Windows Media Center isn’t included with Windows 8, but for a limited time, you can get it free of charge. Unlike Windows 7, Windows 8 will not come with Windows Media Center as part of the operating system . It’s now an add-on that can be purchased through the Add Features option in Windows 8.
You might be thinking “Does windows 8 come with media center?”
The best answer is unlike Windows 7, Windows 8 will not come with Windows Media Center as part of the operating system. It’s now an add-on that can be purchased through the Add Features option in Windows 8. For a limited time, however, Microsoft is offering Windows Media Center to Windows 8 Pro customers for free.
Windows RT users are out of luck, Media Center is not available for their operating system. Type features on the Windows 8.1 start screen and select the “Add features to Windows 8.1” entry from the results. If you already have a Media Center product key, select “I already have a product key” from the window that opens up on the desktop.
It works best if you already have a key though. You can purchase Media Center for $9.99 provided that you are running Windows 8.1 Pro already. If you are running the regular version of Windows 8 instead, you need to purchase the Pro upgrade for $99.99 first before you can add Media Center as well.
Does Windows 8 have a DVD player?
Windows 8.1, just like Windows 8, ships with Windows Media Player by default. The program has been crippled by Microsoft as it does not play DVD movies anymore. You may remember that it did play them on Windows 7. So, if you want DVD playback on Windows 8.x, you need Windows Media Center or a third party alternative.
How many Windows 8 Media Center keys can you get for free?
It is interesting to note that you did not have to own a Windows 8 license to snag a key, and that each customer could get up to five Media Center keys for free in that period.