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

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{{mininav|[[General topics]]{{l2|[[Devices]]}}|[[Installing]]{{l2|[[Windows]]}}|page=HOW-TO:Install XBMC for Windows}}
{{mininav| [[Windows]] }}
{{see also|XBMC for Windows specific FAQ}}
The installation of XBMC for Windows is straightforward like most other Windows applications. After the installation you can immediately start using XBMC, all you need is in the program. You can use the keyboard to walk through XBMC.


Download the latest version from [http://xbmc.org/download/ http://xbmc.org/download/] and install it. For most users the offered default settings are sufficient, if not, change them accordingly.
[[File:Windows_10_Logo_svg.png|300px|right]]
[[File:windows-8-logo.png|150px|right]]
[[File:Windows_7_logo.png|150px|right]]


To start XBMC find it under the Windows '''Start''' button in a '''Program Group''' called '''XBMC'''.
__TOC__
= Choosing a version =


Add one or more sources in Videos, Music and/or Photos, see [[Media Sources]] and you are ready to play your media.


== Uninstalling of XBMC for Windows ==
== Recommended ==
Go to "''Add or Remove Programs''" in the "''Control Panel''" under Windows then choose to remove "''XBMC''".
The recommended version of Kodi is the current release '''{{Current_version}}'''. This is the stable build and is recommended for general users.


== Upgrading XBMC for Windows ==
You can download Kodi from the Windows store, which will keep Kodi updated automatically, or you can download an executable installer file (.exe).
Unless your copy of XBMC is more than two years old, simply installing a newer version of XBMC over an older version should cause no problems. If you are upgrading your copy of XBMC, it is ALWAYS recommended that you backup your data. This can be performed by:


:1. Click '''System''' on the Homescreen.


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


:3. Then click '''Export Video Library''' on the library tab.
A recent pre-release build is safe to install. Consider it a ''Recommended release + fixes''


:4. Then choose Separate or Single file. Separate will put the necessary information in the folder where the movie is located. Single file will create a backup database that can later be imported.


Follow the same process for backing up your Music Library by clicking '''Music''' rather than '''Video''' in Step 2.


See more here: [[Import - Export Library]].
== Development builds ==
See: '''[[Development_builds]]'''


[[Category:XBMC Manual]]
 
 
= Choosing an install method =
You can choose from several different methods to install Kodi.
 
 
== Installer ==
Download the executable installer file (.exe) from the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows downloads page]''' and install like any other Windows program.
 
 
 
== Microsoft Store ==
Kodi can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using the link on the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows 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 [https://chocolatey.org/packages/kodi 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 '''[http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/windows/win32/old/ 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 <code>C:\Program Files\Kodi\</code>, or in <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Kodi\</code> if you upgraded from an older version.
 
To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 10:
# Open Settings
# Choose Apps, then ‘Apps and features’
# Select Kodi in the list of apps
# 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 <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>
 
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>
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.
 
<gallery widths="400" heights="400">
File:WinDefender01.JPG|If you see this dialogue box, click '''More info'''.
File:WinDefender02.JPG|After the text expands, click '''Run anyway'''.
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>
'''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_user|first time users]]'''.
 
 
 
{{top}}
{{updated|19}}
 
[[Category:Windows]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Installation|Windows]]
[[Category:Installation|Windows]]
[[Category:Windows|Install]]
[[Category:How-to|Windows]]
{{frodo updated}}

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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