You simply download it from our website, either via the free trial download flow or directly from our software download page. Once downloaded, you open the installer, select your preferred language and accept the end user agreement. Within the installer you must click “Download your free XProtect Essential+ license”. To get the free license, make sure your system is connected to the Internet. When you free license is downloaded, you click continue to finalize the installation. Now you have a full-featured video surveillance solution from the world leader with unlimited retention time and no requirements for re-registration of the license.

XProtect Essential+ supports up to 8 cameras.  If you need more than 8 cameras, we recommend you take a look at XProtect Express+ or one of our more advanced products.

Some of the key features included in XProtect Essential+ are: an interactive single-layer map, Smart Search (motion-based advanced video search), support for all XProtect® clients, including the best mobile app in the industry, third-party integrations and unlimited retention time.

For a complete overview, please check out our XProtect VMS comparison chart.

Milestone releases new software versions three times a year (R1, R2 and R3) for all XProtect VMS, including Essential+. To download the latest software version, go to the Downloads page and install the latest release. When upgrading all settings and recordings will be kept.

Yes, upgrading to a more advanced Milestone product is easy. It takes less than 30 seconds and only requires a new software license code. For more information on how to buy a software license code for one of our paid products click here to find your local authorized Milestone reseller. 

Remember that regardless of which Milestone VMS product you are using, the user interfaces are the same, so you don’t have to worry about learning a new system.

YIf you are a developer looking to create your own solution to XProtect VMS, you can use XProtect Essential+ to get started. Creating and testing a solution for Essential+ ensures it will work with Express+, Professional+, Expert and Corporate as well.

Download the Milestone Integration Platform SDK and get started today.