HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows: Difference between revisions
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{{mininav| [[Windows]] }} | {{mininav| [[Windows]] }} | ||
[[File:Windows_10_Logo_svg.png|300px|right]] | [[File:Windows_10_Logo_svg.png|300px|right]] | ||
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== Pre-release == | == 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 == | == Development builds == | ||
See: '''[[Development_builds]]''' | |||
''' | |||
= Choosing an install method = | = Choosing an install method = | ||
You can choose from several different | You can choose from several different methods to install Kodi. | ||
== Installer == | == 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 == | == Microsoft Store == | ||
Kodi can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using the link on the [ | 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 | 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. | |||
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= Upgrading Kodi = | = 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:''' | '''Before upgrading Kodi:''' | ||
* Backup your data by following the backup guide. See: '''[[Backup]]'''. | * Backup your data by following the backup guide. See: '''[[Backup]]'''. | ||
* Ensure your computer still meets Kodi’s minimum requirements in '''[[Supported hardware]]'''. | * 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 | * 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. | ||
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= Uninstalling Kodi = | = Uninstalling Kodi = | ||
Kodi is installed | Kodi is installed in two locations. You must remove {{Kodi}} from both locations to completely uninstall it. | ||
== The Kodi application == | == 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. | 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: | To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 10: | ||
# Open Settings | # Open Settings | ||
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# Select Kodi in the list of apps | # Select Kodi in the list of apps | ||
# Choose Uninstall. | # Choose Uninstall. | ||
== The Kodi data folder == | == The Kodi data folder == | ||
After you install Kodi, all changes to Kodi are saved in | 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 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 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 data folder to | 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]]''' | 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]]''' | |||
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= Windows Defender = | = Windows Defender = | ||
Windows Defender SmartScreen is a feature of Windows that blocks software it does not recognise | 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 you download the installer immediately after a new version of Kodi is released, Windows Defender Smartscreen might block the installer. | ||
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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. | 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 | '''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.''' | 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.''' | ||
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= What next? = | = What next? = | ||
To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for '''[[First_time_user|first time users]]'''. | To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for '''[[First_time_user|first time users]]'''. | ||
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{{top}} | {{top}} | ||
{{updated|19}} | |||
[[Category:Windows]] | [[Category:Windows]] | ||
[[Category:Karellen]] | [[Category:Karellen]] | ||
[[Category:Installation|Windows]] | [[Category:Installation|Windows]] |
Revision as of 05:45, 5 August 2021
Windows | HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows |
Choosing a version
Recommended
The recommended version of Kodi is the current release Kodi v21 Omega. 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:
- 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
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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