Get Windows Media Center for Windows 8 Pro for free, and why you want to

Windows 8 comes with Windows Media Player, but it does not come with Windows Media Center.  No big deal?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

If you want to play DVD movies using Windows 8, Window Media Player can’t do it.  Windows Media Center is the only component that will allow you to play DVD movies.  If you’re a movie streaming addict, like me, not having Windows Media Center may not bother you.  At one point in time, I had a huge DVD collection, but I’ve spent the last few months getting rid of physical media and swapping those with online, streaming versions.  I’ve found that Amazon is the best solution for me as it stores my movie library and I can stream my favorite shows and movies on any device.

However, there are a few movies that still aren’t available as streaming options, and might never be.  So, physical media is still required in specific instances.

If I want to watch those DVDs on Windows 8 now, I HAVE to have Windows Media Center.  Microsoft has made Windows Media Center available to Windows 8 users, but only through the Windows 8 Pro Pack add-on.  The Pro Pack adds some additional components, too.  Microsoft touts the Pro Pack as an add-on for business users, however, Windows Media Center is included.  How Windows Media Center pertains to business, I’m not sure.  To me, Windows Media Center is a more consumer oriented component and should have been included in Windows 8 instead of a “business” add-on.

In the real world, the Windows 8 Pro Pack is a $69.99 add-on.  Yes, Microsoft is charging for the additional components.  However — due to others like me questioning this move, Microsoft is offering the Windows 8 Media Center Pack (a piece of the full Pro Pack) for free for a limited time.  In some instances, I’ve heard that the offer ends at the end of January 2013, so you’ll want to grab this right away.

Simply go to the following web page, enter your email address, and Microsoft will send a product key for the Windows 8 Media Center Pack:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs