Windows Media Center is not installed on Windows 8 and must be purchased seperately. Windows Media Player is available in all editions, but without DVD playback support. For optical disc playback on new Windows 8 devices for both DVD and Blu-ray, Windows Media Center can be purchased and installed.

NOTE: 3rd party software is also available for purchase and download to allow playback of DVDs.

Adding features to Windows 8

If your PC is running Windows 8, you can purchase Windows 8 Pro Pack and enjoy all the features of Windows 8 Pro as well as Windows Media Center from Microsoft. To purchase and install Windows 8 Pro Pack, follow the instructions below.

Add features to Windows 8 Pro

If your PC is running Windows 8 Pro and you'd like to watch and record TV with Windows Media Center, you can purchase Windows 8 Media Center Pack from Microsoft. To purchase and install Windows 8 Media Center Pack, follow the instructions below.

Adding Windows 8 Pro Pack or Windows 8 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap "Search". If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click "Search".

2. Type "Add features" in the search box, and then tap or click "Settings".

3. Tap or click "Add features to Windows 8" and then do one of the following:

• If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click "I want to buy a product key online". Follow the steps to purchase and enter a product key.
• If you already have a product key, tap or click "I already have a product key".

NOTE: If your search return is "Turn Windows features on or off" you cannot add these features.

4. Enter your product key and tap or click "Next".

5. Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.

• If you were running Windows 8, your PC will restart automatically and Windows 8 Pro With Media Center will be available for use.
• If you were running Windows 8 Pro, your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.

CLICK HERE for complete information from Microsoft about purchasing and installing feature packs.

Windows Media Center Functionality

Once installed, Windows Media Center works almost exactly as on Windows® 7.

Media Center Extenders, and other Windows Media Center hardware is no longer officially supported for use in Windows 8. The devices may work however, there is no official support provided for them.

Options have been removed from the Settings interface and are no longer implemented on Windows 8:

• Always keep Windows Media Center on top
• Start Windows Media Center when Windows starts.