Windows Live Mail

The predecessor of Microsoft Outlook

Specifications

Date updated	04/24/2024
License	Free
Operating systems	Online service
Category	Instant Messaging / Webmail
Editor’s note

Windows Live Mail Overview

Windows Live Mail is an email client.

Windows Live Mail Overview

Windows Live Mail is an email client that was developed by Microsoft, the first version was launched in 2007. It succeeded Outlook Express, and was logically integrated into the Windows Live Essentials suite.

When it first started, Windows Live Mail was presented as an excellent update to its predecessor, both in terms of interface and features. In line with this, the service supported many protocols, including POP3 and IMAP, so users could connect to all their popular accounts like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and others from the same space.

At the end of 2012, Microsoft announced the end of development of Windows Live Mail. The company recommended that users switch to a more modern service, primarily Outlook. However, although the company no longer updates the email, many users still use it.

Please note that it is no longer recommended to use Windows Live Mail since the service is no longer supported or updated by Microsoft. This means that it poses risks to the security of user data.

How to use messaging?

Downloading Windows Live Mail is very simple, although it is no longer recommended since the service is no longer supported by Microsoft. If you still choose to continue using the platform, know that it supports POP3 and IMAP protocols so you can add and manage other services like Yahoo Mail from a single place.

Otherwise, Windows Live Mail has simple and basic features. The options were interesting a few years ago, but they have lost their appeal to other software in this same category. In general, you can send and receive emails or sort your emails into folders that you rename as you wish.

Furthermore, Windows Live Mail has a search bar so that you can find an item in your exchanges.

Windows Live Mail is available on computers running Windows XP, Vista, or 7. For newer versions, please note that it is not possible to install the email.

Downloading Windows Live Mail is free, you don’t need to take out a subscription or pay to access email.

Alternatives to Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail is an email service that has had its moment of glory by offering a nice update compared to its previous version. However, it is recommended to move towards a more modern and more secure alternative, as it is no longer supported by Microsoft, which includes risks for personal data.

Instead of downloading Windows Live Mail, you can choose Microsoft Outlook since it is its worthy successor. You can enjoy the online service, but also the application on devices compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices or the online service. You can enjoy the service for free, but you must take a subscription to the Microsoft 365 suite to access all the features, this also includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other software.

Compared to Windows Live Mail, Microsoft Outlook offers more advanced features. Beyond traditional messaging, there is also a calendar and a note-taking tool so you can organize yourself more easily. Otherwise, the service has many options so you can manage all your emails and attachments as best as possible.

Alternatively, you can choose Gmail instead of Windows Live Mail. This is Google’s official email service and is one of the most widely used platforms in the world today. You can enjoy it through the mobile app for Android and iOS or the online service from any internet browser.

If Gmail is an excellent replacement for Windows Live Mail, it is because it is a reliable, secure and fluid messaging service. You have everything to organize your exchanges, but also integration with other Google tools to easily access the Calendar, Meet, Drive and other applications.