Windows Essentials 2012 was a suite of free software applications offered by Microsoft to Windows users. It included essential tools such as Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Windows Live Writer, and Family Safety, among others. However, since its discontinuation in 2017, many users have been left wondering whether they should uninstall Windows Essentials 2012 from their systems. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of uninstalling outdated software, the potential risks of keeping Windows Essentials 2012 installed, and provide guidance on how to safely remove it.
The Importance of Uninstalling Outdated Software
Outdated software can pose significant risks to your system’s security and performance. Here are a few reasons why you should consider uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012:
Security Risks
Outdated software can leave your system vulnerable to attacks. When software is no longer supported, it means that the developer is no longer releasing security patches or updates to fix vulnerabilities. This leaves your system open to exploitation by hackers, who can use these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your system.
Performance Issues
Outdated software can slow down your system. As new software and operating systems are released, they often require more system resources to function efficiently. Outdated software, on the other hand, may not be optimized for these new systems, leading to slower performance and bottlenecking your system’s resources.
Conflicts with Other Software
Outdated software can conflict with newer software. When you install new software, it may not be compatible with outdated software, leading to conflicts and errors. This can cause problems with your system’s functionality and stability.
Potential Risks of Keeping Windows Essentials 2012 Installed
So, what are the specific risks associated with keeping Windows Essentials 2012 installed on your system?
Security Vulnerabilities
Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer supported by Microsoft, which means that any security vulnerabilities discovered in the software will not be patched. This leaves your system open to attacks from hackers who can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to your system.
Compatibility Issues
Windows Essentials 2012 was designed to work with older operating systems, such as Windows 7 and Windows 8. If you’ve upgraded to a newer operating system, such as Windows 10, you may experience compatibility issues with the software. This can cause errors and problems with your system’s functionality.
Resource Consumption
Windows Essentials 2012 may continue to consume system resources, even if you’re not using the software. This can slow down your system and reduce its overall performance.
Uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012 from your system, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so safely:
Method 1: Uninstall Through the Control Panel
- Go to the Control Panel on your system.
- Click on Programs and Features (in Windows 10/8) or Programs and Features (in Windows 7).
- Scroll down and find Windows Essentials 2012 in the list of installed programs.
- Click on Uninstall/Remove to begin the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Method 2: Uninstall Through the Settings App (Windows 10 Only)
- Go to the Settings app on your Windows 10 system.
- Click on Apps.
- Scroll down and find Windows Essentials 2012 in the list of installed apps.
- Click on Uninstall to begin the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
Additional Steps to Remove Remaining Files and Folders
After uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012, some remaining files and folders may still be present on your system. To remove these, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %programfiles%\windows essentials and press Enter.
- Delete the Windows Essentials folder and all its contents.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the following folders:
- %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows Live
- %appdata%\Microsoft\Windows Live
Alternatives to Windows Essentials 2012
If you’re uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012, you may be wondering what alternatives are available to replace the software. Here are a few options:
Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop Elements or GIMP
If you were using Photo Gallery for photo editing, you can consider alternatives like Adobe Photoshop Elements or GIMP. Both offer robust photo editing features and are compatible with newer operating systems.
Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut
For video editing, you can consider alternatives like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut. Both are free and offer advanced video editing features.
Writing and Blogging: Microsoft Word or Google Docs
If you were using Windows Live Writer for writing and blogging, you can consider alternatives like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Both offer robust writing and editing features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 from your system is a good idea, considering the potential security risks and compatibility issues associated with keeping outdated software installed. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can safely remove Windows Essentials 2012 from your system. Additionally, you can explore alternative software options to replace the features and functionality offered by Windows Essentials 2012.
What is Windows Essentials 2012, and what does it do?
Windows Essentials 2012 is a suite of free software applications from Microsoft that includes tools for photo editing, video editing, email, and instant messaging. It was designed to provide users with a simple and intuitive way to perform various tasks, such as editing photos, creating videos, and staying in touch with friends and family.
The suite includes several applications, including Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Windows Live Mail, and Windows Live Messenger. These applications are designed to be easy to use and require minimal technical expertise, making them accessible to users of all skill levels. Windows Essentials 2012 was intended to be a convenient and user-friendly way to perform common tasks, but it has largely been replaced by more modern and capable applications.
Why would I want to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012?
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012. One reason is that the suite is no longer supported by Microsoft, which means that it will not receive any further updates or security patches. This could leave your system vulnerable to security risks if you continue to use the applications. Additionally, the applications in the suite may not be compatible with newer operating systems or software, which could cause conflicts or errors.
Another reason to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012 is that it may be taking up space on your hard drive that could be used for more important applications or files. If you’re not using the applications in the suite, uninstalling them can help free up disk space and improve your system’s performance.
Will uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 affect my system’s performance?
Uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 is unlikely to have a significant impact on your system’s performance. The applications in the suite are relatively small and do not require a lot of system resources, so removing them will not free up a large amount of disk space or RAM. However, if you’re not using the applications, uninstalling them can help declutter your system and simplify your software landscape.
It’s also worth noting that uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 will not affect any other Microsoft applications or services that you may be using. Your system will still be able to function normally, and you will still be able to access any files or data that you have created using the applications in the suite.
How do I uninstall Windows Essentials 2012?
Uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 is a relatively straightforward process. To begin, go to the Control Panel on your system and select “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10 or 8) or “Programs and Features” (in Windows 7). This will open a list of all the applications installed on your system. Scroll down the list and find “Windows Essentials 2012” and click on it to select it.
Once you’ve selected the application, click the “Uninstall” button to begin the uninstallation process. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation, and the application will be removed from your system. You may need to restart your system after uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 to complete the process.
Will I lose any data if I uninstall Windows Essentials 2012?
Uninstalling Windows Essentials 2012 will not affect any of the files or data that you have created using the applications in the suite. Your photos, videos, and other files will still be available on your system, and you will still be able to access them using other applications or software.
However, if you have created any custom settings or configurations within the applications in the suite, these may be lost when you uninstall Windows Essentials 2012. It’s a good idea to export or back up any custom settings or data before uninstalling the application to ensure that you can restore them later if needed.
Are there any alternative applications I can use instead of Windows Essentials 2012?
Yes, there are many alternative applications that you can use instead of Windows Essentials 2012. For photo editing, you might consider using applications like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, or free alternatives like GIMP or Paint.NET. For video editing, you might consider using applications like Adobe Premiere Elements or DaVinci Resolve, or free alternatives like Shotcut or Lightworks.
For email and instant messaging, you might consider using web-based services like Gmail or Outlook.com, or desktop applications like Mozilla Thunderbird or Skype. There are many options available, so you’re likely to find an alternative that meets your needs and provides the features you’re looking for.
Is it safe to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012?
Yes, it is safe to uninstall Windows Essentials 2012. As long as you follow the proper uninstallation procedure, you should not experience any problems or errors. However, as with any software uninstallation, it’s always a good idea to back up your system and data before making any changes.
Additionally, since Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer supported by Microsoft, it’s a good idea to uninstall it to avoid any potential security risks. By removing the application, you can help protect your system and data from potential vulnerabilities or exploits.