You can access Windows Live online services with your favorite web browser. To take advantage of the Windows Live Essentials programs, make sure you meet the minimum system requirements. (To install or uninstall Windows Live Essentials programs, you must have administrator rights on the computer.)

Component	Requirement
Operating System	One of the following: Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions) Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32-bit edition only) Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit editions) Windows Server 2008 Note: Windows Live Movie Maker and the slide show feature of Windows Live Photo Gallery are not supported on Windows XP.
Processor	For Windows Vista or Windows 7: 1 GHz or higher For Windows XP: 800 MHz or higher
Memory	Windows Vista or Windows 7: 512 MB Windows XP: 128 MB of RAM (256 MB or more recommended)
Resolution	Minimum 1024 x 768
Internet Connection	Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
Browser	Windows Live Toolbar requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, or Internet Explorer 8.
Graphics or Video Card	Windows Live Movie Maker requires a video card that supports DirectX 9.0 or higher, and Shader Model 2.0 or higher.
Prerequisite Software	These components are required and will be downloaded and installed if they’re not already on your computer: For Writer: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher* For Photo Gallery: SQL 2005 Compact Edition and Windows Imaging Codecs* For Photo Gallery and Movie Maker: Some components of DirectX9 *Not required when installing on Windows 7 or Windows Vista
Release Notes	View detailed release notes (.pdf) View detailed release notes (.xps)