Windows 8 Pro VL or Technet and Windows Media Center

Question

I am not finding anything up to date on this question, so I'm going to go ahead and start a new post since Windows 8 has been released.

I have found out that the VL keys for Enterprise and Pro don't allow the installation of Windows Media Center. We use this in our libraries quite a bit in our school district. I need this feature, but it's not allowed with the VL keys. We have no local cable company, so we use it to record educational programming off a Directv satellite so it can be watched by the kids.

Is it there if I change the key on the Windows 8 Pro VL machine I just installed to my Technet key? (Windows 8 Pro (TechNet Professional)

If it's not there either, does that mean that I have to go out and purchase Windows 8 Pro Retail to get the feature??? Hopefully not, I blew a ton of money on my VL agreement with Microsoft and any more purchase take resources from the classrooms. Come on Microsoft, let's release an install for those of us in a predicament.

Thanks,

jtbryant

Answer 1

Dear jtbryant1,

Windows 8 Pro Pack or Windows 8 Media Center Pack is not available through MSDN / Technet / VLSC. Please register below to avail the FREE WMC Key.

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

Regards,
prathaprabhu

Answer 2

The problem is there us no 'Add Features' available in the VL editions of Windows Pro 8 so you cannot add the 'free' Media Center Pack. MS have completely dropped the ball here and are not answering the questions on this in any forums.

Answer 3

+1, this isn't answered yet. BoyGreen is right..

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Steve

Answer 4

This section is for MSDN Subscription Feedback and related queries. You can ask your Windows 8 installation and queries in the respective section.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/sk/category/w8itpro

Regards,
prathaprabhu

Answer 5

some useful information on how to achieve this with non-VL media is in this thread:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w8itprogeneral/thread/a84980a9-1b9e-49ef-8dc6-c18a1921b6cf

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Don
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Answer 6

Why isn't the Windows 8 Media Center Pack available to MSDN or TechNet subscribers? I have the highest MSDN Subscription, yet (after today, Feb 1, 2013) I'll need to buy the Media Center Pack license if I want to use it? This is complete crap and a complete slap in the face for all MSDN and TechNet subscribers to lock out a feature of the OS.

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