Jul 7, 2011 09:52 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has updated its Windows Live Essentials 2011, offering users better performance and enhanced service quality, but also security improvements such as SSL support.

I have already told you earlier today about the refreshes introduced to Windows Live Messenger 2011 and Windows Live Mail 2011, but the fact of the matter is that additional applications offered to Windows users under the Essentials brand have also been updated.

It’s the case of the Bing Bar, Windows Live Photo Gallery, but also of additional Windows Live Messenger 2011 components, according to Arthur de Haan, Windows Live Test and Service Engineering.

“Photo Gallery: We implemented various bug fixes for crashes related to launching Photo Gallery through Autoplay and facial recognition,” de Haan explained.

“And more: We made many other usability, performance, and stability improvements across the suite of Windows Live Essentials apps.”

Although Microsoft said that the Windows Live Essentials 2011 refresh would be released this week, customers can already download Build 15.4.3538.0513.

The bits are live on the Microsoft Download Center, and Softpedia readers will be able to find links for the various apps included into Windows Live Essentials 2011 at the bottom of this article.

“We will be rolling this update out in 2 phases. Starting this week, it will be available at http://explore.live.com and on Microsoft Download Center. Later this month, existing Windows Live Essentials 2011 customers will be prompted to update to this version,” de Haan added.

“At that time, it will be offered as an optional update. You can see if you already have the latest and greatest by checking the build version number in Help About, which for this update is 15.4.3538.0513.

“On behalf of the entire team, thank you for using Windows Live and for all your feedback that helps us continue to improve our products.”

Windows Live Messenger 2011 is available for download here.

Windows Live Mesh 2011 is available for download here.

Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011 is available for download here.

Windows Live Movie Maker 2011 is available for download here.

Windows Live Mail 2011 is available for download here.

The Bing Bar is available for download here.