Windows Media Center is a multimedia playback and management software that allows you to record TV shows, manage and play multimedia files, and more. Media Center is no longer supported by Microsoft, but you can still download and install this program on Windows 7 or 8.1. If you are running Windows 10, you will have to look for a modified (by third-party programmers) version of Media Center, as Windows 10 does not support this program at all.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Windows 10
Step 1. Explain the process
Media Center is no longer supported by Microsoft, so you won't be able to install this program on Windows 10 in the standard way. The following is a method by which you can install and use Windows Media Center, but be prepared for software crashes or problems.
Step 2. Download the required files
You will need a modified version of the program that was created by third-party programmers. The necessary files can be downloaded! 7QMEwY5K! MQKFQZB4bMaHAnwxU8fpNJOzhabBK1Ez5hFCkA1gqmk here or on the Internet find WindowsMediaCenter_10.0.10134.0v2.1.rar and download this archive from a reliable site.
To unpack the downloaded RAR file and extract the files, you will need an archiving program. To do this, you can use the trial version of the WinRAR program or the free 7-Zip archiver. Read this article for more information
Step 3. Unpack the archive
Using an archiving program, unpack the downloaded RAR file and extract the files from it. Copy them to a folder in the root directory of the system drive (usually drive C:).
Step 4. Open the folder with the extracted files
It should contain several files.
Step 5. Right click on the file
_TestRights.cmd and click "Run as administrator". A command prompt window will open and the installation will start in unattended mode.
Step 6. Right click on the file
Installer.cmd and click "Run as administrator". Another command prompt window will open; you will be prompted to close it when the installation is complete.
Step 7. Start Windows Media Center
To do this, find the program icon in the Start menu or in the Windows Accessories folder.
Step 8. Download additional codecs (if necessary)
Some users claim to have problems playing multimedia files due to the lack of codecs. If that's your case, install a codec pack that can be downloaded from various online sources. For Windows 10 and 8.1, the Shark codec pack is perfect; this package will provide support for MKV, AVI, MOV and other multimedia formats.
Method 2 of 3: Windows 8.1
Step 1. Explain the process
Windows Media Center was not included in the first release of Windows 8, so it is only available in Windows 8.1 Pro. This program is not included in the standard version 8.1, so you will have to upgrade to 8.1 Pro to be able to use Windows Media Center. This is the only legal way to get Windows Media Center in Windows 8.1.
Step 2. Upgrade Windows 8 to 8.1 (if necessary)
You will need Windows 8.1 to be able to install the Pro Pack or Media Center Pack - these packages will allow you to run Windows Media Center. You can upgrade to 8.1 for free in the Windows Store. Look online for detailed instructions on how to upgrade Windows 8 to 8.1.
Step 3. Determine which package you need
There are two different packages that enable you to enjoy Media Center in Windows 8.1. Choosing the right package depends on your version of Windows. Press ⊞ Win + Pause to check your operating system version.
- Pro Pack ($ 99/8000 rubles). With this package, you will upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Pro and install Windows Media Center.
- Media Center Pack ($ 9.99 / 800 rubles). This package is only for those running Windows 8.1 Pro and will allow you to install Windows Media Center.
Step 4. Purchase the update package
This can be done both on the Microsoft website and in online stores (Amazon or Best Buy).
Step 5. Add the package key to Windows 8.1
After purchasing the key, enter it in Windows to be able to download and install the update package.
- Press ⊞ Win and type “add components” in the search bar (without the quotes).
- Select "Add Features to Windows 8.1".
- Select "I already have a product key."
- Enter the key in the appropriate field.
Step 6. Wait for the download and installation of the batch files to complete
By entering the key and agreeing to the terms and conditions, the update package files will be downloaded and installed. When the installation is complete, the computer will automatically restart. After that, the screen will display a confirmation that the installation is complete; you can now launch Windows Media Center from the Start screen.
Step 7. Delay updating your operating system to Windows 10
All Windows 8.1 users are offered a free upgrade to Windows 10; do not do this if you are using Windows Media Center, as Windows 10 does not support this program at all. Of course, you can use the method described in the previous chapter to install Media Center on Windows 10, but remember that the program may malfunction on this system. So work with Windows 8.1 for now.
Method 3 of 3: Windows 7
Step 1. Make sure you are running the correct version of Windows 7
You can install Media Center for free on any version of Windows 7 except Starter and Home Basic. If you have one of these operating system versions installed, update to at least Windows Home Premium to access Media Center.
You will have to buy a key to update the system. Typically, the key costs about $ 100 (RUR 8,000), but it is difficult to find nowadays since Windows 7 was released many years ago. Buying a key to download updates is the only legal way to access Windows Media Center in Windows 7 Starter / Home Basic
Step 2. Open Control Panel
If you are running the correct version of Windows 7 but cannot start Windows Media Center, then the program was most likely disabled during installation. You can activate it through the Control Panel. Click "Start" - "Control Panel".
Step 3. Click Programs or Programs and Features
A list of all programs installed on your computer will be displayed.
Step 4. Click Turn Windows features on or off
A list of all Windows components, both enabled and disabled, will open. In order to open this list, you will need administrator access.
Step 5. Expand the option "Components for working with multimedia"
The following three entries are displayed: Windows DVD Maker, Windows Media Center, and Windows Media Player.
If you only see "Windows Media Player" then you are running Windows 7 Starter or Home Basic. These versions cannot legally install Windows Media Center. You will have to upgrade your operating system to one of the versions of Windows 7 or 8.1 that supports Windows Media Center
Step 6. Check the box next to "Windows Media Center"
Click "OK" to activate the program; it will take some time.
Step 7. Start Windows Media Center
After activating the program, you will find its icon in the Start menu. If you can't find it, in the Start menu search bar, type "Windows Media Center" (without the quotes).
Step 8. Don't upgrade your system to Windows 10
If you are using Windows Media Center, postpone the free upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft no longer supports Windows Media Center, so this program is not available on Windows 10. You can use the method described in the first chapter to install Media Center on Windows 10, be aware, however, that the program may malfunction on this system.