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Start enjoying Windows Media Center now

It’s time to get moving with Windows Media Center. Read on to find tips, tricks and suggestions for getting the best entertainment experience from your PC.

Set it up
Customize Windows Media Center 
Customize Windows Media Center

When you first start Windows Media Center, you can choose how you'd like to get started. Customize Windows Media Center

  • Choose Custom setup to learn more about all of the possibilities with Windows Media Center

  • Choose Express setup to get started right away

Express setup
Express setup

  1. Using the Windows Media Center remote or your mouse, press the green Start button

  2. Select Express setup

  3. Run Express setup process anytime by going to Tasks, Settings, General, Windows Media Center Setup, then Run Setup Again

Custom setup
Custom setup

  1. Using the Windows Media Center remote or your mouse, press the green Start button

  2. Select Custom setup

  3. When you reach "Get the Most from Windows Media Center", select Yes to download album cover art, DVD cover art, current TV guide listings, information from online media services, and other useful information

Optimize your display 
Optimize your display

  • Use the Display Configuration wizard for the best image quality possible

  • Watch the video on the first page to get an overview of the different display options

  • Find additional display options under Adjust display controls

Set up your Speakers 
Set up your Speakers

  • If you have a surround sound system, use the optional speaker setup process

  • Choose your speaker configuration, and then use the test feature to play a chime sound

  • Listen closely to each individual speaker to make sure it's receiving a signal

Set up your music, picture and video libraries 
Set up your music, picture and video libraries

  • If your files are on a shared computer on your network select Add folder to watch On the Library setup screen then select Next

  • Select Add folders on this computer, then browse to find your files

  • Select the check box next to the folder, and then select Next

Even more entertainment

Add tuners, extenders, and remotes to receive and record live TV and enjoy Windows Media Center from any room in your home.

Tuner

Tuner

Extenders

Extenders

Hardware

Hardware

Divider

Note: Scenarios describing the use of Windows Media Center on a TV require a PC directly connected to a TV or an Extender for Windows Media Center with the requisite home network and compatible networking equipment. DVD burning, TV features, and remote control support may vary by manufacturer and/or require additional purchases. Playback and recording features require an integrated or external USB TV tuner. Supports up to two (2) analog TV tuners for local channels via over-the-air signal in all supported regions subject to Windows Vista compatibility with local TV standards; additional DTV/HDTV tuner support is available in the U.S. and South Korea with compatible hardware. Supports two (2) DTV/HDTV tuners for local channels via over-the-air signal, U.S. only.

Note: To enjoy all the benefits of Windows Media Center, Internet access is recommended; for some features, such as the Electronic Programming Guide, Internet TV Beta, Movie Guide, MSN Remote Record, and Online Media, it is required. Subscription or other service fees may apply. The Electronic Programming Guide, the Movie Guide, and Parental Control features are not available in all regions or countries. Online Media features vary by country. Services available in specific locales may vary from two (2) to twenty-three (23).

 
Do you have Windows Media Center?

If you have Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate, you already have Windows Media Center.

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