Missing Media Center in Windows 8 PRO Volume License

Having the same problem.

Windows 8 Pro, Volume License.

CC

You need to buy it.

Windows key + X

Click System

Click the link Add features to Windows

If you have been waiting to for the Windows Media center add-on to become available, wait no more, as the download is now available and it will set you back $10. As the name describes, the Media Center pack adds-on the much loved, but rarely used, Media Center functionality to Windows 8. We know there are a few die-hard fans out there but for the most part, the average consumer rarely used this tool.

Microsoft chose not to include the Media Center product likely to keep the entry cost of Windows 8 as low as possible. Seeing as Media Center uses many third-party codecs, Microsoft is forced to pay licensing fees to those respective companies. By removing the functionality, for those that do not need the software, Microsoft can then lower the cost of Windows 8 to all consumers.

Interestingly, you can pay via credit card or paypal. For those that love Paypal, and we know you are out there, you will enjoy this addition as it will make it easier to purchase the product.

Thank you for the response Andre.  In my case, I have already purchased WMC and have the key on hand.  Problem is none of the mentioned methods will get the "Add Features To Windows" option to come up, so there is no way to enter the key.

CC

You need to buy it.

Windows key + X

Click System

Click the link Add features to Windows

If you have been waiting to for the Windows Media center add-on to become available, wait no more, as the download is now available and it will set you back $10. As the name describes, the Media Center pack adds-on the much loved, but rarely used, Media Center functionality to Windows 8. We know there are a few die-hard fans out there but for the most part, the average consumer rarely used this tool.

Microsoft chose not to include the Media Center product likely to keep the entry cost of Windows 8 as low as possible. Seeing as Media Center uses many third-party codecs, Microsoft is forced to pay licensing fees to those respective companies. By removing the functionality, for those that do not need the software, Microsoft can then lower the cost of Windows 8 to all consumers.

Interestingly, you can pay via credit card or paypal. For those that love Paypal, and we know you are out there, you will enjoy this addition as it will make it easier to purchase the product.

I have Windows PRO 8 Volume License and as you mentioned I cannot find  Step 3 "Click the link Add features to Windows"  I got the Media center key and no way to enter that key without the "Add Features". Please help me if there is way to access "Add Features" link.

Thanks

Krishna

 

This is what I got after chatting with Microsoft Tech Help:

 

Volume License Key and "N" editions of windows 8 cannot have the media center feature..

 

Does not make sense ?

 

Thanks

Krishna

At least you got a reply!. MS have dropped the ball, they should at least tell MSDN subscribers NOT to install Pro edition because they forgot to provide and upgrade path for the Media Centre Pack. Not much value offering this for free if your subscribers cannot actually install on VL editions of Windows 8 Pro. You can install on non-Pro versions.

Actually, Windows 8 Pro accepts Media Center without a problem, and allows the user to add things, including media center, to a Windows 8 Pro installation.  I just got through doing it.  Your problem is the VL.  None of the volume licensing products allow for the installation of Media Center.  The price of the retail Windows 8 Pro license is already a crazy low of $39.99.  Media Player is free until February 2.  A VL version of Windows 8 Pro costs less than $39.99, so imo, the fact that the VL products won't accept add-ins like a free/$10 Media Center isn't surprising.

VL version of Windows 8 Pro costs less than $39.99, so imo, the fact that the VL products won't accept add-ins like a free/$10 Media Center isn't surprising.

That’s not entirely correct. When you want to buy Windows 8 (and previously Windows 7 or XP) volume licenses, these licenses are only available as upgrade licenses (for windows clients, not windows server licenses). The systems on witch these licenses are tob e installed must have a professional OEM Windows client license installed (XP Pro, Win 7 Pro, Win 8 Pro OEM).

Thus the cost  for a Windows 8 volume license is the price for the volume license plus the OEM license (could be included with your computer).

Ummm... Either:

 

1. You have already installed Windows Media Center but don't remember (note that when you do this, the "Add Features" option disappears forever)

 

2. You thought you were opening Windows Media Center, but you were actually opening Windows Media Player. Note that people in this thread mostly want to watch / record tv through their computer, not play DVDs. Windows Media Player plays DVDs already, it does not play live TV via your TV tuner.