HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows: Difference between revisions

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== Installing Kodi for Windows ==
== Installing Kodi ==


The installation of Kodi for Windows is performed in the same manner as most other windows applications.
The installation of Kodi for Windows is performed in the same manner as most other windows applications.
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== How to Install ==
== Which Install Method ==
There are a number of methods available to install Kodi. Choose an installation method you understand and are comfortable with.
There are a number of methods available to install Kodi. Choose an installation method you understand and are comfortable with.



Revision as of 00:14, 18 May 2017

Home icon grey.png   ▶ Windows ▶ HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows


Installing Kodi

The installation of Kodi for Windows is performed in the same manner as most other windows applications.

The Download page is located here... http://kodi.tv/download/

A number of download options are available, each detailed as follows:

Release or Stable

The Release version is the most current and stable version of Kodi available for Windows. If you are a general user wanting hassle free installation and operation, the Release version is the one for you.

Nightly

Kodi is in a constant state of upgrade and improvement. The Nightly version is the forward progression of the Release version, which includes further updates and improvements to be included in the next Stable release of Kodi.

The nightly is available for download and installation. Be aware there may be some bugs and instability. A novice user of Kodi should use the Release version.

Development Builds

These development builds, often called “pre-release” builds, are what will eventually lead to the final product of the next version. THESE BUILDS COULD BE UNSTABLE and are for users that do not fear bugs or possibly crashes and data loss. They are mainly used for development to help us in testing for the upcoming releases. If you want a stable HTPC then please install the stable build instead. Always backup before using a development build.


Which Install Method

There are a number of methods available to install Kodi. Choose an installation method you understand and are comfortable with.

Installer

This is the most commonly used method and is similar to installing any other MS Windows software.

  1. On the download page, click Installer (32BIT)
  2. You will be offered the standard Run, Save, Cancel options.
  3. Once downloaded, installation will commence automatically if the Run option was selected, or you will need to double click the downloaded file if the Save option was selected. Once installation commences, simply follow the steps as shown on screen. For most users the offered default settings are sufficient, if not, change them accordingly if you are sure you have to.

The following video guide may help you with this install process.

(Please note that Kodi v15 is shown in the video. v17 will show a different menu system)

Windows Store

Kodi may be downloaded from the Windows Store as an App. It is still the same Kodi version as the “Installer” version. There are no changes or limitations using this version. The store version brings a few benefits, such as automatic updating.

Selecting this option will take you to the Kodi page at the MS Windows Store. Click the large Kodi icon to commence the install process.

To read more about the introduction of the Windows Store version click here... Windows Store Blog

Chocolatey

If you have Chocolatey installed, you may run the command line installer. For instructions, visit the Kodi Package page at Chocolately.

Portable Mode

If you have a requirement to run a different version of Kodi, or run a basic install for the purpose of fault finding and testing, without removing your current installation, Kodi has the ability to run in portable mode. It gives the user the flexibility to install multiples of the same version or multiple different versions

See: Windows_FAQ#Portable


Upgrading Kodi

The dedicated team of Kodi volunteers are always working to improve and enhance your Kodi experience. At various times throughout the year, new stable versions of Kodi are released.

Upgrading is a simple task. Following the “How To Install” guide above will allow you to upgrade Kodi to the latest version. Be aware of the following though

  • It is not necessary to uninstall the previous version. If you are happy with your current setup, installing “over the top” is ok.
  • Make a backup of your %appdata%\Kodi directory. Do not upgrade without backing up first.
See: Backup
  • Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements before upgrading.
See: Hardware_requirement
  • If you have a favourite add-on or skin, ensure they have also been upgraded to work in the new version of Kodi. If the upgrade is a decimal upgrade (eg v17 to v17.1) then all skins and add-ons should still be compatible.
  • It is currently possible to upgrade from v14 to v17 in one jump

(Please note that Kodi v15 is shown in the video. v17 will show a different menu system)


Upgrading XBMC

See: Migration_from_XBMC_to_Kodi


If you are one of the few people still using a version of XBMC, you must follow the instructions in the above mentioned guide to upgrade to the latest stable release. Be aware of the following

  • Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements before upgrading.
See: Hardware_requirement
  • If you have a favourite add-on or skin, ensure they have also been upgraded to work in the new version of Kodi.


Older Kodi Versions

Looking for an older version of Kodi? They can be found here... http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/win32/old/


Uninstalling Kodi

Kodi is installed in two locations. Which parts of Kodi you uninstall depends on the reason for your requirement. The two locations are as follows:

Program

The Kodi program is installed by default here...

C:\Program Files (x86)\Kodi

To uninstall the data from here, you should run Windows Add or Remove Programs.

Userdata

The location of userdata depends on the installation method used. All userdata is stored in a directory named “Kodi” located as follows.

If you downloaded Kodi from this site and manually ran the installer, you will find it here...

C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Roaming\

If you downloaded Kodi from the Microsoft Store, you will find it here...

C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Packages\XBMCFoundation.Kodi_4n2hpmxwrvr6p\LocalCache\Roaming\

Data in these locations must be manually removed by navigating to the location and pressing Delete.

Complete Uninstall

To completely uninstall Kodi, leaving no remnants behind, you must remove the data from both locations.


What Next?

After the installation you can immediately start using Kodi. To start Kodi, find it under the Windows Start button in a Program Group called Kodi. You can also use the desktop icon if you enabled this option during setup.

Quick-start-0.png

When starting Kodi for the first time, this screen is displayed.

Now that Kodi is installed and running you will want to add your media to the Library.

See: Quick_start_guide