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

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== Portable Mode ==
== Portable Mode ==
[[File:Portable01.jpg|300px|right]]
{{see|Portable mode}}
<section begin="PortableMode" />You can run Kodi in portable mode (Windows only). This gives you the flexibility to run more than one instance of the current version, or several different versions of Kodi – for example, to set up a basic installation for testing.
 
Follow these steps to install additional Kodi setups on the same computer.
 
'''Complete all steps before running Kodi'''.
 
# Download then run the executable installer file (.exe) for the version of Kodi you want to install. You '''must''' change the installation location from the default location. You can choose a removable drive, a different internal drive, or a different folder on the same internal drive.
# Find the Kodi.exe application in the folder you just installed. Right-click the application, and choose ‘Create shortcut’.
# Right-click the shortcut you created, and choose ‘Properties’. In the ‘Target’ text field, add -p (dash + P) after the file location.
 
It should look like this:
<code>“E:\Kodi v18\kodi.exe” -p</code>
 
You can now run the portable version of Kodi by opening this shortcut.
 
'''NOTE:'''
*This shortcut enables Portable Mode. If you create another shortcut and fail to add the -p switch, or start this portable version of Kodi in a different way, then the default userdata folder will be created, and might overwrite your standard installation of Kodi, if you have one.
*The Kodi folder which you nominated above will be used to host the data folder (where Kodi stores scripts, plugins, skins and userdata) in a subfolder named '''portable_data'''. If this folder is deleted or overwritten, your saved data might be lost.
 
<section end="PortableMode" />
{{-}}





Revision as of 00:52, 10 November 2020

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

To install the most recent stable version of Kodi for Windows, go to http://kodi.tv/download/849. This is the recommended version for most users.

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Choosing a version

Recommended

The recommended version of Kodi is the current release Kodi v20.5 Nexus. This is the stable build and is recommended for general users.

You can download Kodi from the Windows store, which will keep Kodi updated automatically, or you can download an executable installer file (.exe).


Pre-release

WARNING: Pre-release builds should be considered unstable and might cause crashes and loss of data. These builds might include bugs and missing or broken features.

The Pre-release version is an early build of the next version of Kodi. The pre-release builds progress from Alpha to Beta to Release Candidate as they get closer to release.

Pre-release Builds are only for users who want to help improve Kodi by testing and providing feedback on any issues that are discovered.

If you want a stable and stress-free Kodi experience, install the recommended stable build.

Always backup before running a pre-release build.


Development builds

WARNING: Development builds should be considered unstable and might cause crashes and loss of data. These builds might include experimental changes, bugs, and missing or broken features.

Kodi development builds, or ‘Nightlies’, are nightly snapshots of the current development version. These builds are earlier and more experimental than pre-releases.

Development builds are only for users who want to help improve Kodi by testing and providing feedback on any issues that are discovered. Complaints made on the forum about missing or broken features in development builds will be met with silence at best.

If you want a stable and stress-free Kodi experience, install the recommended stable build.

Always backup before running a pre-release build.



Choosing an install method

You can choose from several different ways to install Kodi.


Installer

An executable installer file (.exe) can be downloaded from the Kodi downloads page.

  • Choose the correct installer for your system. (In Windows 10, you can check whether your system is 64-bit or 32-bit in Settings. Choose System, then About. Under Device specifications, check System type. This will tell you whether you are running a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows.)
  • After the download has finished, run the installer and accept the terms of the licence agreement. You can then choose where to install Kodi.

The following video guide shows you how to install Kodi with the executable installer.


Microsoft Store

Kodi can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using the link on the downloads page.

The Microsoft Store version is the current release, and will be updated automatically. The Microsoft Store version can run on Windows 10 S.

You can read about the introduction of the Windows Store version of Kodi on the Windows Store Blog.


Chocolatey

If you have Chocolatey installed, you can run the command-line installer. Visit the Kodi Package page at Chocolately for instructions.


Portable Mode

See: Portable mode


Upgrading Kodi

The dedicated team of Kodi volunteers are always working to improve and enhance your Kodi experience. Several times a year, new stable versions of Kodi are released.

Before upgrading Kodi:

  • Backup your data by following the backup guide. See: Backup.
  • Ensure your computer still meets Kodi’s minimum requirements in Supported hardware.
  • If you use add-ons or skins, check if they have been upgraded to work with the new version of Kodi. If the upgrade is a decimal upgrade (e.g., 18.x to 18.y), all add-ons and skins should still work.

You can upgrade by installing the new version of Kodi by following the installation instructions above. You do not need to uninstall the old version.

The following video guide might help you with this process.


Upgrading from XBMC

See: Migration from XBMC to Kodi

If you are using a version of XBMC, you must follow the instructions in this guide to upgrade to the latest stable release of Kodi.

Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements before upgrading.

NOTE: Older add-ons and skins might not be compatible with the current version of Kodi. Before upgrading, check that any add-ons or skins you need have been upgraded to work in the current version of Kodi.


Installing older versions of Kodi

Older versions of Kodi 32-bit can be found here.


Uninstalling Kodi

Kodi is installed in folders in two places. You must remove both folders to completely uninstall it.


The Kodi application

The Kodi program is installed by default to C:\Program Files\Kodi\, or in C:\Program Files (x86)\Kodi\ if you upgraded from an older version. To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Choose Apps, then ‘Apps and features’
  3. Select Kodi in the list of apps
  4. Choose Uninstall.

To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 7 or Windows 8:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Choose ‘Programs and Features’
  3. Select Kodi in the list of apps
  4. Choose Uninstall


The Kodi data folder

After you install Kodi, all changes to Kodi are saved in a data folder. This includes things like your userdata, libraries, skins, and add-ons.

  • If you downloaded and ran the Kodi executable installer file (.exe) manually, the folder will be at C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Roaming\Kodi
  • If you downloaded Kodi from the Microsoft Store, the folder will be at C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Packages\XBMCFoundation.Kodi_4n2hpmxwrvr6p\LocalCache\Roaming\Kodi

If you delete the data folder to do a clean installation of Kodi, the data folders will be recreated the next time you run Kodi.
If you want to retain the data folder for backup purposes, rename the Kodi folder to something like Kodi-Old. See: Backup


Complete Uninstall

To completely uninstall Kodi, uninstall the application, then delete the data folder.


Windows Defender

Windows Defender SmartScreen is a feature of Windows that blocks software it does not recognise to protect your computer.

If you download the installer immediately after a new version of Kodi is released, Windows Defender Smartscreen might block the installer.

If the Kodi installer is blocked, click ‘More info’ then ‘Run anyway’ to continue installing Kodi.

NOTE: Changing settings in Windows Security can make your computer less safe. If you are unsure whether to continue, consider installing Kodi through the Microsoft Store or waiting a few days until Windows Defender recognises the new version of Kodi.

To stop Windows Defender SmartScreen blocking the Kodi installer, turn off ‘Check apps and files’ in ‘App & browser control’ in Windows Security, then install Kodi. Remember to turn on 'Check apps and files' after installation is complete.


What next?

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Open Kodi from the Start menu, by expanding the Kodi folder, then choosing the Kodi app. When you first run Kodi, you will be told that your library is empty. To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for first time users.


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