How to Activate Windows Media Center
by Matthew SchieltzWindows 7 and Vista operating systems include the Windows Media Center, a program designed to allow you to watch and record television shows through your computer, watch movies and create media libraries for your photos and music. The program also helps you stream content directly to your television if you have an extender, such as the Microsoft Xbox 360 or another wireless console device. Activating and setting up the Windows Media Center is a user-friendly process and takes only a few minutes.
Click the Windows logo button. Select "All Programs" and click on "Windows Media Center."
Click "Continue" on the welcome page. Click the "Express" option to activate Windows Media Center with recommended settings. Otherwise, click "Custom."
Click "Next" on the "Windows Media Center Setup" screen after clicking "Custom." Select "Yes" or "No" to the request asking you to join the Microsoft "Customer Experience Improvement Program." Click "Next."
Click "Yes" on the "Get the Most from Windows Media Center" screen. This allows Windows Media Center to periodically connect to the Internet to update settings, such as TV program guide listings, cover art for albums and DVDs, and music and movie information. Click "Next." Click "Next" on the "Required Components Have Been Set Up" screen.
Click "Optimize how Windows Media Center looks on my display" on the "Optional Setup" screen. Click "Next." Follow the on-screen prompts to let Windows help you configure your display for Windows Media Center. Click "Finish" to return to the "Optional Setup" screen. Repeat the process for "Set up my speakers" and "Set up my media libraries" to let Windows Media Center test your speakers and configure your music, pictures and media folders.
Click the "I have finished" button when returned to "Optional Setup." Click "Next." On the "You Are Done!" screen, click "Finish" to start using Windows Media Center.
Tip
- check You can return to the "Custom" setup options at a later time--if you want to skip these options initially--by selecting "Tasks" from the main Windows Media Center start screen, going into the "Settings" section and clicking on "General."
