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.