Windows Live Essentials is a free software package from Microsoft that contains useful programs not included with Windows. The Windows Essential programs are include :

Windows Live Family Safety

Windows Live Family Safety is a parental monitoring and control program that was first released by Microsoft to the public on November 6, 2007. Family Safety is designed to help protect children on the computer by monitoring their usage, setting time limits and restrictions, and filtering the web pages you want them to see. Since its release Microsoft has included Family Safety in the default install of Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8 .

Windows Live Messenger

Alternatively known as MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger is a software program for Windows that allow a user to chat online (Internet) with other users. Messenger is similar to text messaging, but on a computer rather than a cell phone. Users can also video chat if both users have a webcam connected to their computers.

Users are added to a contact list, then can be placed in various user-defined groups for easier viewing and sorting. Permission from a user is required before they can be added to another user's contact list.

OneDrive

Formerly known as SkyDrive or OneDrive is part of the Microsoft Windows Live services. It is a file hosting services, based on the cloud storage model. Users of the OneDrive can upload files and access them from any computer, anywhere using an Internet browser. The service is free and provides for up to 25GB of storage space per user. Users can share files to their personal contacts or make their files available for anyone to access.

Note: A Windows Live ID is required to access the OneDrive.

Windows Live Movie Maker

Windows Live Movie Maker is a feature that has been enhanced by Windows 7. Previously provided with Windows XP, now is available for download with Windows Live Essentials. Windows Live Movie Maker has been upgraded for easier creating and sharing of your own edited movies..

Windows Live Photo Gallery

Windows Live Photo Gallery is an image organizer, photo editor and photo sharing app. It is a part of Microsoft's Windows Essentials software suite.

Windows Live Writer

Windows Live Writer which developed by Microsoft, is a desktop blog-publishing application that is part of the Windows Live range of products.