Windows Live Mesh

Windows Live Mesh Review

Windows Live Mesh, while no longer operational, represented a significant step in Microsoft's efforts to unify user experiences across multiple devices. At its core, the service was a robust file synchronization tool designed for the Windows ecosystem. It allowed users to define specific folders they wanted to keep in sync across their registered computers. This went beyond simple cloud storage; Mesh facilitated direct synchronization between machines, providing faster updates when devices were online simultaneously. The underlying technology felt solid, and for managing documents and files across a couple of personal computers, it was quite effective.

One of the standout features of Windows Live Mesh was its integration with cloud storage, initially tied to SkyDrive (now OneDrive). While direct peer-to-peer sync was a highlight, the cloud component ensured that files would still synchronize even if a device was offline. As soon as the offline machine reconnected, Mesh would leverage the cloud copy to bring its folders up to date. This hybrid approach offered a degree of resilience and accessibility via a web interface.

Beyond file management, Windows Live Mesh included a capable remote desktop feature. This was a valuable addition, allowing users to access and control their linked computers from anywhere with an internet connection. This functionality was particularly useful for accessing applications or files that weren't synchronized locally or for providing remote assistance to other linked users. The remote desktop performance was generally stable, contingent on the network connection of both the host and client machines.

The user interface of Windows Live Mesh was relatively straightforward. It integrated into the Windows taskbar and provided clear visual indicators of sync status. Configuring which folders to sync and managing devices was intuitive, making the service accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge. Sharing folders with others for collaborative purposes was also a feature that added to its appeal, enabling simple teamwork on shared documents.

While Windows Live Mesh was a promising service, its eventual discontinuation highlights the challenges of maintaining multiple overlapping online services within a large organization. Its functionality has largely been rolled into OneDrive and other Microsoft services. Despite its end, Windows Live Mesh left a positive impression on many users due to its reliable performance and useful feature set.