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

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(Edits + rewrites. Builds (stable, prerelease, dev build) now match builds on download page. Installers use Program Files not Program Files (x86)).)
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= Choosing a version =
= Choosing a version =


To install the most recent stable version of Kodi for Windows, go to http://kodi.tv/download/849.
 
== Recommended ==
== Recommended ==
The recommended version of Kodi is the current release '''{{Current_version}}'''. This version is the stable build and is recommended for general users.
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).
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 ==
The Pre-release version is an early build of the next version of Kodi.


'''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 builds progress from Alpha to Beta to Release Candidate as they get closer to 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''


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 ==
== Development builds ==
<section begin="Development Builds" />Kodi development builds, or ‘Nightlies’, are nightly snapshots of the current development version. These builds are earlier and more experimental than pre-releases.
See: '''[[Development_builds]]'''


'''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.'''


Development builds are only for users who want to help improve Kodi by testing and providing feedback on any issues that are discovered.
= Choosing an install method =
Complaints made on the forum about missing or broken features in development builds will be met with silence at best.  
You can choose from several different methods to install Kodi.


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


'''Always backup before running a pre-release build.'''
<section end="Development Builds" />
= Choosing an install method =
You can choose from several different ways to install Kodi.
== Installer ==
== Installer ==
An executable installer file (.exe) can be downloaded from the Kodi [http://kodi.tv/download/849 downloads page].
Download the executable installer file (.exe) from the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows downloads page]''' and install like any other Windows program.


* 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.)
Although there is no difference between the Windows store and the downloadable .exe version, if you want control of updates, we recommend using the downloadable .exe file.


* After the download has finished, run the installer.


* Accept the terms of the licence agreement, then choose where to install Kodi.
The following video guide might help you with this process.


== Microsoft Store ==
Kodi can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store using the link on the '''[https://kodi.tv/download/windows downloads page]'''.


{{#widget:YouTube|id=pfV9Z691n40}}
The Microsoft Store version is the current release, and will be updated automatically.


{{divbox|green||'''NOTE:''' An older version of Kodi, v15, is shown in the video. Later releases have a different menu system.}}
If you do not want automatic updates, then you should use the Installer version for full control of {{kodi}} updates.
== Microsoft Store ==
Kodi can be downloaded from the Windows store using the link on the [http://kodi.tv/download/849 downloads page].


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


You can read about the introduction of the Windows Store version of Kodi on the [https://kodi.tv/article/kodi-goes-windows-store Windows Store Blog].
== Chocolatey ==
== 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.
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 ==
[[File:Portable01.jpg|300px|right]]
<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'''.
== Portable Mode ==
{{see|Portable mode}}


# 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: For portable installations, the Kodi folder will be used as the data folder (where Kodi stores scripts, plugins, skins and userdata). If this folder is deleted or overwritten, your saved data might be lost.
<section end="PortableMode" />
{{-}}
= Upgrading Kodi =
= 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.
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 instructions [https://kodi.wiki/view/Backup here].
* Backup your data by following the backup guide. See: '''[[Backup]]'''.
* Ensure your computer still meets Kodi’s minimum requirements in [https://kodi.wiki/view/Supported_hardware 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 decimal upgrade (e.g., 18.x to 18.y), all add-ons and skins should still work.
* 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., v20.0 to v20.1), 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.


{{#widget:YouTube|id=V0eLSeuN0Gs}}
= Installing older versions of Kodi =
{{divbox|green||'''NOTE:''' An older version of Kodi, v15, is shown in the video. Later releases have a different menu system.}}
Older versions of Kodi 32-bit can be found '''[http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/windows/win32/old/ here]'''.
== Upgrading from XBMC ==
{{See| Migration_from_XBMC_to_Kodi}}


If you are still using a version of XBMC, you must follow the instructions in [https://kodi.wiki/view/Migration_from_XBMC_to_Kodi this guide] to upgrade to the latest stable release of Kodi.


Ensure your hardware meets the [https://kodi.wiki/view/Supported_hardware minimum requirements] before upgrading.


Ensure all add-ons and skins you use have also been upgraded to work in the current version of Kodi.
= Installing older versions of Kodi =
Older versions of Kodi can be found at [http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/win32/old/  http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/win32/old/]
= Uninstalling Kodi =
= Uninstalling Kodi =
Kodi is installed in folders in two places. You must remove both folders to completely uninstall it.
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>.
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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# Choose Uninstall.
# Choose Uninstall.


To uninstall the Kodi application in Windows 7 or Windows 8:
 
# Open Control Panel
# Choose ‘Programs and Features’
# Select Kodi in the list of apps
# Choose Uninstall
== The Kodi data folder ==
== 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.
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 do a clean installation of Kodi, the data folders will be created again the first time you run 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.<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 ==
== Complete Uninstall ==
To completely uninstall Kodi, uninstall the application then delete the data folder.
To completely uninstall Kodi, uninstall the application, then delete the data folder.
 
 
 
= Windows Defender =
= Windows Defender =
Windows Defender SmartScreen is a feature of Windows that blocks software it does not recognise to protect your computer.
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.
Line 145: Line 116:
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. Consider installing Kodi through the Microsoft Store or waiting a few days until Microsoft Defender recognises the new version of 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.
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]]


Run Kodi from the Start menu, by expanding the Kodi folder, then opening the Kodi app.
When you first run Kodi, you will be told that your library is empty.
To add media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for [https://kodi.wiki/view/First_time_user first time users].




= What next? =
To start adding media to your Kodi library, see the Wiki section for '''[[First_time_user|first time users]]'''.


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[[Category:Guides]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:How-to]]
[[Category:Windows]]
[[Category:Windows]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:Karellen]]
[[Category:General topics]]
[[Category:First time user]]
[[Category:Quick Start Guide]]
[[Category:Installation|Windows]]
[[Category:Installation|Windows]]

Latest revision as of 23:27, 12 February 2023

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.

Although there is no difference between the Windows store and the downloadable .exe version, if you want control of updates, we recommend using the downloadable .exe file.


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., v20.0 to v20.1), 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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