How to Upgrade My Media Center Version

Windows Media Center allows users to play movies and watch TV.

Windows Media Center is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product from Microsoft and comes bundled with some versions of its operating systems. The program itself does not feature an upgrade tool. The reason for this is because it is bundled with Microsoft operating systems. The only way to legally upgrade the software is to purchase the latest Windows operating system. For example, someone with the XP version of Media Center may want to upgrade to Windows 7.

Things You'll Need

• Latest Microsoft OS

Instructions

1. Check to see which version of Windows is installed on the computer. This can be done by clicking "Start," "Control Panel" and double-clicking "System." The OS version will be displayed.

2. Upgrade the OS. As of March 2011, the newest version of Windows is Windows 7. Other versions, such as XP and Vista, may not have the latest version of Media Center. Purchase a copy of Windows 7 from an authorized Microsoft retailer.

3. Install Windows 7 on the computer. Upgrading to 7 will allow the user to keep all his files while still successfully upgrading. Insert the Windows 7 disc and follow the prompts to install.

4. Open Media Center after the install has finished. Click "Start," "Programs" and "Media Center" to open the program. The latest version of Media Center should be installed.

References

• Microsoft: Media Center
• EnGadget; A couple of first looks at Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005; Peter Rojas; October 6, 2004