Windows Media Center is a software created by Microsoft for managing multimedia files, which allows you to watch and record TV programs, listen to music and much more. Windows Media Center is no longer available for purchase, but you can still get program versions for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 systems. If you're running the brand new Windows 10, you'll have to make do with a modified version of the original program, as Windows Media Center isn't available for this version of Microsoft's operating system.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows 10
Step 1. Understand the installation procedure
Windows Media Center is no longer available for purchase and Microsoft has discontinued official support for it. For this reason it is not possible to install the traditional version of Windows Media Center on systems that use Windows 10. The procedure described in this section allows you to install and use a modified version of the program, so be ready to face problems and malfunctions.
Step 2. Download the necessary files
You need to use a recompiled version of Windows Media Center created by "enthusiasts". Download the following file using! 7QMEwY5K! MQKFQZB4bMaHAnwxU8fpNJOzhabBK1Ez5hFCkA1gqmk this link. Alternatively, search the web for the following WindowsMediaCenter_10.0.10134.0v2.1.rar archive, then download using a safe and reliable site.
In order to extract the data contained in the RAR file, you must have a copy of WinRAR. You can install a trial version or use the free 7-Zip software. Consult this guide for more information on how to unzip an archive in RAR format
Step 3. Extract the file
To access the RAR file in question and extract the data it contains, use the decompression program you have chosen to install. Save the folder present in the RAR file inside your hard drive (normally it is the "C:" drive).
Step 4. Navigate to the folder you just extracted
Inside you should find several files.
Step 5. Select the file
_TestRights.cmd with the right mouse button, then choose "Run as administrator" from the context menu that appeared.
A Windows Command Prompt window will appear which will automatically start the installation.
Step 6. Select the file
Installer.cmd with the right mouse button, then choose "Run as administrator" from the context menu that appeared.
A second Command Prompt window will open. Once the installation is complete you will be asked to close the window in question.
Step 7. Start Windows Media Center
At this point you should be able to run Windows Media Center from the Start menu or by accessing the "Accessories" folder.
Step 8. Download additional codecs (if needed)
Some users have reported that they have encountered problems playing their media files due to the lack of suitable codecs. If this is your case, you can download and install a codec pack available from numerous online sources. Look for the codec pack created by "Shark" and available for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1. With the installation of this package, support for several formats including "MKV", "AVI" and "MOV" files is added.
Method 2 of 3: Windows 8.1
Step 1. Understand the installation procedure
Windows Media Center was not included in Windows 8 at the time of its release and was only made available for the Professional version of Windows 8.1. Windows Media Center is therefore not available for the standard version of Windows 8.1, which means that you need to purchase the upgrade to the Professional version in order to use it. This is the only officially supported method for installing and using Windows Media Center on systems running Windows 8.1.
Step 2. If necessary, then upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
In order to use Windows Media Center, you need to install the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack or Media Center Pack, so the first step is to update the operating system to the Windows 8.1 version. The upgrade to Windows 8.1 is free and can be done directly from the Windows store. Check out this guide for more details on how to upgrade your operating system from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1.
Step 3. Determine which package you need
There are two types of packages for Windows 8.1 that give access to Windows Media Center, the choice depends on the version of Windows in use. Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + Pause to access detailed information of your system.
- Pro Pack (€ 99) - this is the upgrade to the Professional version of Windows 8.1 Home Edition, which also includes Windows Media Center.
- Media Center Pack (€ 9.99) - this update is intended for users who already have Windows 8.1 Professional Edition and installs Windows Media Center.
Step 4. Purchase the upgrade
You can purchase these upgrade packages directly from Microsoft's website, or you can purchase a valid product key from an authorized seller, such as Amazon or Best Buy.
Step 5. Add new features to Windows 8.1
After obtaining the Product Key, you can enter it in Windows to download and install the new update.
- Press the ⊞ Win key, then type in the keywords "added functionality".
- Choose the item "Adding Features to Windows 8.1".
- Select the "I already have a product key" option.
- Type the Product Key in the field provided.
Step 6. Wait for the files to install
After providing the activation code, the update related files will be downloaded and installed. At the end of the installation procedure the computer will automatically restart. Once the reboot is complete and once you have confirmed that the installation is complete, you can launch Windows Media Center from the Start screen.
Step 7. Disable the Windows 10 upgrade
All users of Windows 8.1 systems are offered the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. However, remember that if you want to use Windows Media Center, you will have to avoid upgrading your system to Windows 10. As explained above, Windows Media Center is a finished project and no longer supported by Microsoft, which has not made it available for systems that they adopt Windows 10. To use Windows Media Center in Windows 10 anyway, you can refer to the previous section of this guide, but the program may not be supported correctly and therefore present malfunctions. For now, consider continuing to use Windows 8.1.
Method 3 of 3: Windows 7
Step 1. Make sure you have the correct version of Windows 7
Windows Media Center is available for free for all versions of Windows 7, except Starter and Home Basic. If you have one of these versions, you will need to upgrade your system to at least the Home Premium version in order to have access to Windows Media Center.
In order to update Windows 7, you must purchase a valid "Product Key". Normally the cost of the upgrade is 100 €, but since Windows 7 is now an outdated system it may be difficult to find a valid "Product Key". This is the only way to legally install Windows Media Center on the Starter and Home Basic versions of Windows 7
Step 2. Log in to the "Control Panel"
If your version of Windows 7 already supports using Windows Media Center, but you can't open it, it most likely wasn't enabled during installation. To enable it, you need to access the "Control Panel" via the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Select the "Programs" or "Programs and Features" link
The complete list of programs installed on your computer will be displayed.
Step 4. Select the item "Turn Windows features on or off"
A list of all Windows features available for activation or deactivation will be displayed. In order to have access to this list, you must have system administrator permissions.
Step 5. Expand the "Multimedia Features" item
You should see three options available: "Windows DVD Maker", "Windows Media Center" and "Windows Media Player".
If the only option available is "Windows Media Player", it means that you are using the Starter or Home Basic version of Windows 7. In this case, Windows Media Center is not available for activation. In order to proceed further, you must first update your operating system to a version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that supports Windows Media Center
Step 6. Select the "Windows Media Center" check button
To proceed with the installation of the new feature, press the "OK" button. This step may take several minutes to complete.
Step 7. Start Windows Media Center
After completing the installation, within the "Start" menu, there will be the option to start Windows Media Center. If you can't find it, search using the following keywords "Windows Media Center".
Step 8. Avoid upgrading to Windows 10
If you want to use Windows Media Center, you do not need to upgrade your system to Windows 10. As explained above, Windows Media Center is a finished project and no longer supported by Microsoft which has not made it available for systems running Windows 10. To use however Windows Media Center in Windows 10, you can refer to the first section of this guide, but the program may not be supported correctly and therefore presents malfunctions.
