At that time, web-based services such as Windows Live Hotmail (then Windows Live Mail) was also part of the list.

Windows Live Dashboard required users to sign-in with their Windows Live ID to check whether the service has been downloaded or not. The Windows Live Essentials website was integrated tightly with Windows Live Dashboard, an application which offers a view of the services the user already has and what new Windows Live software and services are available. However, the original Windows Live Essentials was referred to as the website serving the purpose of allowing users to discover new Windows Live services. It was very similar to Google Pack in that it allows users to discover, install, and maintain a number of Windows Live application programs.

On August 25, 2006, Microsoft began seeking testers for their invitation-only Windows Live service named Windows Live Essentials.

Previous versions were also available on Windows XP and Windows Vista, and included Windows Live Messenger. Windows Essentials applications support installation on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. OneDrive (later integrated into Windows 8.1 or Windows 10).Windows Essentials 2012 includes the following applications: Essentials programs are designed to integrate well with each other, with Microsoft Windows, and other Microsoft web-based services such as OneDrive and. Windows Essentials (formerly Windows Live Essentials and Windows Live Installer) is a discontinued suite of Microsoft freeware applications that includes email, instant messaging, photo sharing, blogging, and parental control software.

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