How to add Windows Media Center to Windows 8 Pro for free
Windows Media Center isn't included with Windows 8, but for a limited time, you can get it free of charge.
Ed Rhee
Ed Rhee, a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an IT veteran turned stay-at-home-dad of two girls. He focuses on Android devices and applications while maintaining a review blog at techdadreview.com.
Unlike Windows 7, Windows 8 will not come with Windows Media Center as part of the operating system. It's now an add-on that can be purchased through the Add Features option in Windows 8. For a limited time, however, Microsoft is offering Windows Media Center to Windows 8 Pro customers for free. Here's how to get it:
- Request your free product key from Microsoft's Web site.
- Hit the shortcut, Win+W, then type "add features." Select "Add features to Windows 8."
- Click on "I already have a product key," then enter your product key. Click Next to continue.
- Agree to the licensing agreement, then click "Add features."
Once the offer expires on January 31, 2013, the cost to add Windows Media Center will be $9.99. This offer does not apply to Windows 8 users who aren't running the Pro version. Non-Windows 8 Pro users will have to purchase the Windows 8 Pro Pack in order to get Windows Media Center.