14 DAY TRIAL // Users that have failed to upgrade to the latest iteration of the Microsoft instant messaging client will have little choice moving on. This is valid specifically for customers running versions 8.1 or 8.5 of Windows Live Messenger, but not to worry, moving forward those using v9.0 will get the same treatment. Fact is that only Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 will not be offered upgrades, optional or obligatory. But then again, this is no coincidence, since 9.0 (2009) Build 14.0.8089.726 is the latest release of Windows Live Messenger.
Microsoft started serving the bits for Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 on August 19th, 2009. At that time, the Redmond company said nothing about the upgrade available, other than labeling it a QFE (Quick Fix Engineering) release. The update was available initially only as a standalone download, and it took Microsoft until August 27th to reveal that it was planning a massive upgrade for all its users of Windows Live Messenger.
Starting with August 25th, 2009, Microsoft has been bombarding users of Windows Live Messenger clients with versions 8.1, 8.5 or 14.0 with upgrade notifications. The initial prompts, part of the first phase of the upgrade process, were optional. As of mid-September 2009, the second phase of the upgrade kicks in. The major difference is that this time around users of 8.1 and 8.5 versions of the IM client will not be able to say “no.” Their only choice is to upgrade their clients to Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 or be locked completely out of the service.
In early October 2009, customers using versions 14.0 (earlier than 14.0.8089) will also start receiving notifications of the optional upgrades to Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726. In late October, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 will become mandatory for them too.
“We’ve had several comments about what happens if you are running an operating system on which you cannot install the latest version of Messenger. In this case, you will NOT be prompted to upgrade and can continue to use the version you currently have,” a member of the Windows Live Messenger team noted. “To clarify, if you are running Messenger 8.1, 8.5 or 14.0 on the following operating systems: Windows XP 32bit, Windows Vista (32bit/64bit), Windows 7( 32bit/64bit) or Windows Server 2008, you will receive the upgrade notice.”
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here. Windows Live Mail 2009 14.0.8089.0726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Family Safety is available for download here.
Windows Live Writer 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Photo Gallery 2009 14.0.8081.709 is available for download here.