Microsoft released an updated beta version of Windows Live Essentials suite

 The Windows Live Betas - which we were using since its public release about 3 months ago has got another refresh. The Windows Live Team using the feedback from its users have updated these programs. The new set of Betas of downloadable programs for Windows PC are now called Windows Live Essentials.  All the programs are available via one installer that lets you choose which programs you want installed or not installed.

There is no beta tag anywhere on this build as it’s a near final build and Messenger plus does work with this build but not all features are usable. We should expect a final release very soon.

Overall the UI has been enhanced in most areas with minor changes. The main improvements are the integration to Windows 7 and jump lists, and the sign in for Windows Live Messenger has changed slightly but nothing big.

If you are having any issues with the installation, you can check the Essentials beta: System requirements at http://download.live.com. You can also view detailed release notes (pdf) which provides various issues with the New Betas, specially if you are using IE 8 Beta.

You can also read the following related articles:

• Windows Live Essentials Beta Released
• Windows Live Essentials Beta Released Download Now
• Microsoft overhauls Windows Live online services