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

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__TOC__  
__TOC__  
= Choosing a version =


= 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/849 http://kodi.tv/download/]
A number of download options are available, each detailed as follows:


== Recommended ==
The recommended version of Kodi is the current release '''{{Current_version}}'''. 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).


== 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.


== Pre-release ==
These are upcoming point releases (eg v19.1, v19.2) that fix bugs discovered in the major release.


A recent pre-release build is safe to install. Consider it a ''Recommended release + fixes''


== Nightly ==
Kodi is in a constant state of upgrade and improvement. The Nightly version is the forward progression of the Release version. The nightly does not include new features. It's purpose is to fix bugs that have been discovered in the official Release version of Kodi.


The nightly is available for download and installation. If you have been affected by a bug that is fixed in the nightly version, then it is safe to use a nightly version.


== Development builds ==
See: '''[[Development_builds]]'''




== Development Builds ==
<section begin="Development Builds" />The 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 they may have functions and features missing or broken. They are for users that do not fear bugs or possibly crashes and data loss. The Development Builds are made available with the intention that users are willing to help diagnose and improve the product by testing and providing feedback on any issues that are discovered, which helps bring the release of the next version closer.
'''Do not treat the Development Build as a Stable Release! There will be bugs, missing features and experimental changes.''' Complaints made on the forum about missing or broken features will be met with silence at best.
If you want a stable and stress free Kodi experience, then please install the stable build instead. '''Always backup before using a development build.'''<section end="Development Builds" />
== Which Install Method ==
There are a number of methods available to install Kodi. Choose an installation method you understand and are comfortable with.


= Choosing an install method =
You can choose from several different methods to install Kodi.




== Installer ==
== Installer ==
This is the most commonly used method and is similar to installing any other MS Windows software.
Download the executable installer file (.exe) from the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows downloads page]''' and install like any other Windows program.


# On the download page, click '''Installer (32BIT)'''
# You will be offered the standard '''Run''', '''Save''', '''Cancel''' options.
# 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.


{{#widget:YouTube|id=pfV9Z691n40}}
== Microsoft Store ==
Kodi can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using the link on the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows downloads page]'''.


{{divbox|green||'''Note:''' Please note that Kodi v15 is shown in the video. v17 will show a different menu system}}
The Microsoft Store version is the current release, and will be updated automatically.
 
 
 
== 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... [https://kodi.tv/article/kodi-goes-windows-store Windows Store Blog]


If you do not want automatic updates, then you should use the Installer version for full control of {{kodi}} updates.




== Chocolatey ==
== Chocolatey ==
If you have Chocolatey installed, you may run the command line installer. For instructions, visit the Kodi Package page at [https://chocolatey.org/packages/kodi Chocolately].
If you have Chocolatey installed, you can run the command-line installer. Visit the Kodi Package page at [https://chocolatey.org/packages/kodi Chocolately] for instructions.
 




== Portable Mode ==
== 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. This is a Windows only feature. It gives the user the flexibility to install multiples of the same version or multiple different versions. Follow these steps to install additional Kodi setups on the same computer.
{{see|Portable mode}}
 
* Download required version of Kodi
* During the installation process of Kodi you will be prompted with where the destination folder should go, this needs to be changed, either to a removable USB device or another folder or  hard drive on your computer. If you install Kodi to your computer you'll have to put the Kodi folder in a place where standard users have write permission (e.g. ''not'' under Program Files) or run the shortcut as admin (even though you're logged in with an admin account). Otherwise you'll get the error message "ERROR: Unable to create application. Exiting."
* '''Once the Install has finished do not run Kodi''' until the remainder of these steps have been completed.
* Navigate to where you just installed Kodi which is planned to be your portable install
* Create a shortcut to kodi.exe. Usually by right clicking on the kodi.exe file and selecting ''Send to desktop (create shortcut)''
* Right click on the newly created shortcut and select ''Properties''. There will be a box called ''Target:'', add the switch ''-p'' after kodi.exe i.e. P:\Kodi\kodi.exe -p and save the change
* Start Kodi. This will then use the Kodi folder itself as the Home folder, which means scripts, plugins, skins and userdata will be located in the 'portable_data' folder within the Kodi folder.
* You will, however, have to be careful when upgrading to make sure that the [[userdata]] folder you use is not overwritten.






= Upgrading Kodi =
= 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.
In most cases, installing a new version of {{kodi}} over an existing version will be hassle free.
 
* When jumping two or more versions, we recommend a fresh install. See: '''[[Backup]]''' for details on how to save your existing '''[[Kodi data folder]]''' as a backup
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
* Point releases of the same version can be installed over an existing installation without issue.
 
* 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
 
{{#widget:YouTube|id=V0eLSeuN0Gs}}
{{divbox|green||'''Note:''' 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}}
'''Before upgrading Kodi:'''
* If you have a favourite add-on or skin, ensure they have also been upgraded to work in the new version of 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 point update (e.g., 18.x to 18.y), all add-ons and skins should still work.






= Older Kodi Versions =
= Installing older versions of Kodi =
Looking for an older version of Kodi? They can be found here...
Older versions of Kodi 32-bit can be found '''[http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/windows/win32/old/ here]'''.
[http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/win32/old/  http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/win32/old/]






= Uninstalling Kodi =
= 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:
Kodi is installed in two locations. You must remove {{Kodi}} from both locations to completely uninstall it.
 




== Program ==
== The Kodi application ==
This is the install location for the core program of Kodi. There should be no user interaction with this folder, same as any other program installed in the ''Program files'' folder of your computer.
The Kodi program is installed by default to <code>C:\Program Files\Kodi\</code>, or in <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Kodi\</code> if you upgraded from an older version.


The Kodi program is installed by default here...
To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 10:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Kodi
# Open Settings
# Choose Apps, then ‘Apps and features’
# Select Kodi in the list of apps
# Choose Uninstall.


To uninstall the data from here, you should run Windows Add or Remove Programs. You will also have the option to remove the ''\Kodi\userdata'' folder.


== The Kodi data folder ==
After you install Kodi, all changes to Kodi are saved in the [[Kodi 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 <code>C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Roaming\Kodi</code>
* If you downloaded Kodi from the Microsoft Store, the folder will be at <code>C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Packages\XBMCFoundation.Kodi_4n2hpmxwrvr6p\LocalCache\Roaming\Kodi</code>


== Userdata ==
If you delete the {{kodi}} data folder to perform a clean installation of Kodi, the data folders will be recreated the next time you run Kodi.<br>
The userdata folder (aka %AppData% folder or Kodi Roaming folder) is the location where all subsequent changes are made, like creating libraries, new skins or add-ons etc. This is a different ''Kodi'' folder to where the Kodi program is installed. All modifications to Kodi are saved in the ''Userdata'' folder.
If you want to retain the data folder for backup purposes, rename the Kodi folder to something like ''Kodi-Old''. See: '''[[Backup]]'''
 
Be aware that when using the term '''Userdata''' we are referencing the '''Kodi''' folder located in the '''\Roaming\''' folder. By co-incidence there is a ''userdata'' subfolder located within the Kodi folder.
 
You would use this procedure in the following circumstances..
*You are performing a '''Fresh Install''' of Kodi.
*You removed the Kodi program from your system, but failed to tick the option to remove ''\Kodi\Userdata''
*You removed the Kodi program from your system, but the Windows Uninstaller failed to remove the ''\Kodi\Userdata'' folder
*You are creating a backup
 
The location of the '''\Roaming\Kodi\''' folder depends on the installation method used:
 
If you downloaded Kodi from this site and manually ran the installer, you will find the ''Kodi'' folder in here...
C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Roaming\
 
If you downloaded Kodi from the Microsoft Store, you will find the ''Kodi'' folder in here...
C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Packages\XBMCFoundation.Kodi_4n2hpmxwrvr6p\LocalCache\Roaming\
 
Data in these locations must be manually removed. Options to remove are as follows...
* If you want to retain the userdata folder for backup purposes, simply rename the ''Kodi'' folder to something like ''Kodi-Old''.
* If you have no requirement to keep the Userdata folder, then simply Delete the folder and all its subfolders and files
 
Once renamed or deleted, Kodi will re-create the Userdata folders on next start of the program.


See: '''[[Kodi data folder]]'''




== Complete Uninstall ==
== Complete Uninstall ==
To completely uninstall Kodi, leaving no remnants behind, you must remove the data from both locations- Program and Userdata.  
To completely uninstall Kodi, uninstall the application, then delete the data folder.






= Windows Defender =
= Windows Defender =
Windows Defender SmartScreen is a feature of Windows, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge. It is designed to help protect you from websites Microsoft believes are fraudulent that try to steal your personal information. In Internet Explorer 8 and later, SmartScreen also helps protect you from downloading malicious software. {{small|Courtesy Microsoft}}
Windows Defender SmartScreen is a feature of Windows that blocks software it does not recognise.


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


SmartScreen works in two ways:
If the Kodi installer is blocked, click ‘More info’ then ‘Run anyway’ to continue installing Kodi.
*If the downloaded file has been seen before and is known to be dangerous malware, SmartScreen blocks it.
 
*If the downloaded file has not been seen before and Windows isn’t sure whether it’s safe, Windows prevents the app from starting and warns you it may be dangerous, but lets you bypass this warning.
 
 
If you are one of the many users keen on updating to the latest release as soon as it becomes available, you may encounter a problem with Windows Defender Smartscreen blocking the install process. You should only be affected by the second category mentioned above. To override the warning, follow these steps:


<gallery widths="400" heights="400">
<gallery widths="400" heights="400">
File:WinDefender01.JPG|When confronted with the following dialogue box, click on the words '''More Info'''
File:WinDefender01.JPG|If you see this dialogue box, click '''More info'''.
File:WinDefender02.JPG|The text will then expand to show the following. Simply click '''Run anyway. '''
File:WinDefender02.JPG|After the text expands, click '''Run anyway'''.
File:WinDefender03.jpg|If the previous steps do not work, it may mean that you have your Windows Defender set to '''Block''' instead of''' Warn'''. To change this in Windows 10, go to '''settings -> security -> defender -> open defender security settings''' and change the first setting to '''Warn''' as shown in the image.
File:WinDefender03.jpg|If you do not see ‘Run anyway’, Windows Defender might be set to Block instead of Warn. This setting can be changed in Windows Security.
</gallery>
</gallery>
'''NOTE''': Changing settings in Windows Security can make your computer less safe. If you are unsure whether to continue, consider 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? =
[[File:Quick-start-0.png|400px|right]]
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.
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.
= What next? =
{{See|First_time_user}}
To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for '''[[First_time_user|first time users]]'''.






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[[Category:Manual]]
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Revision as of 05:45, 5 August 2021

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

These are upcoming point releases (eg v19.1, v19.2) that fix bugs discovered in the major release.

A recent pre-release build is safe to install. Consider it a Recommended release + fixes


Development builds

See: Development_builds


Choosing an install method

You can choose from several different methods to install Kodi.


Installer

Download the executable installer file (.exe) from the downloads page and install like any other Windows program.


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.

If you do not want automatic updates, then you should use the Installer version for full control of Kodi updates.


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

In most cases, installing a new version of Kodi over an existing version will be hassle free.

  • When jumping two or more versions, we recommend a fresh install. See: Backup for details on how to save your existing Kodi data folder as a backup
  • Point releases of the same version can be installed over an existing installation without issue.

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 point update (e.g., 18.x to 18.y), all add-ons and skins should still work.


Installing older versions of Kodi

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


Uninstalling Kodi

Kodi is installed in two locations. You must remove Kodi from both locations 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.


The Kodi data folder

After you install Kodi, all changes to Kodi are saved in the Kodi 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 Kodi data folder to perform 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

See: Kodi data folder


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.

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 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?

To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for first time users.


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