Back in May 2010, just before the launch of Windows Live Essentials 2011 (Wave 4), Microsoft released a small QFE update for Windows Live Essentials Wave 3 which bumped the version number to 14.0.8117.416. The release targeted several bug fixes and minor changes, but particularly sparked outrage amongst its users when the one-way video conversation feature was removed from Windows Live Messenger Wave 3. This updated remained optional for those who had installed Windows Live Essentials Wave 3 prior to May 2010, although any downloads after the date gave user the new version.

Today the Windows Live team announced that this QFE update will soon become compulsory for all Windows Live Essentials Wave 3 users due to its security improvements. Here’s the official announcement:

If you are using Windows Live Essentials on Windows XP, or are still using a pre-2011 version of Windows Live Essentials (including Messenger), starting this week, you’ll see a required update that is rolling out in all 48 languages. This minor update to Windows Live Messenger and the other Windows Live Essentials programs includes a set of important security updates, performance improvements, targeted bug fixes, and some other, minor changes. The update began rolling out last May, but because of the security improvements included, it will become mandatory over the next week or so.

For those running Windows Vista or Windows 7, we highly recommend you to upgrade to Windows Live Essentials 2011 (Wave 4) to take advantage of its latest features.