Earlier this year I suggested that because Microsoft was unbundling Windows Media Center from Windows 8, fans of the former should avoid upgrading to the latter.
Thankfully, Microsoft plans to charge a reasonable (but still annoying) $9.99 for Windows Media Center. Given how few users actually use the product, I can live with that. See Windows 8 review.
Of course, free is always better. And if you have Windows 8 Pro, you can get Windows Media Center free for a limited time. Here's how:
1. Head to Microsoft's Feature Packs page, scroll down a bit, and fill out the short form to request a free product key.
2. Once you've received the e-mail with the key, press Windows-W (i.e. hold down the Windows key and tap W) to bring up the Settings menu, then type add features.
3. Tap or click Add features to Windows 8, then tap/click I already have a product key.
4. Type or paste in your product key, click Next, read every last word of the licensing agreement (kidding!), and then click Add features.
Presto! You've got Windows Media Center--after a reboot, of course. Some things never change.
This offer is good through January 31, 2013, so you've got time. However, if you don't have the Pro version of Windows 8 and you want WMC, you'll need to pony up $69.99 to get the Windows 8 Pro Pack. Something to think about as you ponder your OS upgrade plans.
Contributing Editor Rick Broida writes about business and consumer technology. Ask for help with your PC hassles at hasslefree@pcworld.com, or try the treasure trove of helpful folks in the PC World Community Forums. Sign up to have the Hassle-Free PC newsletter e-mailed to you each week.
Comments
Guest said: Had same problem as below The offer will only work with Windows 8 PRO
Davidesaw said: got norovirus see httpwwwsquidoocomnorovir
Guest said: the key doest work I dont know whats wrong
Agathaa andrews said: So whats wrong with the UK Did the BBC somehow put a stop to us receiving this free software
Kaywestrap said: I get the product code but when I try to enter it it says that the code does not work have tried 2 different codes
Helen said: Request product key under the link given Go to control panel and select windows update Look to the bottom left of the panel and the add features is here I now have windows media centre added whether I use it is another matter Hope this helps anyone in the UK
Agathaa andrews said: But we here in the Uk with windows 8 pro dont have the add features installed
beefcake said: The website that handles these upgrades seems to be hard down at the moment for me at least Nice one Microsoft - as if you couldnt predict there would be a great deal of demand Typical Redmond style
daskino said: dont Work on DK version either
Tristen Robinson said: Doesnt work on the uk version seems MS might have dropped the ball a bit there