Essentials programs are designed to integrate well with each other, with Microsoft Windows, and with other Microsoft web-based services such as SkyDrive and Hotmail, so that they operate as a "seamless whole".

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery tools help you organize and edit your photos, then share them online. Here's what you can do.

Create a panorama

Capture an entire mountain range in a single photo---select the photos you want to use and Photo Gallery stitches them into a panorama for you.

Merge shots with Photo Fuse

Did someone blink when the flash went off? Choose everyone's best pose from several different shots, and Photo Fuse will merge them together into the perfect group photo.

Slide show adventures

Show off your road trip or birthday party photos with a slide show that looks polished and professional. Choose your favorite theme and Photo Gallery puts it all together for you.

Movie Maker

Whether you prefer Hollywood or the indie scene, you're the director with Movie Maker.

Import and edit slide shows and videos

Quickly add photos and footage from your PC or camera into Movie Maker. Then fine tune your movie just the way you want it. You can move things around, speed it up or slow it down---it's up to you.

Edit the soundtrack and add a theme

Enhance your movie with audio and a theme. Movie Maker adds transitions and effects automatically so your movie looks polished and professional.

Share your movie online

Once your movie is ready, share it online on Facebook, YouTube or other social networking and video sharing sites. Send a link to your movie in an email to family and friends so they won't miss it.

Mail

Manage multiple email accounts, calendars, and your contacts, even when you're offline.

Family Safety

Help keep your kids safe online.

Writer

Create stunning blog posts in minutes, with photos, videos, maps, and more. Then publish them to any of your favorite blog service providers.

Outlook Connector Pack

Manage Hotmail from within Outlook.

Microsoft SkyDrive

With SkyDrive installed on all your computers, you'll have automatic access to the latest version of your files wherever you are.