Install Windows Media Center on Windows 10 - Step-by-Step Guide
Reviving Windows Media Center on Windows 10
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft discontinued Windows Media Center, and no official method exists to reinstate it. Despite this removal, users seeking similar functionality can explore alternatives such as Kodi, which offers both playback and live TV recording capabilities.
Unofficial Re-enablement
However, resourceful members of the user community have developed methods to restore Windows Media Center functionality on Windows 10 systems. It's important to note that this is not a supported or officially sanctioned process.
Microsoft's official stance is that users desiring Windows Media Center should continue utilizing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. However, maintaining older operating systems presents increasing challenges over time.
Microsoft's Position
Currently, Microsoft has ceased all development and support for Windows Media Center. The company is not focused on providing updates or assistance for this feature moving forward.
Therefore, while community-driven solutions exist, users should be aware that they are relying on unofficial methods and that long-term compatibility is not guaranteed.
Acquiring the Windows Media Center Unofficial Installer
Related: Determining Your Windows Version – 32-bit or 64-bit?
It is crucial to acknowledge that Microsoft does not provide official support for this procedure. The installation requires obtaining a modified Windows Media Center application from a third-party source. Proceed with caution if you are hesitant about utilizing unofficial downloads.
Our testing revealed no issues, and multiple malware scans have indicated the file's cleanliness. Furthermore, several prominent websites have documented this application. However, we can only offer this observation as a point of reference.
Should you choose to proceed, navigate to this discussion thread on the My Digital Life forums. Account registration is typically required to access the most recent download links, but the links current as of June 2016 are provided below:
- Windows Media Center (64-bit)
- Windows Media Center (32-bit)
Select and download the installer version that corresponds to your Windows 10 architecture – either 32-bit or 64-bit. Utilize the "Download through your browser" option on the download page to begin the process.
Step Two: Installing Windows Media Center
The archive you downloaded is in .7z format, necessitating the download and installation of 7-Zip to access its contents.
After installation, locate the downloaded .7z file within File Explorer. Right-click on it and choose 7-Zip, then select the "Extract Here" option.
Extraction will create a folder named WMC. The included readme file advises copying this folder to a short file path, avoiding spaces, to prevent potential issues.
For instance, placing the folder directly within your C:\ drive is a recommended practice.
Navigate into the folder and right-click the "_TestRights.cmd" file. Select "Run as Administrator" from the context menu.
A Command Prompt window will briefly appear; it can then be closed.
Subsequently, right-click the "Installer.cmd" file and choose "Run as Administrator" to begin the installation process.
The installation's progress will be displayed within a Command Prompt window. Do not close this window until the message "Press any key to exit" is shown.
Should problems arise, re-running the _TestRights.cmd file and then rebooting your system before attempting to run the Installer.cmd file again may resolve them.
If you have previously installed this package, or if upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1 with a prior Windows Media Center installation, you might need to execute the "Uninstaller.cmd" file as an administrator.
This will remove any remaining components before a successful installation can occur. Furthermore, this same file is used for complete Windows Media Center uninstallation when desired.
Launching Windows Media Center After Installation
Once the installation of Windows Media Center is complete, the application will be accessible through your Start menu, functioning like any other installed program.
The program should operate without issue, mirroring the user experience found in previous versions such as Windows 7 and 8.1.
Addressing Further Issues
Should you experience additional difficulties, consult the Workarounds.txt file for detailed guidance. This resource compiles a catalog of commonly reported problems and verified solutions.
As an illustration, the file suggests installing the Shark007 codec pack to resolve "Decoder Error" messages when playing specific media formats. It also offers troubleshooting steps for scenarios where Windows Media Center fails to detect TV tuner cards and configure live television functionality.
Visual Aid
Although Windows Media Center is presently functional, its continued operation isn't guaranteed due to potential future Windows 10 modifications.
Past instances, such as the November update (build 1511) automatically removing installed Windows 7-era desktop games like Solitaire, demonstrate this possibility. A future Windows 10 update potentially uninstalling Windows Media Center wouldn't be unexpected.
Should this occur, it is anticipated that the user community will once more develop and share effective workarounds.
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