Windows Media Center (WMC) is a legacy multimedia software developed by Microsoft, serving as a digital video recorder (DVR), a versatile media player, and a TV display unit. Initially introduced in 2002 with the Windows XP Media Center Edition, it allows users to watch and record live television, manage music and videos, stream services like Netflix, and view photo slideshows. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing and setting up Windows Media Center on the latest Windows versions.
How to Download Windows Media Center for Windows 11
As of now, Windows Media Center is not available for direct download for Windows 11 users, following its discontinuation with Windows 10. Nevertheless, a dedicated community has worked to revive this classic software. You will need to obtain a third-party installation package, which requires some manual extraction and execution.
Various Windows Media Center packages can be found online, and one reliable option is a clean MSI installer hosted on GitHub. This installer has proven safe, as it did not raise any red flags from Microsoft SmartScreen or Microsoft Defender Antivirus on my Windows 11 device. However, it is always prudent to scan any external downloads using VirusTotal to detect potential malware threats.
Alternatively, you may encounter a compressed version of the software on platforms like Google Drive, which requires you to extract the folder and access its contents accordingly.
Configuring Windows Media Center
The installation process for WMC is relatively straightforward, but there are essential dependencies that you need to address. Begin by opening the MSI file as you normally would.
The initial dependency to download is the Microsoft DVD Player, which the installation process will prompt you to acquire. Click Yes when prompted.
Once the Microsoft DVD Player finishes downloading, proceed with its installation. This process is quick, and you will find the app labeled Windows DVD Player on your system.
Upon successful DVD Player installation, the WMC Setup Wizard will appear. Click Next and follow the on-screen prompts until you receive an Installation Complete notification.
At this point, Windows Media Center should be operational on your PC, accessible via the search bar. Be sure to Run as Administrator for subsequent settings adjustments, as discussed below.
Your next step involves configuring WMC to connect with a nearby television. Use an HDMI cable or Ethernet to establish a connection between your TV and PC. Open the WMC application, navigate to Tasks -> Settings, then locate the option TV -> Configure Your TV or Monitor.
Ensure that your display (either a TV or monitor) is connected properly and click OK on the confirmation prompt stating Yes, I see the wizard on my preferred display. Then, proceed by clicking Next.
Select the type of display you are connecting to; I chose Flat Panel TV for this setup.
Next, decide on the connection type. If you’re using HDMI cables, select that option. Otherwise, you can choose from the available alternatives. Additionally, customize the display width and resolution before clicking Finish this wizard.
Return to Settings -> Set Up TV Signal. If the setup yields an error message indicating that no TV tuner is available, this will be the next critical configuration step.
Installation of Live TV Tuner
Another prerequisite includes configuring a compatible TV tuner for seamless operation with WMC. If you already possess a TV tuner, follow this community-driven guide, based on the contributions of a user named “GunnerHook.”
Begin by connecting the HDHomeRun hardware. Plug the coaxial cable from your antenna or cable provider into the input designed for antennas/cable on the HDHomeRun unit. Ensure that the HDHomeRun device is linked to your home router via Ethernet and power it on.
Next, download the latest software for the HDHomeRun TV tuner. Once installed, launch the application and select Windows Media Center from the BDA Compatibility Mode dropdown menu.
The installation will be handled through the Microsoft Store in the background, where it will verify user requirements, proceeding with the download and installation.
A command prompt should be opened with administrator privileges. Input the following command:
attrib -r C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
Press Enter, then type the next command:
notepad C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
In the Notepad window, substitute the penultimate hash symbol with the following line:
2.16.216.176 cdn.epg.tvdownload.microsoft.com
If you reside on either the west or east coast of the United States, insert this next line:
65.55.186.113 data.tvdownload.microsoft.com
For those living in the central or southern states, utilize this line instead:
65.55.5.170 data.tvdownload.microsoft.com
Next, go back to your WMC application and select the TV tuner installation option as illustrated below.
Save the modified Notepad file, restart your computer, and launch Windows Media Center in administrator mode to complete the Live TV setup process.
Upon returning to the WMC home screen, navigate to TV and select Live TV Setup. Windows Media Center should recognize your HDHomeRun as the default TV tuner.
Exploring More Features of Windows Media Center
With Windows Media Center successfully installed and operational on your Windows 11 system, you can explore a variety of additional functionalities. However, keep in mind that this process is somewhat complicated and may not guarantee success as it is rooted in community-developed workarounds.
Once the software is up and running, consider these features for enhancing your experience:
- Utilize as a Media Center Extender: Head over to Tasks -> Add extender to enable streaming movies or videos from your laptop or computer to a larger TV screen. A setup key will be required on your TV device for manual entry into WMC.
- Establish a Pictures and Video Library: Leverage WMC to navigate through your entire collection of videos and photographs stored on your PC. The organization of slideshows and albums is typically much better than what you’ll find in the default Photos application.
Bear in mind that WMC has a significant reliance on hardware to function as a proper DVR tool. Alternatively, contemporary users often prefer Kodi devices, which are easier to set up on PCs, or explore one of the many WMC alternatives available today.
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