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Windows Live Essentials 2011 QFE3 update now compulsory for all (except XP users)

Jun 20, 2012 3:53 am by damaster | 7 comments

Microsoft released the Windows Live Essentials 2011 QFE3 update back in March this year, bumping the version number up to 15.4.3555.0308. The update fixes several critical bugs and errors for various programs in the suite (for more details, click here). At first, we reported that all users running Windows Live Essentials 2009 and above (running on Windows Vista and above) are prompted to upgrade, which at the time is optional. However, we said that the update will become compulsory after a period of time.

Well, the day has come, and as at June 14 Microsoft has made it compulsory for all Windows Live Essentials 2009 users to update to the latest version. Below is the announcement on Microsoft Answers:

In March, Microsoft offered an optional update that updates users to Windows Live Essentials 2011. As of June 14, this update will be required for all Windows Live Essentials users. Canceling the update request will prevent the customer login.
When Windows Live Essentials 2009 customers go through this update, they will be migrated to Windows Live Essentials 2011. With Windows Live Essentials 2011 users create and work with pictures and movies, organize email accounts, synchronize files with other PCs (and Mac), and then access those files from anywhere over the internet.

If you’d like to upgrade manually, simply go to http://windows.microsoft.com/windowsliveessentials and download the Windows Live Essentials 2011 installer.

This entry was posted in News and tagged Essentials, QFE, Wave 4, Windows Live, WLE 2011. Bookmark the permalink.

Daniel Case
I noticed this when I tried to sign in today… I just ran it in compatibility mode with Windows XP, fixed :D
Fenrakk101
WLE 2011 is garbage. Thanks to the ingenious Daniel Case for the compatibility mode fix.
FCK2011
If you want us to upgrade give us back the old GUI. Until then I’ll run as WinXP.
http://twitter.com/AlexMedia Alex van Herwijnen
You can use Resource Hacker (reshacker) to change the version number, thereby circumventing the check :-)
xpclient
Here’s a better fix from Messenger MVP: http://messengergeek.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/use-messenger-reviver-to-bypass-the-windows-live-messenger-2009-forced-upgrade/ that doesn’t require XP compatibility mode.
somesome11
Never a fan of making an update “required” or mandatory. I work in an office and use Live Essentials for minor/bulk photo work, I don’t have admin rights and now I get to deal with not using the program at all, and hoping I can get the program updated with the tech department. Nice one Microsoft, just keep alienating your customers. Oh, and the running as compatibility mode didn’t work for me, still says the update is required.
Office user
Ditto on not being able to use the program anymore because I am not the administrator.