WIN8 Media Center installation process

Apply for free Windows Media Center

In the previous article we have done a fool-type operation to show you how to upgrade your system to the Windows 8 Professional through the WIN8 upgrade assistant, but some users will find that the WIN8 Professional Edition does not include Windows Media Center. This is not because there are problems in the installation process, but Microsoft did not have the software built into the system.

For cost reasons, there are no built-in media centers in the three versions of Microsoft's Win8, but they need to be purchased and added separately. But now that Microsoft has launched the free gift of Windows Media Center on its website, let's take the time to apply for installation.

Apply for free Windows Media Center

As time is limited, we recommend that you now log on to the official Microsoft page (click to enter) to apply. The process of application is very simple, even do not need to log in, just send any mail to the mailbox to fill in the designated location of the page, enter the verification code and then sent on it.

Computer knowledge

Official Free Application Interface

The free Windows 8 Media Center Pack will be sent to your reserved mailbox in the form of a product serial number, typically within 24 hours of receiving the message. Mail arrives at a speed that is not fast, so there is no need to worry about a user who doesn't receive a message for a while. In addition, please note your own junk mailbox, it is possible that the mail was mistaken for spam.

The following is what we received the content of the message, the most important is that series of product serial number, please properly preserved.

A serial number is provided in the received message content

It should be noted that this offer will only last until January 31 next year, after which the serial number will no longer be used for activation, so we recommend that the serial number immediately after the activation operation. At the same time, Microsoft will remind you when the Product key activation period is coming to an end.

Install Windows Media Center

With the serial number we are officially in the installation process of Windows Media Center. The installation of Windows Media Center does not require us to download the program first and then activate it through the serial number, but it is automatically installed and activated just like the WIN8 upgrade assistant, but this time we don't need to use the tools.

First slide the mouse to the lower right corner of the screen to call the charm bar Select "Settings", and then click "Computer Information" pop-up system interface. Now we see that there is a line in the Windows version of "Get more functionality for the new version of Windows" and click it.

Add more Features

Then we went to the "Add features to Windows" interface, when I chose "I have purchased a product key." Although our key is free of charge, it seems that Microsoft still belongs to the legally purchased product.

Select Purchased Product Key

In the next interface, the serial number in our mailbox is copied into the input box, then the system will be validated once, and the next step can proceed when the key is valid.

Fill in the Product key we obtained

After accepting the license terms, click "Add Function", our installation operation is completed. Then the system will be installed automatically, the time of installation will depend on your computer and whether it needs to be updated, and all we have to do is wait.

Accept the License Agreement

The rest of the installation will be completed automatically

It is important to note that the computer restarts at least once during the installation process, so if you still have a program in progress or unsaved files on your computer, do so as soon as possible to avoid loss.

Re-activating the issue

When your computer is turned on again, you will see in the start screen that the Metro Tile for Windows Media Center has been generated, and we can see a large cue box when we get to the desktop, which means the Media Center has been installed successfully.

Prompt to indicate installation is complete after reboot

But some users will find that the system that has been activated after the computer restarts has suddenly become inactive. Do not panic, then still enter the "Computer Information" interface, click on the bottom of the "Windows Activation View Details", and then click the "Activate" button on it.

Re-activate the system

At this point you will find that the system is activated again, and it is no longer the previous activation sequence number, but the product serial number of the Windows Media Center we obtained.

At the same time, looking at the computer information, the Windows 8 Professional Edition shown in "Windows version" has now become the "Windows 8 Professional Edition (including Media Center)", which means that we have successfully activated the Media Center feature in Win8.

Both the Product ID and the Windows version have changed

With Windows Media Center, we can organize our own pictures, movies and music, watch TV on our computers, or watch the contents of Windows Media Center on TV via Xbox 360. You can think of it as your home Media Center and manage multiple media devices.

Windows Media Center

This is the entire application and installation process for Windows Media Center, which is now available for free. So when you see this article, if you do not have this feature installed, please enter the website as soon as possible to apply for free, and before January 31, 2013 to activate it, but also hope that our installation steps can effectively help you.