Windows Media Center | Get started - First-time setup
Getting started
In this video, Jenny quickly steps us through setup to show how simple it is to watch TV on your PC.
Quick setup: Choose Express or Custom
The first time you start Windows Media Center, you'll see a welcome page with two ways to get started: Express or Custom Setup.
If you want to jump right in, choose Express Setup.
Custom Setup helps you get a better idea of what you can do with Media Center.
To set up Windows Media Center
To set up Windows Media Center
Click Start in Windows 7, then All Programs and Windows Media Center.
On the welcome page, select Continue, and then select Express or Custom.
Custom Setup checks components like networking and Internet connection for you, then gives you the opportunity to set up the features and advanced settings that fit your needs.
If you choose Express Setup the first time: you can return to Custom Setup later from the Windows Media Center start screen by selecting Tasks | Settings | General | Windows Media Center Setup | Run Setup Again.
After selecting Custom, select Next to reach a page titled Get the Most from Windows Media Center.
Select Yes to enable Windows Media Center to periodically download content to improve your experience—like music and movie information, and TV listings so you can schedule recordings.
Advanced Custom Setup options
(These options are not critical to getting started.)
Advanced Custom Setup options
(These options are not critical to getting started.)
After the required setup occurs, you can continue to set up additional preferences: optimize your display, set up your speakers, set up your media library, configure a TV tuner, or further configure your guide.
Learn more: Custom settings
Next: Get started watching Internet TV
* High-speed Internet required. Internet service fees may apply.