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Windows Media Center for windows 8.1 pro
Posted on 2016-08-12
Does any one know where I can buy Windows Media Center foe windows 8.1 pro.
I have on one of my computer windows 8.1 pro and I would like to install wmc on it.
I know Microsoft windows does not sell it any more.
I have on one of my computer windows 8.1 pro and I would like to install wmc on it.
I know Microsoft windows does not sell it any more.
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14 Comments
Active today
Media Center is a dead duck. It is not on Window 10 either. So if you intend to move on, forget Media Center
There is a hack for media center on Windows 10 and it might work on Windows 8
http://www.windowscentral.com/install-media-center-windows-10
Here is another hack for media center on Windows 8.1
http://www.windowscentral.com/install-media-center-windows-10
Do you NEED Media Center?
There is a hack for media center on Windows 10 and it might work on Windows 8
http://www.windowscentral.com/install-media-center-windows-10
Here is another hack for media center on Windows 8.1
http://www.windowscentral.com/install-media-center-windows-10
Do you NEED Media Center?
I know it was dead, but there was still a few places that sold it.
Also and your answer both of the items you typed were the same place.
Thank you any way
Also and your answer both of the items you typed were the same place.
Thank you any way
Active today
I do not even see it on eBay. I have looked for a while. It is not available anywhere (legal) that I can see.
Active today
Also sorry about the bad link for Windows 8.1. It was useless anyway. It was written in 2013 when you could still download Media Center.
I suggest finding a different product to do what you want and something you can use in Windows 10.
I suggest finding a different product to do what you want and something you can use in Windows 10.
Active today
I found some alternatives for you and that is probably the best you will be able to do.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-alternatives-windows-media-center/
There really are some good alternatives that will work for you now and into the future.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-alternatives-windows-media-center/
There really are some good alternatives that will work for you now and into the future.
Active today
It used to be for sale on Microsoft for quite a lot of money
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro Pack (Win 8.1 to Win 8.1 Pro Upgrade) - Key Card - Price:$254.99 read all the steps
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Pack-Upgrade/product-reviews/B00EDSI7K0
as you run windows 8.1 pro now why dont you have it already?
If it is available and if you’ve already purchased the Windows Media Center Pack for Windows 8.1 Pro.
Quote
Add Windows 8.1 Pro Pack or Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows 8.1
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.1 and then do one of the following:
If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click I want to buy a product key online.
Follow the steps to purchase and enter a product key.
If you already have a product key, tap or click I already have a product key.
Enter your product key and click Next.
Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.
If you were running Windows 8.1, your PC will restart automatically and Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center will be available for use.
If you were running Windows 8.1 Pro, your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.
* To install Windows 8.1 Pro Pack, you must be running Windows 8.1; to install Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack, you must be running Windows 8.1 Pro. Internet access fees may apply. Prices shown are estimated retail prices; actual price may vary. Additional hardware may be required to watch and record live TV with Windows Media Center. Terms and conditions.
If you purchase a new PC with an edition of Windows 8.1 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8.1 Pro Pack, Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store.
Source
http://www.asus.com/au/support/FAQ/1005433/
This may help, wiki hw to install WMC
http://www.wikihow.com/Download-Windows-Media-Center
source from MS
Windows 8 and 8.1 Pro Pack and Media Pack are no longer available to buy
As of October 30, 2015, the Windows 8 and 8.1 Pro Pack (which upgraded Windows 8 Home or 8.1 Home to Windows 8 Pro or 8.1 Pro, with Media Center) and Media Pack (which added Media Center to Windows 8 Pro or 8.1 Pro) are no longer available for purchase from Microsoft.
Previously purchased feature pack licenses will still work, and valid feature packs may still be available for purchase from third-party retailers.
Support for these products is still available.
these days there is the apps
My Media Center
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/my-media-center/9wzdncrdmrn8
free
MC Media Center
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/mc-media-center/9wzdncrdqj67
Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro Pack (Win 8.1 to Win 8.1 Pro Upgrade) - Key Card - Price:$254.99 read all the steps
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Pack-Upgrade/product-reviews/B00EDSI7K0
as you run windows 8.1 pro now why dont you have it already?
If it is available and if you’ve already purchased the Windows Media Center Pack for Windows 8.1 Pro.
Quote
Add Windows 8.1 Pro Pack or Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows 8.1
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.1 and then do one of the following:
If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click I want to buy a product key online.
Follow the steps to purchase and enter a product key.
If you already have a product key, tap or click I already have a product key.
Enter your product key and click Next.
Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.
If you were running Windows 8.1, your PC will restart automatically and Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center will be available for use.
If you were running Windows 8.1 Pro, your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.
* To install Windows 8.1 Pro Pack, you must be running Windows 8.1; to install Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack, you must be running Windows 8.1 Pro. Internet access fees may apply. Prices shown are estimated retail prices; actual price may vary. Additional hardware may be required to watch and record live TV with Windows Media Center. Terms and conditions.
If you purchase a new PC with an edition of Windows 8.1 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8.1 Pro Pack, Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store.
Source
http://www.asus.com/au/support/FAQ/1005433/
This may help, wiki hw to install WMC
http://www.wikihow.com/Download-Windows-Media-Center
source from MS
Windows 8 and 8.1 Pro Pack and Media Pack are no longer available to buy
As of October 30, 2015, the Windows 8 and 8.1 Pro Pack (which upgraded Windows 8 Home or 8.1 Home to Windows 8 Pro or 8.1 Pro, with Media Center) and Media Pack (which added Media Center to Windows 8 Pro or 8.1 Pro) are no longer available for purchase from Microsoft.
Previously purchased feature pack licenses will still work, and valid feature packs may still be available for purchase from third-party retailers.
Support for these products is still available.
these days there is the apps
My Media Center
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/my-media-center/9wzdncrdmrn8
free
MC Media Center
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/mc-media-center/9wzdncrdqj67
Active 6 days ago
If you need Media Center, the best approach is to simply install Windows 7, which has it embedded in the OS.
Although there ARE alternatives, none of them have the same capabilities for recording protected content and allowing that content to be played back anywhere in your home via inexpensive Xbox extenders. As a "Super DVR" WMC is still about as good as you can get ... and it'll work just fine for at least 5 more years; and likely 8. I doubt the guide will be disabled before the end of extended Windows 8.1 support.
As for where you can get it -- I simply don't know ... the link John provided above isn't useable right now; and I'm not sure I'd trust it anyway. As I noted, I'd just install Win7 if you want WMC.
For those who haven't USED WMC as a DVR, it's easy to understand why they're skeptical about the need for it. For those of us who have used it for the past few years, it's absolutely something I do NOT look forward to losing. We can record 9 channels at once; have an add-in that automatically kills all the commercials; can save thousands of hours ... effectively unlimited, as I can always simply expand my server storage space ... and have the identical interface at all of our TV's => main family room; extra rec room; master bedroom; guest bedroom; and my study.
I agree that except for the ability to easily record protected content via cable-card tuners; there are alternatives to WMC that aren't limited to older versions of Windows. Kodi is excellent; as are several of the other alternatives listed in the article referenced above. The Silicon Dust project (makers of the HDHomeRun tuners) has some promise -- but it's not yet able to handle protected content, which is a VERY significant flaw. I suspect there will indeed be a good alternative to WMC available in the next few years, before it is truly obsolete (i.e. when the guide data source is turned off by Microsoft).
Although there ARE alternatives, none of them have the same capabilities for recording protected content and allowing that content to be played back anywhere in your home via inexpensive Xbox extenders. As a "Super DVR" WMC is still about as good as you can get ... and it'll work just fine for at least 5 more years; and likely 8. I doubt the guide will be disabled before the end of extended Windows 8.1 support.
As for where you can get it -- I simply don't know ... the link John provided above isn't useable right now; and I'm not sure I'd trust it anyway. As I noted, I'd just install Win7 if you want WMC.
For those who haven't USED WMC as a DVR, it's easy to understand why they're skeptical about the need for it. For those of us who have used it for the past few years, it's absolutely something I do NOT look forward to losing. We can record 9 channels at once; have an add-in that automatically kills all the commercials; can save thousands of hours ... effectively unlimited, as I can always simply expand my server storage space ... and have the identical interface at all of our TV's => main family room; extra rec room; master bedroom; guest bedroom; and my study.
I agree that except for the ability to easily record protected content via cable-card tuners; there are alternatives to WMC that aren't limited to older versions of Windows. Kodi is excellent; as are several of the other alternatives listed in the article referenced above. The Silicon Dust project (makers of the HDHomeRun tuners) has some promise -- but it's not yet able to handle protected content, which is a VERY significant flaw. I suspect there will indeed be a good alternative to WMC available in the next few years, before it is truly obsolete (i.e. when the guide data source is turned off by Microsoft).
Active today
@oneplace - The reason Media Center is gone is the market was too tiny. It is not likely (at all) to be coming back and Windows 10 is here to stay, so best to use one of the alternatives above.
Active 6 days ago
"Dead and gone" is a bit harsh. It actually works VERY well, and won't be "dead and gone" until Microsoft pulls the plug on the guide update service, which most likely won't be before 2023, when Windows 8 finally "dies" (Jan 10, 2023).
As I noted earlier, WMC is about as good as you can get for a "Super DVR". I've tried virtually all of the alternatives; and there simply aren't any that work as well with protected content and cable card tuners. The most promising alternative is probably the Silicon Dust PVR project, but that's got a good ways to go before it'll be a good replacement for WMC. I certainly think this, or some other alternative, will be more mature and fully protected-content capable well before the 2023 date.
Unfortunately, it does indeed seem to be nearly impossible to find WMC for Win 8.1, so that best alternative is to simply install Windows 7 on any PC you want to use for WMC. Most PC's being used for this are likely dedicated to WMC, so there's no real downside to using the older OS.
As I noted earlier, WMC is about as good as you can get for a "Super DVR". I've tried virtually all of the alternatives; and there simply aren't any that work as well with protected content and cable card tuners. The most promising alternative is probably the Silicon Dust PVR project, but that's got a good ways to go before it'll be a good replacement for WMC. I certainly think this, or some other alternative, will be more mature and fully protected-content capable well before the 2023 date.
Unfortunately, it does indeed seem to be nearly impossible to find WMC for Win 8.1, so that best alternative is to simply install Windows 7 on any PC you want to use for WMC. Most PC's being used for this are likely dedicated to WMC, so there's no real downside to using the older OS.
The problem I am having with windows 7 is I can not fine how to o change or uninstall the Standard vga graphics adapter, I delete it and put a new one on, but it just comes back and deletes the new one. So if I can fine out how to do that I will be ok, because everything else works fine. I have a AMD E-11200 APU with Radeon (TM) HD GB 7.72 64-bit AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics., thank you for your comment.
Active 6 days ago
Have you installed the latest AMD Radeon driver for Windows 7? It shows support for the Radeon E-series APU's is included with that package, so it should be what you need.
http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/desktop?os=Windows+7+-+64
http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/desktop?os=Windows+7+-+64
Active 6 days ago
... Just in case you're using Win 7 x32:
http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/desktop?os=Windows+7+-+32
http://support.amd.com/en-us/download/desktop?os=Windows+7+-+32
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