HOW-TO:Install Kodi for Windows

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Choosing a version

Recommended

The recommended version of Kodi is the current release Kodi v21.1 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.

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.

  • If you see this dialogue box, click More info.

    If you see this dialogue box, click More info.

  • After the text expands, click Run anyway.

    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.

    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 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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