Since when are the RTM builds of the latest versions of Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Writer and Windows Live Photo Galley considered Critical updates? The Redmond company informed that its new lineup of applications delivered under the Windows Live brand umbrella will be served as critical updates via Microsoft Update. Nate Clinton, Program Manger Microsoft Update, informed that the current Windows Live installations of products still in beta stage will be updated to the already available RTM versions.

"Today Windows Live will ship two updates: Update for Windows Live Mail (KB 944990) and Update for Windows Live Writer (KB 944990). These updates will apply to all Windows Live Mail Beta and Windows Live Writer Beta users. The RTM version of this software fixes critical issues, performance issues, and bugs in the beta software. It is recommended that all beta users move to the released version of the software. All WSUS admins are recommended to approve the update so that managed machines can move from beta to the more stable and secure released versions of the Mail and Writer software. These updates will only update machines with the beta versions installed (Writer and Mail)," Clinton revealed.

But Microsoft will not stop at Windows Live Mail and Writer. The company will also deliver Windows Live Messenger 8.5, as well as Photo Gallery, Live Toolbar, and Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare. Microsoft however underlined the fact that the updates to the RTM versions of its Windows Live suite of products applies exclusively to the users that have the latest beta of the applications already installed, and not to all Windows users. "Wanted to note that these are classified as Critical updates and are applicable only to the latest beta versions installed", Clinton added.