Add Folders to Windows 7 Media Center Movie Library
Adding Movie Files to Your Windows Media Center Library
Many users maintain a personal archive of movie files on their computers. These files are often stored in formats like AVI or MPEG. This guide details the process of integrating these files into the Movie Library within Windows Media Center.
Expanding Your Media Center Collection
Windows Media Center allows for the inclusion of numerous folders within its Media Libraries. This flexibility means you can organize your content as you see fit.
Regardless of where your video content resides, it can be incorporated into your Movie Library.
Accessing Files from Various Locations
The system isn't limited to locally stored videos. Files located on external hard drives are readily supported.
Furthermore, videos and movies saved on other Windows 7 computers connected to your network can also be added to your central Media Center Movie Library. This enables a unified viewing experience across multiple devices.
Adding folders to your Media Center Libraries is a straightforward process, allowing you to easily enjoy your entire collection.
Compatible Video File Types
By default, Windows Media Center is capable of playing a variety of video file formats. The following outlines the supported types and their corresponding file extensions.
Supported Formats and Extensions
A comprehensive list detailing which video file formats are natively recognized by Windows Media Center is provided below.
- AVI files: These are identified by the .avi extension.
- MPEG-4: Files utilizing this format will have extensions such as .mp4, .m4v, or .mov.
- MPEG-2: This format encompasses several extensions, including .mpeg, .mpg, .m1v, .mp2, .mpv2, .mpe, .mod, and .vob.
- Windows Media: Files in the Windows Media format are recognized with the extensions .wmv, .wm, and .asf.
- Windows Recorded TV: Recordings made through Windows Recorded TV utilize the .wtv and .dvr-ms extensions.
- Apple QuickTime: The Apple QuickTime format is supported through the .mov and .qt file extensions.
- AVCHD files: High-definition video captured in the AVCHD format is playable with the .m2ts and .m2t extensions.
- MPEG-1: Files adhering to the MPEG-1 standard are identified by the .m1v extension.
Ensuring your video files utilize one of these formats will guarantee compatibility with Windows Media Center. Proper file extension association is critical for successful playback.
Integrating Folders into Your Media Library
To begin, launch Windows Media Center (WMC) and navigate to the Tasks menu. From there, select Settings...
Within Settings, choose Media Libraries.
Select the "Movies" library and proceed by clicking "Next."
Choose the option "Add Folders to the Library" and then click "Next" to continue the process.
You will now be prompted to specify the location of your movie files. If your movies are stored on a local hard drive, a mapped network drive, or a USB drive, select "On this computer." Alternatively, choose "On another computer" to access folders on other Windows 7 machines on your network. Note that media streaming must be configured beforehand to view content from another computer.
Browse the file system to locate the desired folders. Utilize the plus (+) symbol to expand sub-folders. Remember that only folders will be visible, not the individual video files themselves, so prior knowledge of your file structure is essential. Select each folder by clicking the checkbox next to it. Then, click "Next" when you have finished your selections.
WMC will display a confirmation of your selections. The first five media directories are shown initially. Scroll using the up or down arrows to view any additional folders. If further additions are needed, click "No, I want to make more changes" and repeat the selection process. Once complete, choose "Yes, use these locations" and click "Finish."
Your video files will now be integrated into your Movie Library. The time required for Media Center to add and display all files will depend on the quantity being added.
Simply browse your selections and click to begin playback.
With these steps completed, you are now able to enjoy your complete movie collection directly within Windows Media Center. Refer to our previous guide for assistance with configuring streaming media from other Windows 7 computers.
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