E‑mail, calendar, photo, and video programs for Windows 7
Some programs that were included in Windows Vista and Windows XP aren't included in Windows 7. You can install similar products from other companies, or you can use Windows Live Essentials, a set of free programs you download and install on your computer running Windows 7.
For photos and videos on Windows 7, you can view photos using the built–in photo viewer, make minor touchups in Paint, and watch videos using Windows Media Player. For more advanced viewing, organizing, and editing features, try Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live Movie Maker.
If you're upgrading to Windows 7, it's a good idea to back up your files first. That way you won't lose any data you might need to import into your new programs. To learn about backing up your files, see Set your mind at ease: Back up your files now.
Windows Live programs for your PC
Windows Live Essentials is a set of programs that helps you manage just about everything you do online. You can install all of the programs or just a few—it's up to you.
The following table lists the programs that aren't a part of Windows 7 and the Windows Live replacement for each.
Windows Live services on the web
Windows Live also includes web–based services designed to help you stay in touch and access your data from anywhere. These services include Hotmail, where all your e‑mail, calendar, and contacts are in one place, and SkyDrive, which gives you a place to store and share your documents and personal photos. To learn more about Windows Live, see What is Windows Live?
Article ID: MSW700050
