Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail is a free email client developed by Microsoft for the Windows platform.

It used to be that Microsoft provided a stripped-down version of Outlook, a professional email solution, as the free email client for Windows. That approach had both advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the biggest downside was that the program was a tad too unwieldly for the average user. Windows Live Mail is an attempt to overcome that problem by building an email client from the ground up that’s specifically designed for everyday home use. It still uses core components of Outlook, but now it has a very user-friendly interface that exposes only the most essential features.

Windows Live Mail supports multiple accounts. You can access SMTP, POP3, and other services. The client will even let you merge your accounts so that you have just one inbox. You can personalize your experience with automatic replies and an automatic email signature. The app has integrated email security and tools for reading emails, which are convenient if you subscribe to email groups receive RSS feeds via email and so forth.

In addition to receiving email, you can forward or archive email. You can create email, save drafts, and see the mail you’ve sent. There are local junk filters, and there’s a junk folder that stores these messages for a time in case an email as accidentally exiled there. Windows Live Mail also has a powerful calendar component that lets you set appointments and receive notifications.

Windows Live Mail doesn’t include some of the more powerful Outlook features, such as the ability to create tasks, and it was neat features like this lost in the transition from free Outlook to WLM. Nevertheless, this program is a great choice for those who want a free, fast, and streamlined email client that’s easy to use.

Pros

• Convenient user interface
• Simple and straightforward email client

Cons

• Lacks advanced email features