Send video messages to the important people in your life to enjoy when they wish. With Windows Live Video Messages Beta, video messages are stored on a website secured by a Windows Live ID and password. Then, these videos messages can be accessed directly from the website or from the Windows Live Video Messages gadget.

With Windows Live Video Messages Beta, you can help control who gets to see your video messages by preventing the video messages from being forwarded or saved.

Sending, managing and repeated viewing of video messages requires a free Windows Live ID. This is not required for a single video viewing.

You can view, record, send, and manage your video messages on videomessages.live.com. You can access the website from a Video Messages link in an e-mail that you receive with a link to a video message or directly through Internet Explorer 6 or later—add us to your favorites today!

If you do not have a Windows Live ID, you can only view each video message you receive during a single online session. If you want to record, send or manage your own video messages, you'll need a Windows Live ID. See "What do I need for Video Messages?" for other system requirements.

If you own a Microsoft LifeCam, you can view, record, send, and manage your video messages from your desktop using the free LifeCam Video Messages gadget for Windows Vista.*

Broadband connection

Internet Explorer 6 or later for LifeCam Video Messages gadget for Windows Vista

Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista (required for LifeCam Video Messages gadget)

Microsoft Silverlight 2—a free browser plug-in

Same as the above for viewing a video message, plus...

A Windows Live ID

A webcam when sending video messages from the website or Microsoft LifeCam when sending video messages by using the LifeCam Video Messages gadget (VX-500 & VX-700 are not supported).

Get a webcam >

Download LifeCam Video Messages gadget >

Use Windows Live ID to sign in to Windows Live services —including Video Messages, Messenger, Hotmail, and Spaces. It's free to sign up for a Windows Live ID. After you sign up and create credentials, you can sign in with your Windows Live ID on websites that display Windows Live ID logo.

The gadget is a small application that you can install on your computer and allows you to view, record, send, and manage video messages directly from your Windows Vista desktop*

Download the LifeCam Video Messages Gadget >

*See also "How do I access Video Messages?"