How to Upgrade Windows Media Player
By Cindy Stokes
Windows Media Player 12 organizes digital media on your Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 PC or Tablet. You can update manually and also can change the frequency Media Player checks for updates. There is also a Media Center Pack which can be purchased from Microsoft to add DVD playback, which does not come standard with Windows 8 and 8.1.
Check Manually for Updates
Open Windows Media Player and make sure it is in library mode instead of play mode. For library mode, click the icon with three squares and an arrow. Press "Alt-H" for the help menu. Select "Check For Updates..." and Media Player will automatically assess whether you have the latest version. If you don't, you receive prompts guiding you through the update process.
Check Automatically for Updates
With Windows Media Player still in the Library mode, click on the "Organize" menu and select "Options." In Options, choose the "Player" tab which includes three choices under Check for Updates: Once a Day, Once a Week and Once a Month. If there are no technical issues preventing it and you are connected regularly to the Internet, Media Center should not be more than a month out of date.
Add Media Center Pack for DVD Playback
DVD playback is not included in Windows 8 and 8.1, but you can purchase a Media Center Pack from Microsoft to add this feature. Go to the Windows Search field by swiping from the right edge of your screen. Type "Add Features" in the search field and select "Add Features to Windows 8.1" from the search results. Click on "I want to buy a product key online" and follow the prompts to purchase and install the Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack.
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Writer Bio
Based just outside of Austin, Cindy Stokes worked four years in the technology industry and as an editorial assistant for two years. Three years ago, she started authoring extensively-researched blog articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics from the University of Texas.