Windows Essentials is a collection of free Microsoft applications that many users found useful for tasks like email, photo editing, and instant messaging. Although Microsoft discontinued official support, some users still prefer to install it on Windows 10 for specific features.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of downloading and installing Windows Essentials on your Windows 10 computer. The instructions are designed to be simple and easy to follow, even if you are new to installing software.
Before proceeding, it’s important to understand that Windows Essentials is no longer officially supported, so some features might not work as expected. However, many components like Windows Movie Maker and Photo Gallery still function on Windows 10.
Let’s get started with the step-by-step process to safely download and install Windows Essentials on your PC.
Quick Note: Important Prerequisites and Checks
- Ensure you have a Windows 10 PC: Windows Essentials was originally designed for earlier Windows versions but can still run on Windows 10.
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is needed to download the installer file.
- Backup important data: Although unlikely, it’s always a good idea to back up your system before installing new software.
- Disable antivirus temporarily (optional): Sometimes, antivirus software might block the installation. You can disable it briefly but remember to enable it afterward.
Step 1: Download the Windows Essentials Installer
First, you need to download the Windows Essentials setup file. Because Microsoft no longer offers it officially, you will need to find a reputable source online. Always be cautious and use trustworthy websites to avoid malware.
- Open your preferred web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
- Go to a trusted website that hosts Windows Essentials, such as the official Microsoft archive or a well-known software repository.
- Look for “Windows Essentials 2012” or “Windows Live Essentials” download link.
- Click the download button and save the file (usually named
wlsetup.exe) to your computer.
Why this step matters: Downloading from a safe source protects your PC from harmful software.
Step 2: Run the Installer
After downloading the installer, locate it in your “Downloads” folder or wherever you saved it.
- Double-click the
wlsetup.exefile to start the installation process. - If Windows shows a security warning or asks for permission, click Yes to allow it.
This launches the Windows Essentials setup wizard, which will guide you through the process.
Step 3: Choose Installation Type
Once the setup wizard opens, you will be presented with two options:
- Install all Windows Essentials programs
- Choose the programs you want to install
If you only need specific apps (like Movie Maker or Photo Gallery), select the second option. Otherwise, choose the first option to install everything.
This option is useful because: Installing only the apps you want saves disk space and reduces clutter.
Step 4: Select Programs (If Applicable)
If you chose to select programs individually, check the boxes for the applications you want, such as:
- Windows Movie Maker
- Windows Photo Gallery
- Windows Mail
- OneDrive (older version)
- Windows Live Writer
- Windows Live Messenger
After making your selection, click Install to proceed.
Step 5: Wait for Installation to Complete
The installer will now download and install the selected programs on your PC. This might take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and system performance.
- Do not close the installer during this process.
- If prompted, follow any additional instructions or restart your computer if required.
Why patience is important here: Interrupting the installation can cause incomplete setup or errors.
Alternative Method: Using Offline Installer
If you prefer not to download files during installation, you can use an offline installer package for Windows Essentials. This is a larger file that contains all the apps and does not require an internet connection during setup.
- Search online for “Windows Essentials 2012 offline installer.”
- Download the full package to your PC.
- Run the installer and follow the same steps as above.
This method is useful if you have limited or unstable internet access.
FAQs
Is Windows Essentials safe to install on Windows 10?
Yes, it is generally safe if you download it from a trusted source. However, keep in mind that Microsoft no longer supports it, so some features might not work perfectly.
Can I still use Windows Live Mail on Windows 10?
Yes, Windows Live Mail can be installed and run on Windows 10, but it may not sync well with some modern email services due to outdated protocols.
What if the installer doesn’t start or crashes?
Try downloading the installer again from a different source. Also, temporarily disable your antivirus and run the installer as an administrator by right-clicking and selecting Run as administrator.
Will Windows Essentials replace built-in Windows 10 apps?
No, it installs alongside the default apps. You can choose which apps to use.
Can I uninstall Windows Essentials later?
Yes, you can uninstall it like any other program via Settings > Apps on Windows 10.
When Nothing Works
If you encounter persistent issues during installation, consider the following final steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft support page: Although Windows Essentials is discontinued, Microsoft may have helpful articles.
- Use Windows 10 built-in apps: Windows 10 includes modern apps like Photos and Mail that cover many Essentials features.
- Check community forums: Sites like Microsoft Answers or Reddit have user experiences and solutions.
- Consider alternative software: For photo editing or video creation, apps like Paint.NET, GIMP, or Shotcut are good free alternatives.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing Windows Essentials on Windows 10 is possible with a few careful steps. By following this guide, you can bring back familiar apps like Movie Maker and Photo Gallery to your PC.
Remember to always download software from trusted sources and be cautious about unsupported programs. Whether you choose to install all components or just specific apps, Windows Essentials can still offer useful features on your Windows 10 system.
If you experience any issues, try the troubleshooting tips or explore modern alternatives built into Windows 10. With patience and care, you can enjoy these classic tools once again.