version. The sign-in screen is smaller and the small changes to the colors and layout make everything a lot easier to navigate. Best of all, it does function much quicker than before. My only real gripe like so many is that giant ad they place to the right. Besides that, I'm looking forward to the final version.

Staff_Tech01 reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 18, 2006

I think the new interface is slick looking. Very intuitive, but I also agree that they should allow you to retrieve mail from more sources that just GMail and AO-Hell..

obisam reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 18, 2006

looks good, but it keeps locking up or freezeing for some reson.

if this is to take over from outlook express it need a lot more work from microsoft

NB: it seems that microsoft has stopped outlook express from downloading from hotmail it was working upto 3 days ago maybe thay want more on Windows Live Mail desktop.

[deXter] reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 18, 2006

- Slow, bulky and buggy.

-Confusing name. I can't tell you how many people confuse this with Messenger or other Live™ products.

- Doesn't support other webmail services like Yahoo!, Mail.com, Juno, etc.

ibear reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 18, 2006

Good email client, especially if you have more than one hotmail/msn account. the Ad on the right is a little annoying though.

robertwnielsen_8 reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 17, 2006

This program is surprisingly good - one-stop email shop, and a newsgroup reader to boot! This is what Outlook 2003 (and beyond) should be!

darkxiiindp reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 17, 2006

1. Why do you need a Live (fka "passport") account to use it as a POP3 client?
2. I want to add more columns to the email list? Can I do this?

1. Your contacts will be save to your live account not your hard disk... and may be there is more LIVE features but I dunno.
2. Right click a column and choose what column you want.

5* for Live Products (include WLM desktop)

frankwick reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 17, 2006

I like it, but there are some things that bug me. (I know, I know... it's beta):
1. Why do you need a Live (fka "passport") account to use it as a POP3 client?
2. I want to add more columns to the email list? Can I do this?

On positive note, the junk mail filters are superb! Is this the same algorithm they use in Outlook?

I also like the "photo mail" feature. Hopefully they continue to add features like this.

gate1975mlm reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 17, 2006

I like Windows Live Mail desktop very much. It will be replacing Outlook Express on my computer as soon as it comes out of beta. But the latest update is sure working and looking great. I just wish I could hide the Active Search bar on the right.

hbkh reviewed v8.0.1172 Beta on Nov 17, 2006

Stephen, what does your opinion of FileForum have to do with you rating THIS program a one? I'm rating it a 5 to compensate for your unrelated one rating.

RoSmecher reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 31, 2006

i like this program. only thing that bugs me is that giant ad to the right of it, cause that takes some serious real estate.

Stephen Bungert reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 17, 2006

This is not freeware it's adware, I've sent an email to Fileforum. Normally they change programme descriptions pretty quickly. Why haven't they changed this product to adware? What's the delay?

2nd email still un-answered...
3rd email also un-answered... I guess FileForum is to scared to change this apps license type as provided by MS... I wonder why????

My opinion of FileForum is sinking lower and lower.

DigitalSin reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 13, 2006

Oh man, now this is sweet. Love it

FmlyRnn reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 11, 2006

I love this Program!!! Does it all for you except for one thing. "You can't Tray it"!!! However, it is a keeper. It allows me to access all of my E-mail accounts just like Pop Peeper but you can't Tray it.

Todd 13 reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

This sucks.

Emexci reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

1. This build is old ver.
2. Screenshot is from first version

cool :)

Don Juan reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

I agree with Ian, there are far better alternatives to this that don't have a huge ad taking up a large portion of your screen.

rogueworld reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

Ian C. You clearly haven't reviewed this application at all. Just looked at the image.
What a Joke!

Its a good app. Far better than the old Outlook Express. Pity it does have adverts however, there are worse things in life. Much more stable than previous versions.

Ian C. reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

Wow!!! Gotta love that huge ad taking up 10% of the screen. You know you can just use Mozilla Thunderbird with the web-mail plugin, or any other mail reader with FreePOPs. Although with FreePOPs you can only download email, but with Tbird and web-mail you can send and receive.

aashay reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 10, 2006

Very impressive..it is a lot stabler than the last few builds. Very nice UI. I love the integration with WLM..Keep it up!

robertguda reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 9, 2006

this version packs quite a few fixes. significant speed gain booting, and reading mail. more accurate numbering of mails received. sofar also less freezes. i have not experienced any inconveniency with firefox. neither do i like it opening the messenger without me asking it to. for those who dont like the commercial display, I am sure someone will create a fix for that. a possibility to mark all the junkmail together instead of shift + marking seems like a nice alternative. same for the deleted messages if one wants to clean them out. the overall impression of the screen is friendly and open. guess it can only get better. with some little polishing it will be a hard to beat mail program, like it or not.

rotjong reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 9, 2006

While I tend to stay away from any mail products from Microsoft I'm rather impressed with this and the integration with WLM is nice. The advertisement is insanely ridiculous, IMO, due to the real estate it takes up but that be be easily resolved by A-Patch for WLMD.

Dark reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 9, 2006

I agree that the giant ad is inconvenient, but I suppose that can be alleviated by allowing the Active Search to stay on. Then again, if one is paranoid about it skimming through keywords in your e-mail it's just plain inconvenient either way.

My only real complaint is when it forcibly opens an IE window from a link despite Firefox being my default browser.

Aside from that, it looks great and has plenty of features. If this is the next iteration of Outlook Express, count me in.

Joe Dirt reviewed v8.0.1034 Beta on Oct 9, 2006

It's bloated, slow, and unstable.

It crashes randomly. What is also great is that it has the huge ads on the right side of the screen. I really would just much rather use a browser and use Live Mail that way. Why would I want to have Windows Live Mail Desktop? Also why the freaking long a** name? What's next.... Windows Vista Super Live Desktop Mail Platinum Edition IV?

First Microsoft wants me to pay for an Office 2007 Beta, then they put ads in a desktop mail client?

They are on crack.

Junk.

kingkhearts reviewed vBeta on Jul 18, 2006

OK Here's the Thing. I don't like to write Reviews for Betas but I need to point som key things out in this one.

I downloaded it twice and it caused Thunderbird to go completely unstable. Whether this is an Isolated Case or not I don't know. But I'm waiting for the Official Release anyways.

Other then that It's all good. Great Eycandy Interface and integrates with Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger. Configure your GMail and AIM Mail and you should be set. No one NEEDS yahoo anymore anyways. :P Poor Isolated Yahoo, left to rot. Never to truly rise again (YES I HATE YAHOO OK!!!???)

longshot5000 reviewed vBeta on Jul 15, 2006

I have signed up for this beta on two hotmail account. I have loved live mail and really want to try this out. Everytime with either of my hotmail accounts when I try to login it tells me I need to sign up for it or if already have wait a little longer and I will be able to login. Now this has been going on for 3 weeks now:( I have tried to find live support for this program and I have found all the live products on the support page but desktop live mail. Very frustrated with this

alanpalmer reviewed vBeta on Jun 23, 2006

Why on earth take the step of displaying ads when so many other companies have moved away from adware, either making their programs freeware like Opera, or normal shareware? Surely M$ doesn't need the extra money?

yanike reviewed vBeta on Jun 23, 2006

This is a great program, but it gets a 3 because I have to keep allowing images to come through and loading up a compose message takes as long as loading the whole program. Why ads!!! Thunderbird doesn't have it so why on this program. It doesn't take away form the program but it gets annoying from time to time on XP.

chimpypimpy reviewed vBeta on Jun 23, 2006

NOTE: You must be invited FIRST before you can use Windows Live Mail Desktop.

csamaha reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Can you use this program if you don't have a hotmail or msn.com address? I know you need to have a passport, but I already have a passport set up through my pop3 email address.

mxxcon reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

ad-less version will be in MSOffice, aka Outlook.
Windows Mail Desktop will always have ads(until we block them)

computershack reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Anyone got the advertised Gmail to work other than through POP3?

kgruber reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

It's a great lightweight program that brings back Free Hotmail/Outlook Express integration! I got my invite within a week of signing up at http://www1.imagine-msn....fault.aspx?locale=en-us and a friend of mine got his in about three days.

I don't know whether you have to be specifically "provisioned" for this service like with WLM, or whether it is enough to be a WLM user and/or have converted Hotmail to Windows Live Mail. If anyone else is able to use it without invites, let us know whether you are WLM and or Live Mail tester.

JonathanDoe reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Not sure, Lex. Go here. http://ideas.live.com/ Then go to "Windows Live Mail Desktop Beta" and check it out. You can get updates about it and view the blog for it but I don't see a place to sign up for it at.

tenebrusmke79 reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Lexluthor, yes, you have to be invited, which should stand to reason why it's not accepting your login info.

kgruber, you have to be invited, as I said, it's only for invites, that's why I have it, I was invited to test it, and yes, you must be a tester of WLM and sign up to get the beta at this point in time.. other than that, if you want it, wait for it to be released to a wider amount.

lexluthor5 reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

I downloaded and installed this, but it's not accepting my passport login.

Do I also have eto sign up to be part of this beta or something?

davygiven reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Looks good. Though it needs a 'minimize to tray' option before I'll switch from Thunderbird.

Drich reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Off to a good start. The navigation is easy to use and its sticking with the rest of the "live" GUI. You can add additional pop accounts. I dont like having to have seperate inboxes for each account. A universal inbox like outlook has is much better IMO. The ads are a little annoying. I dont think Ill be using it but others may find it a good alternative to what they are using now.

soroc reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

I agree, I think the interface is much like the rogers yahoo interface and outlook 2003. They wanted to make something free and they did it. I'm not a fan of the ads either. I'll try it out and mabye get rid of Outlook 2003 and use this. But that's a way's off I think. Is this a upgrade to Outlook Express? Way to go.

darthbeads reviewed vBeta on Jun 22, 2006

Essentially, it's the mail component of Outlook as well as the Hotmail/Live Mail checking and offline reading ability. Nice, slick interface; easy to navigate; love right-side reading pane.

Not too fond of the ads, however. I get what MS is doing, and I am less bothered by the active search ads, but I desperately don't like the graphical ads that appear when you close active search.