HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows
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 Windows |
HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows
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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.
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
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.
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:
- Open Settings
- Choose Apps, then ‘Apps and features’
- Select Kodi in the list of apps
- 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
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.
If you see this dialogue box, click More info.
After the text expands, click Run anyway.
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.
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?
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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