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"Add Features" Missing in Windows 8 RTM RRS feed

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    Hi,

    I've installed Win 8 RTM from technet and unlike the preview version I cannot find the "Add features" setting that I thought we used to add things like media centre ?

    thanks

    Rob

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 9:56 AM

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    Windows 8 Enterprise doesn't have Media Center, you need pro to get it.
    • Proposed as answer by AnthonyDa Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:29 AM
    • Marked as answer by Leo Huang Thursday, August 30, 2012 6:22 AM
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:29 AM

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    This is how to get to Add Features

    1. Right Click in the bottom left corner of your screen
    2. Select Control Panel
    3. Select Programs
    4. Select Turn Windows Features on or off

    or

    1. Right Click in the bottom left corner of your screen
    2. Select Programs and Features
    3. Select Turn Windows Features on or off

    But I can not find media centre :S

    Technical Beta Tester || Matthew John Earley BSc (hons) || www.o0MattE0o.myby.co.uk

    • Edited by o0MattE0o Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:07 AM
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:07 AM
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    Hi,

    that's not the bit I mean. That is the windows features which is fine.

    The thing I mean is where we can add (purchase) extras like Media Centre as in this example:

    http://www.windows8core.com/how-to-get-and-install-windows-media-center-in-windows-8-pro-rtm/

    I've installed Windows 8 Enterprise but all the blurb tells us that Enterprise has all Pro features plus some so I woudl expect it to be there.

    thanks

    Rob

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:17 AM
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    Windows 8 Enterprise doesn't have Media Center, you need pro to get it.
    • Proposed as answer by AnthonyDa Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:29 AM
    • Marked as answer by Leo Huang Thursday, August 30, 2012 6:22 AM
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:29 AM
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    Hi,

    that was my conclusion but it does somewhat conflict with the blurb about Enterprise being all that Pro is plus more.

    thanks

    Rob

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:01 PM
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    Read this.
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:04 PM
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    thanks.  there's always one useful bit you miss. still, it's testing so no harm done.

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:06 PM
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     there's always one useful bit you miss.


    Which is?
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:10 PM
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    I was saying that I'd missed the bit on the wiki saying that Media Center wasn't available on Ent.
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 12:35 PM
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    I think you're going to have to wait until the general release of
    Windows 8 to the public for all the dollar type transactions stuff to
    come on line.  It's not letting you upgrade because it's not released
    in a purchasable form yet.
     
    Technet or MSDN will have to give us keys for anything extra. (if they
    so chose)
     
    Bob Comer - Microsoft MVP Virtual Machine
    Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:07 PM
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    Hi,

    I've installed Win 8 RTM from technet and unlike the preview version I cannot find the "Add features" setting that I thought we used to add things like media centre ?

    Open the Charms menu, hit search, change to settings, then type "add features".

    The option to buy something doesn't work, and TechNet currently hasn't got a Media Center key.

    That's very disappointing to me, personally, because I'd planned to learn Win8 by making it my daily driver for a couple of months, and I'm a heavy Media Center user, w/ cable card and all that.

    Glad I installed it as a dual boot.


    Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:34 PM
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    Anthony, I wouldn't offer up Wikipedia as gospel.  It says two things which clearly aren't correct...

    (1) "Windows 8 Enterprise provides all the features in Windows 8 Pro" (Untrue if it doesn't allow WMC.)

    (2) "Windows Media Center functionality will be available only for Windows 8 Pro, as a free "add-on." (It costs around $12.49 USD)

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:52 PM
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    Anthony, I wouldn't offer up Wikipedia as gospel.  It says two things which clearly aren't correct...

    (1) "Windows 8 Enterprise provides all the features in Windows 8 Pro" (Untrue if it doesn't allow WMC.)

    (2) "Windows Media Center functionality will be available only for Windows 8 Pro, as a free "add-on." (It costs around $12.49 USD)

    Feel free to edit the wikipedia page if you think that there's error in it.

    WMC is free for Windows Pro, otherwise it's $12.49 for the normal version.

    Thursday, August 16, 2012 6:07 PM
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    Ok, well the 26th October has finally come around... I have an RTM install of Windows 8 PRO (NOT ENTERPRISE!!) which is licensed and activated with one of my company's MAK keys, and I don't have the option to "Add Features" and therefore can't install the media center product key that I got from the Windows 8 website.

    What is going on here? We were told that media center would be available for users of Windows 8 Pro. Why does my installation of Windows 8 Pro not have the option to Add Features??

    Friday, October 26, 2012 12:21 AM
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    it's not yet the 26th here in my part of the world, but I am wondering the same how will I add my MCE to Windows pro if I don't get the option to type the serial number?
    Friday, October 26, 2012 1:12 AM
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    Have you seen this page?

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

    Note the instructions.

     

    -Noel

    Detailed how-to in my eBooks:  

    Configure The Windows 7 "To Work" Options
    Configure The Windows 8 "To Work" Options
    Friday, October 26, 2012 2:15 AM
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    Ok, well the 26th October has finally come around... I have an RTM install of Windows 8 PRO (NOT ENTERPRISE!!) which is licensed and activated with one of my company's MAK keys, and I don't have the option to "Add Features" and therefore can't install the media center product key that I got from the Windows 8 website.

    What is going on here? We were told that media center would be available for users of Windows 8 Pro. Why does my installation of Windows 8 Pro not have the option to Add Features??

    I have this same issue.  No option to add features, Windows 8 Pro RTM.

    Please see this screenshot: http://iforce.co.nz/i/jwxq3nvn.kt0.jpg

    • Edited by Pyronical Friday, October 26, 2012 11:12 AM Added screenshot
    Friday, October 26, 2012 11:07 AM
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    Exactly the same issue. I'm running Windows 8 Pro from MSDN site and it is activated. I cannot find "Add Features".

    Friday, October 26, 2012 1:12 PM
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    Just to add to this I've downloaded the ISOs from the Microsoft Volume license site. I have tried this with Windows 8 Pro 32 & 64 bit with the same result. I cannot find Add Features to Windows 8.

    My 64bit ISO is named: SW_DVD5_Win_Pro_8_64BIT_English_MLF_X18-16134.iso

    I have also tried running "control /name Microsoft.WindowsAnytimeUpgrade" from an administrator command prompt and it doesn't work.

    This is where I got the above command: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/tp/control-panel-applets-list.htm

    I wonder if it is a limitation on the VL media?

    Friday, October 26, 2012 2:18 PM
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    I am using the media from the licensing site and I don't have an add features either.  Anyone from Microsoft have an answer for this?  Come on guys wake up.
    Friday, October 26, 2012 2:30 PM
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    Same issue here?  What gives?

    Why is Microsoft making it so difficult this time? 

    Friday, October 26, 2012 5:38 PM
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    Hello, I have same problem...

    Thanks

    Tempusus

    Tempusus

    Friday, October 26, 2012 8:36 PM
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    So I got the new key from Microsoft and I went to the CMD prompt and type slui 3 to type in the new product key but it says.

    "The product key you have entered will not work with this edition of Windows 8.  You must either run windows 8 setup or enter a windows 8 pro product key" 

    I did a winver and verified that I am running Windows 6.2 (Build 9200) Windows Pro

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:01 PM
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    *BUMP!* 

    Same problem here.  Signed up for the free MCE key yesterday, received it today but the "Add Features" option is completely missing.

    Been waiting for Media Center for a LOONG time already and now that the 26th has finally rolled around -still nada... 

    Adam 

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:02 PM
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    Its missing from the volume licensing version. Microsoft has to fix this.
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:05 PM
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    Windows 8 Enterprise doesn't have Media Center, you need pro to get it.

    Volume licensing pro version is missing the add features
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:06 PM
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    Hello,

    Open an Elevated cmd prompt and run slmgr /dli

    Report back the output

    Thanks, Darrell Gorter [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:07 PM
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    Hi Darrell

    This is what mine says:

    Name: Windows (R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows (R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel

    Partial Product Key: XXXXX

    License Status: Licensed

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:12 PM
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    I too, like many others, do not have the ability to "Add Features to Windows 8". Running the command above provides the following:

    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel

    Partial Product Key: QV3HC

    License Status: Licensed

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:13 PM
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    I have tried it on the TechNet version AND Volume licensing  version and it doesn't show up on either of them
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:16 PM
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    Mine says :

    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, Retail Channel

    Partial Product Key: XXXXX

    Licensed Status: Licensed

    But  "Add Features" is still not enabled.


    However, I did use the "SW_DVD5_Win_Pro_8_64BIT_English_MLF_X18-16134.ISO" ISO which probably is a VL image
    • Edited by spacenoxx Friday, October 26, 2012 9:30 PM added Win8 image filename
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:23 PM
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    Hello

    I'm having this problem as well.

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:24 PM
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    Same problem. Got Windows from Technet & no "Add Features" option.
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:26 PM
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    Name: Windows (R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows (R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel

    Partial Product Key: 88CK2

    License Status: Licensed

    Interesting that the retail channel version is also having this issue. 

    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:27 PM
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    Interesting that the retail channel version is also having this issue. 


    As I am the only Retail Key user, I am assuming at this point,  that my problem is probably because of the VL installation media I used.
    Friday, October 26, 2012 9:35 PM
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    Ditto.

    Name: Windows (R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows (R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel

    Partial Product Key: XXXXX

    License Status: Licensed

    Friday, October 26, 2012 10:09 PM
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    I've managed to get hold of a working machine and so far I have seen that the machine that doesn't work is missing registry entries and files from Windows\System32. it is missing:

    WindowsAnytimeUpgrade.exe

    WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui.exe (this starts the upgrade wizard)

    The following registry entry is also missing: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}]

    There is probably more missing as copying the files and importing the registry keys doesn't fix the problem.

    I guess MS must have decided that volume license users do not need to add features to Windows and didn't include the option on volume media!

    Friday, October 26, 2012 10:58 PM
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    Mine says :

    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, Retail Channel

    Partial Product Key: XXXXX

    Licensed Status: Licensed

    But  "Add Features" is still not enabled.


    However, I did use the "SW_DVD5_Win_Pro_8_64BIT_English_MLF_X18-16134.ISO" ISO which probably is a VL image
    Mine is the same as this, says "RETAIL channel" - but I used the same VL image.
    Friday, October 26, 2012 11:14 PM
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    Hello.  I am not using Windows 8 Enterprise.  

    Running slmgr /dli displays the following:

    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition

    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, RETAIL channel

    Partial Product Key: XHF9V

    License Status: Licensed

    Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks.

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 12:01 AM
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    I don't know if this will fix everyone's problem, but I was actually searching in the wrong place. From the Start page (or whatever it's called now) move the mouse to the upper right to make the bar appear, click on Search, and THEN CLICK SETTINGS, then type in "Add features." I was simply clicking the search button and then typing, but the default is to search apps.
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 2:24 AM
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    Same issue here.  Come on Microsoft, sort your sh*t out.

    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition
    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel
    Partial Product Key: XXXX
    License Status: Licensed

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 8:39 AM
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    Same here, thought I was missing something but apparantly i'm fine :)
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 9:39 AM
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    If you are using MSDN try this:

    - Install Windows 8 (NOT PRO) with the Windows 8 productkey

    - Then, if installed, do the Add features thing and fill in the Windows Pro Retail key from the MSDN site.

    - After the upgrade, Windows will reboot. Log in again and do the Add features thing again (notice it's stil there)

    - Now fill in the Media Center Product key that you got from the Windows 8 website.



    • Proposed as answer by Daroma1 Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:16 AM
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 11:42 AM
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    I have managed to get my hands on non-volume media.

    "upgraded" my Windows 8 Pro Volume installation to Retail installation. Activated with my MSDN key. I now have the "Add Features" on my Windows install.

    I will do a clean Windows install as I'm not sure if what I did is legal. My slmgr /dli now reports "RETAIL channel" and not "VOLUME_MAK channel" as before.

    There are a few other downsides:

    Lost all my wireless network configuration (upgrade/keep settings fail!)

    Have a bunch of folders that will need deleting (Windows.old, $WINDOWS.~BT - is it safe to do so?!??!?)

    And the feeling that I have a system that is so-so legal and not so clean anymore...

    I guess this just confirms that MS decided that volume license media did not need the "Add Features" feature. Great going MS. Why put a Policy option to turn on and off the "Add Features" wizard and than not include the feature at all??? I hope MS comes up with a patch to re-enable add features to the volume media.

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 12:07 PM
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    I really don't get this. After adding Media Center and rebooting, Add Features is gone again...
    • Edited by zx6dude Saturday, October 27, 2012 12:39 PM
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 12:39 PM
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    I don't know if we have the same problem, as in my case I could open the "add features" option but cannot continue to add the Windows Media Center feature.

    I already found the solution myself so I’ll just share it. Here's what I did (Note: I am using Windows 8 x86 Pro from MSDN):

    1. Press Win+W, and do a search for Edit Group Policy (would need admin rights).

    2.  Browse the left pane through Local Computer Policy>>Administrative Templates>>Windows Components>>Add features to Windows 8.

    3. On the right pane, edit the policy setting Prevent the wizard from running, and choose Disabled.

    4. Press Win+W again, and do a search for Add features, it should be there by now and you can now proceed to adding the Windows Media feature.

    One last note: The setup would automatically restart without any confirmation (or maybe it was too fast I didn't notice it) so SAVE whatever it is that needs saving. Also, once restarted, the Add features will be gone as there is nothing to add anymore. You'll notice in System Properties that you now have Window 8 Pro with Media Center.

    Hope this works for you, too. :)


    • Proposed as answer by umbrakaito Saturday, October 27, 2012 2:42 PM
    • Edited by umbrakaito Saturday, October 27, 2012 2:46 PM Needed to delete some unnecessary characters
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 2:42 PM
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    Umbrakaito, I did what you described, but I still do not have "add features". I can only see that there are Win8 Pro licenses as volume licenses on MSDN, so I assume that you installed something like "<label class="description" id="description12">Windows 8 Pro VL (x86) - DVD (English)</label>", right?
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 4:04 PM
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    I haven't checked what type of license I have until now...

     

    ...and the ISO is label with: en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso

    never knew that what I have is a RETAIL. So I guess, my post is invalid in this thread.

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 5:28 PM
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    I also tried what umbrakaito said and still do not have the add features option. My copy says "Windows(R), ProfessionalN edition" and it shows RETAIL channel.

    I sure hope this gets resolved soon--I'm behind deadline on screen shots!

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 7:15 PM
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    I also have this issue.  My "slmgr /dli" results are:

    Name: Windows(R), Professional Edition

    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, VOLUME_MAK channel

    Partial Product Key: D667C

    License Status: Licensed

    Saturday, October 27, 2012 9:08 PM
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    Me too.  I've tried the group policy change but it doesn't help.
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 10:23 PM
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    I don't know if we have the same problem, as in my case I could open the "add features" option but cannot continue to add the Windows Media Center feature.

    I already found the solution myself so I’ll just share it. Here's what I did (Note: I am using Windows 8 x86 Pro from MSDN):

    1. Press Win+W, and do a search for Edit Group Policy (would need admin rights).

    2.  Browse the left pane through Local Computer Policy>>Administrative Templates>>Windows Components>>Add features to Windows 8.

    3. On the right pane, edit the policy setting Prevent the wizard from running, and choose Disabled.

    4. Press Win+W again, and do a search for Add features, it should be there by now and you can now proceed to adding the Windows Media feature.

    One last note: The setup would automatically restart without any confirmation (or maybe it was too fast I didn't notice it) so SAVE whatever it is that needs saving. Also, once restarted, the Add features will be gone as there is nothing to add anymore. You'll notice in System Properties that you now have Window 8 Pro with Media Center.

    Hope this works for you, too. :)


    Your group policy solution won't work, because if search our machines, the "WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui.exe " is missing completely.  
    Saturday, October 27, 2012 11:18 PM
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    I followed Pyronical's instructions with no luck.

    Running slmgr /dli displays the following:
    Name: Windows(R), Professional edition
    Description: Windows(R) Operating System, RETAIL channel
    Partial Product Key: XXXXX
    License Status: Licensed

    Installed from MSDN.

    I hope they release a fix soon.

    Stan

    Stanomatic


    • Edited by Stanomatic Sunday, October 28, 2012 2:50 AM
    Sunday, October 28, 2012 2:49 AM
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    Same here. Installed Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit with a VLK. I think we have determined that adding features to VL keys is going to be the culprit. I hope this is just a glitch and not something that will remain unchanged. Come on Microsoft, I want my Media Center please !!!!
    • Edited by J.B. Bryant Sunday, October 28, 2012 4:50 AM left something out
    Sunday, October 28, 2012 4:49 AM
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    Same issue here..

    And the funny thing: MVLS, Technet and MSDN all have the Windows 8 PRO VL for download.. which doesent support the Add features

    Microsoft please resolve this issue asap..

    Sunday, October 28, 2012 9:12 AM
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    Hello at all!

    Here are some good ideas and some weird postings. If somebody says he has a Windows 8 PRO then there is no reason talking about ENTERPRISE! At the moment the SKUs and their names are a little bit confusing. Take your MSDN downloads for example: you will find a Windows 8 DVD, a Windows 8 ENTERPRISE, a Windows 8 PRO VL and the European N versions.

    As you will remember MSDN OS ISOs mostly are retail versions with retail keys. So basically you have to online activate your Windows.

    While running through the postings I summarize from above that there are installations from the PRO (VL) media. Since I did this myself I can approve you there is NO BUTTON to "add features". The way to get there is described earlier (WIN+W search features...). The PRO (VL) media is equipped with the Client KMS Setup key. So the preferred activation method is together with a KMS Server or a MAK key. By running slmgr -dli you can see either VOLUME_KMSCLIENT channel or VOLUME_MAK channel on your installations. The possible SKU(s) are stored in the xrm-ms license files (e.g. used by OEMs for their retails). To verify this simply try the following: run slmgr -ipk [your Media Center Pack Key]. The output will be about this "run slui.exe 0x2a 0xC004F069", and the detail error message states "cannot find the SKU"! Bingo! Wrong SKU means no Media Center Pack possible! REMEMBER: the product key button on MSDN Portal gives you a notice and no key when selecting Windows 8 PRO VL.

    Now adding some informations from other postings above: the missing AnyTimeUpgrade. The registry key {BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A} belongs to a control panel item (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ee330741(v=vs.85).aspx) called Windows Anytime Upgrade. This button is missing on the 8 PRO VL too. Even the binaries WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui.exe WindowsAnytimeUpgrade.exe are missing.

    Drill down to the next step: I took the Windows 8 (!) ISO and installed it. Product key button lets you acquire a (retail) key on MSDN. Installation requires a key before installing! Somebody stated there is the 8 and the 8 PRO together in this ISO. So simple put in the KMS client setup key (NG4HW-VH26C-733KW-K6F98-J8CK4) in the setup window - works! So with the client setup key the channel switched from RETAIL to VOLUME_KMSCLIENT in the background. After finishing the installation you will get a Windows 8 PRO. Since you can convert between the channels by removing or changing your product key (slmgr -upk or slmgr -ipk NG4HW-VH26C-733KW-K6F98-J8CK4) this version of Windows supports more SKUs than the PRO VL. Check out: there are both WindowsAnyTimeUpgrade (from SKU Windows 8 to Windows 8 PRO) and the binaries. Even the missing "add features" is there. And taking a look add the taskmanager reveals a WindowsAnyTimeUpgrade process while running the "add feature" UI.

    Windows Media Center is a consumer feature. Adding the feature to a deployable enterprise image with the Windows 8 PRO VL ISO would definitely break the license terms. So the "add features" link is not missing in Windows 8 PRO VL. It is not available per design.

    Max

    • Proposed as answer by vacaloca1 Tuesday, October 30, 2012 10:55 PM
    Sunday, October 28, 2012 9:49 AM
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    What I posted earlier works if you want Windows 8 Media Center.

    If you have an MSDN account just do the following (i agree it takes a new installation to get there)..

    - Install Windows 8 (NOT PRO and NO Volume License keys, just Windows 8) and fill in the productkey.

    - After the installation go to Add features and fill in the productkey of Windows 8 Pro Retail (from MSDN, it's there..)

    - After the reboot(s) , again go to Add features (and notice it's still there).

    - Now fill in the Media Center Product key that you got from the Windows 8 website

    - The PC will reboot again and finally you've got Windows 8 Pro with Media Center.

    I did the whole thing yesterday and it works for me. If you want Media Center so bad, this is a way to get it.

    • Proposed as answer by Daroma1 Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:16 AM
    Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:09 AM
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    What I posted earlier works if you want Windows 8 Media Center.

    If you have an MSDN account just do the following (i agree it takes a new installation to get there)..

    - Install Windows 8 (NOT PRO and NO Volume License keys, just Windows 8) and fill in the productkey.

    - After the installation go to Add features and fill in the productkey of Windows 8 Pro Retail (from MSDN, it's there..)

    - After the reboot(s) , again go to Add features (and notice it's still there).

    - Now fill in the Media Center Product key that you got from the Windows 8 website

    - The PC will reboot again and finally you've got Windows 8 Pro with Media Center.

    I did the whole thing yesterday and it works for me. If you want Media Center so bad, this is a way to get it.


    It's well known thing. But question is how to install WMC on VL version of Windows 8 PRO.
    Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:20 AM
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    Daroma1, what you propose may work, but it doesn't provide an answer for people that already have Windows 8 installed or upgrade from Windows 7. I think MS need to provide a fix for people that are already running Windows 8 or want to do an in-place upgrade of Windows 7.

    I must admit I don't really follow your steps anyway. With the MSDN media I have done a clean install - it doesn't ask to enter any license keys and it doesn't ask what Windows edition you want to install. By default installs Windows 8 Pro and you don't get a choice on what type of Windows to install. My media for both x86 and x64 does not give you the choice of what Windows to install and it is missing "Add Features". Maybe you are using different media? This is the media I have:

    SW_DVD5_Win_Pro_8_32BIT_English_MLF_X18-16098.ISO

    SW_DVD5_Win_Pro_8_64BIT_English_MLF_X18-16134.ISO

    Sunday, October 28, 2012 1:14 PM
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    zx6dude, i you use the following media from MSDN:

    - nl_windows_8_x64_dvd_915410.iso (it's the Dutch version) so no Volume Licence ISO

    - Then I used the Windows 8 Professional Productkey (retail) instead of the VL, also from MSDN. Not the media, only the productkey to upgrade the Windows 8 installation. After that i used the Media Center Key that i obtained on the Windows 8 website.

    I was a bit confused what specifically was asked above...I thought the question was how to eventually install Media Center through the Add features option...but guess i was wrong...sorry about that. 

    But the steps i described is one way to succesfully install Windows 8 Media Center.

    Cheers!

    Sunday, October 28, 2012 4:08 PM
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    Don't get me wrong!

    It is a licensing item to get your WMC on a PRO VL. Perhaps you can add the feature as a deployable package for enterprise customers later if it will be released.

    WMC is CONSUMER not ENTERPRISE, it was a feature for Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional und Windows 7 Ultimate - all three in case of OEM installation and not for enterprise deployment. It is a LEGAL thing adding DVD playback and the codec (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/04/q-amp-a-dvd-playback-and-windows-media-center-in-windows-8.aspx).

    Sunday, October 28, 2012 8:36 PM
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    If anyone is having issues still: in desktop, goto control panel, system and at the top there is a blue line that says "get additional windows features" or something like this.

    Click on this, put in your key and it will begin "upgrading" your version.

    Takes 2 restarts for some reason.

    Monday, October 29, 2012 1:28 AM
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    Sorry this will not work if you have a VL copy of Windows 8 Pro. For some reason adding features is disabled in this until Microsoft comes up with a fix
    Monday, October 29, 2012 1:43 AM
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    It would be good to get some sort of official statement from Microsoft as to whether it is a bug, or whether VL customers using Windows 8 PRO will never be entitled to *purchase* the Media Center add-on.

    It's quite poor on their behalf, considering they have been saying for months now that Media Center will only be available to users of Windows 7 PRO, but not mentioning anywhere that they only meant retail customers, not VL customers.

    Monday, October 29, 2012 1:56 AM
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    Perhaps the new "refresh" feature could fix the problem? I also installed with VL-media, then changed to use a non-VL license key with no luck. Ideally, a refresh should add the missing files. I will have time to try this later today.

    /Brian

    Monday, October 29, 2012 7:22 AM
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    It would be good to get some sort of official statement from Microsoft as to whether it is a bug, or whether VL customers using Windows 8 PRO will never be entitled to *purchase* the Media Center add-on.

    It's quite poor on their behalf, considering they have been saying for months now that Media Center will only be available to users of Windows 7 PRO, but not mentioning anywhere that they only meant retail customers, not VL customers.

    Totally agree. An official statement would clear this up. And for now is with WMC, what happens if MS decides to release other features?

    I run a VL Windows 7 Pro with WMC (already built-in to the OS), why should VL Windows 8 Pro be any different? If it is a licensing issue, did it change with Windows 8?

    Monday, October 29, 2012 8:48 AM
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    Sad as it may be, I have found that Daroma1 is absolutely correct in his way to finally get WMC in Windows 8.

    I have done this on two machines, and it has been very painful. But it did work.

    I have no idea how long Microsoft will take to fix this issue, but I really needed to get WMC on Windows 8 to do some development on WMC.

    Thanks Daroma1.

    Tony

    Monday, October 29, 2012 8:35 PM
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    I almost went mad trying to follow the 'add features' instructions from Microsoft. It would be nice to hear from them if we are going to have the availability to add features to the pro edition.
    Tuesday, October 30, 2012 3:59 PM
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    Thought I would check this one last time before I reload with the retail version.  Sadly no answers yet. 
    Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:07 PM
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    Agreed,

    MY CEO of course is using a copy of our VLK w8 Pro for home use and needs to be able to add features and yes he wants WMC..

    they cannot be so short sighted to know that Corporate VIPs and IT people use these keys on home machines as well.

    Come on MS. We throw 1000s and 1000s of dollars at you. use your heads here.

    Tuesday, October 30, 2012 8:16 PM
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    Thought I would check this one last time before I reload with the retail version.  Sadly no answers yet. 

    Same here. I took the plunge last night and installed Windows 8 Pro from the TechNet retail ISO instead of the volume license one that I have been using for the last couple of months. Installed to a new VHDX so I can still access the content from my previous install to help the transition.

    Once installed from the TechNet ISO, I had the Add Features option available and I was able to use my free WMC product key I retrieved last week to install WMC. All went smooth with the installation, except I couldn't get my Xbox to connect to the computer, but that was easily fixed when I found that the "Media Center Extender" service was set to Disabled. I changed it to Automatic and started it, then the Xbox was able to connect.

    Tuesday, October 30, 2012 10:24 PM
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    Hello,

    “Individuals who take advantage of the recently announced upgrade offer to Windows 8 Pro can add Windows Media Center for free through the add features option as described in this  Windows Blog post. People can also add the Windows 8 Media Center Pack and Windows 8 Pro Pack to OEM and Retail licensed version of Windows 8. These feature packs are not available with volume licensing versions.”

    Thanks, Darrell Gorter [MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

    • Proposed as answer by Florin Ciuca Tuesday, November 6, 2012 8:29 AM
    Wednesday, October 31, 2012 12:35 AM
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    So I have been struggling with the same problem as all of you.  Basically, I have volume licensing keys (MAK and KMS) and matching ISOs.  I installed Windows 8 around the time it became available in the volume licensing service center (a while ago).  
    My first theory was that perhaps my ISO was just outdated and did not contain the requisite files for the Add Features...feature.  I downloaded a new ISO of Pro x64 and did a clean install.  Again, Add Features was missing.
    So here is what I had to do to get it working.  I "obtained" a RETAIL ISO of Windows 8 Pro x64 with a used product ID (the ID is only important to get the clean install going as it will not accept any VL key at this point...you will not activate this code).  Once Windows was loaded (clean install), I immediately went to Add Features and input my Media Center key.  It told me that Windows was not activated and that I needed to activate it first.  It popped up the activation window and said that the key could not be activated and offered to let me change it (or buy one I think).  At this point, I entered my organization's MAK key and it accepted it!  After the Windows activation window closed, the Add Features window had already recognized that Windows activation had succeeded and moved itself along.  Finish going through the prompts and reboot and you are good to go!  I believe that after the reboot, Add Features disappears again.  Just FYI.
    Now, someone needs to test if switching a VL install of Windows 8 Pro can be switched to a Retail product code to make the Add Features function appear.  This would be much simpler than the process I just described.
    Let me know what you guys find out.  I am just happy that I found a way to make it work with a clean install.
    Wednesday, October 31, 2012 1:22 AM
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    Darrell,

    The link you have posted goes to a "Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 article", I haven't seen anything about WMC and volume licences there. The text you've written though confirms that MS decided to remove the features from VL media. Sad and short-sighted, it would be nice if they made a u-turn on this but it is unlikely. There are workarounds, but I wonder if they breach the licence agreement...

    Nothing about volume licencing here: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/05/03/making-windows-media-center-available-in-windows-8.aspx

    I think MS should have made it very clear from the beginning that volume licence users would not be able to get WMC or any other future features that require "Add Features".

    Thanks

    zx

    Wednesday, October 31, 2012 9:07 AM
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    I think MS should have made it very clear from the beginning that volume licence users would not be able to get WMC or any other future features that require "Add Features".

    I agree - In all of the discussion leading up to RTM, I never saw any indication that volume license customers would not be able to install feature packs.  I am sure many customers are counting on this feature to provided needed functionality, and even if another product or service would fill this need, it was implied that Media Center would be available at launch - so when it became clear it was not possible to install, it leads to a lot of scrambling and wasted time looking for another solution.  The confusion shown here and on other message boards shows it was not handled well by MS.

    I think we would all be happy with an official solution that allows Media Center installation, or at the very least, a clear and official explanation of the limitation and acceptable suggestions for an alternative solution.  We shouldn't be forced to uninstall, reinstall, change product keys, etc. just to get this feature!

    Tim

    Wednesday, October 31, 2012 4:07 PM
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    I got hold of a copy of the Win 8 Pro RETAIL iso from TechNet and reinstalled windows with my same VL key.  Add features appeared, I now have WMC.
    Friday, November 2, 2012 2:40 AM
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    But AnthonyDa, there are at least two editions of Pro.  Retail Pro seems to get WMC, but Pro VL (Microsoft Volume Licensing program's Windows 8 Pro) does not have the opportunity to get "Add Features to Windows 8" as described on http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs 
    • Proposed as answer by tmiller67 Thursday, November 15, 2012 12:38 PM
    • Unproposed as answer by tmiller67 Thursday, November 15, 2012 12:38 PM
    Wednesday, November 14, 2012 7:22 PM
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    I got this response from the VLC rep.  :

    "We apologize for the confusion and the inconvenience this has caused.  We have been able to confirm that currently the Windows 8 Media Center Pack has not yet been released for Volume Licensing.  We contacted our Pre Sales and Licensing team and it was indicated that when the Volume Licensing version of this pack has been released, it will be available as a download through the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).  Again, we apologize for the earlier miscommunication.

    If you would like to contact the Pre Sales and Licensing Team directly for additional information as it becomes available, they can be reached at 800-426-9400, open M-F 6 AM-5 PM PST.  "

    • Proposed as answer by tmiller67 Thursday, November 15, 2012 12:41 PM
    Thursday, November 15, 2012 12:39 PM
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    Does this mean that Microsoft is ignoring the fact that some media enterprises use their product? I cannot submit uninstalling to reinstall in order to resolve this issue. There has to be a system update that addresses the issue or better yet a registry key..
    Saturday, November 17, 2012 11:53 PM
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    +1 on this

    Steve

    Sunday, November 18, 2012 5:59 PM
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    Now that Sinofsky has been justifiably canned, can someone at Microsoft get this Media Center act together? Let's see here:

    1. You haven't really done anything to improve Media Center at all. In fact, you appear to have removed card support now...so you've actually degraded a product that people used successfully in Windows 7. Who's the clown that decided this was a good move?

    2. You insist, for some unknown reason that nobody can explain to us, that it must run on Windows 8 Pro - even though most home users won't have that edition and don't need its features...and there is nothing in Pro that is specific to MC playback. If someone at MS can explain the Pro requirement...I'm all ears. 

    3. Apparently the VL Pro is now different from the regular Pro and MC won't install correctly. You're confusing people. Stop confusing people. It shouldn't be this hard.

    4. People want a Windows 8 version that has all the features, and for some bizarre reason, you've chosen to not allow that (ie. Enterprise can't run media center...and Pro lacks Enterprise features). So, no matter how much we're willing to pay...you won't let us run everything like we used to with Ultimate. Stupid.

    5. People are willing to hand you cash RIGHT NOW for this feature...and you seem to be not only making it as difficult as possible to get, but it seems like you just want the product to die off like we're bothering Microsoft with our wanting to run MC on our PC's. You could be selling tens of thousands of MC add-ons and making million of dollars off a product that is already developed, but instead you're all being butts about the whole thing and pissing people off.

    Can someone at Microsoft stop this insanity. This is currently bat $#^& crazy. Get your act together and start acting like you care about your customers. Make the MC feature available for all Windows 8 versions for people who wish to give you money for the privilege. For that matter...make the DirectAccess and such available as add-ons as well for the Pro version since people without an SA cannot even get Enterprise. You'll make tons of money and your customers will be happy customers. We will all win.

    • Edited by SAS71 Sunday, November 18, 2012 9:02 PM
    Sunday, November 18, 2012 6:51 PM
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    I've managed to get hold of a working machine and so far I have seen that the machine that doesn't work is missing registry entries and files from Windows\System32. it is missing:

    WindowsAnytimeUpgrade.exe

    WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui.exe (this starts the upgrade wizard)

    The following registry entry is also missing: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}]

    There is probably more missing as copying the files and importing the registry keys doesn't fix the problem.

    I guess MS must have decided that volume license users do not need to add features to Windows and didn't include the option on volume media!

    Any way you could post the contents of that registry key?

    Thanks!

    KC

    Tuesday, November 20, 2012 8:02 PM
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    Hi kcfreels

    as requested:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}]
    @="Windows Anytime Upgrade"
    "System.Software.TasksFileUrl"="Internal"
    "InfoTip"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,\
      6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,\
      00,77,00,69,00,6e,00,64,00,6f,00,77,00,73,00,61,00,6e,00,79,00,74,00,69,00,\
      6d,00,65,00,75,00,70,00,67,00,72,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,75,00,69,00,2e,00,65,\
      00,78,00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,32,00,00,00
    "LocalizedString"=hex(2):40,00,25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,\
      6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,\
      00,5c,00,77,00,69,00,6e,00,64,00,6f,00,77,00,73,00,61,00,6e,00,79,00,74,00,\
      69,00,6d,00,65,00,75,00,70,00,67,00,72,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,75,00,69,00,2e,\
      00,65,00,78,00,65,00,2c,00,2d,00,31,00,00,00
    "System.ApplicationName"="Microsoft.WindowsAnytimeUpgrade"
    "System.ControlPanel.Category"="5"

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}\DefaultIcon]
    @=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
      00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,77,00,69,00,\
      6e,00,64,00,6f,00,77,00,73,00,61,00,6e,00,79,00,74,00,69,00,6d,00,65,00,75,\
      00,70,00,67,00,72,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,75,00,69,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,\
      2c,00,2d,00,31,00,00,00

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}\Shell]

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}\Shell\Open]

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{BE122A0E-4503-11DA-8BDE-F66BAD1E3F3A}\Shell\Open\Command]
    @=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
      00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,77,00,69,00,\
      6e,00,64,00,6f,00,77,00,73,00,61,00,6e,00,79,00,74,00,69,00,6d,00,65,00,75,\
      00,70,00,67,00,72,00,61,00,64,00,65,00,75,00,69,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,\
      00,00

    Regards

    zx

    Wednesday, November 21, 2012 3:46 PM
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    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/add-features-frequently-asked-questions

    Quote: "Add features to Windows 8  is unavailable in some editions of Windows 8"

    Wouldn't it be nice if Microsoft actually said which editions? Pretty basic information right?

    Wednesday, November 21, 2012 4:57 PM
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    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/add-features-frequently-asked-questions

    Quote: "Add features to Windows 8  is unavailable in some editions of Windows 8"

    Wouldn't it be nice if Microsoft actually said which editions? Pretty basic information right?


    ha ha, poor ms coders, what a shame... rushed os by headless marketers...
    Sunday, November 25, 2012 1:30 PM
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    I bought windows 8 pro online, came with 32 bit and 64 bit, before installing windows 8 media with the free key for media center, I was able to use the add features to windows 8, my windows product key is not windows 8 pro product key, its the key for windows media center. So I am using windows 8 pro with media center installed activated with media center key. Why does it not show both keys, one for media center activated XXX XXX bla bla bla, and windows 8 pro xxx xxx bla bla bal,

    I too have the problem with the "ADD FEATURES TO WIN 8 MISSING AFTER THE INSTALL OF WINDOWS MEDIA CENTER, this is not the same as programs add features, I want to add features in the windows components, That component feature of "add features to windows 8" is missing after install of windows media center WHY.

    I had this "add feature" before the install of windows media center


    • Edited by colakid Tuesday, January 29, 2013 12:10 AM
    Monday, January 28, 2013 6:49 PM
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    What are the other features that can be added via that interface other than the Media Center pack?

     

    -Noel

    Detailed how-to in my eBooks:  

    Configure The Windows 7 "To Work" Options
    Configure The Windows 8 "To Work" Options
    Monday, January 28, 2013 7:06 PM
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    @ Noel, your response did not answer my question. Why was the component, 'ADD WINDOWS FEATURES'  removed after install of media center? Why is windows 8 now using windows media key showing as windows 8 is activated using media center key


    • Edited by colakid Monday, January 28, 2013 8:21 PM
    Monday, January 28, 2013 8:19 PM
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    Although there obviously are no other options/features available at the moment for adding through the Add features link, it's very very counterproductive to have the option removed once it's been used. They could show something like "no features are available" or anything else, but removing the feature isn't a good choice.

    After all, if it's known for sure there isn't no option but to add Media Center pack and never will be, why not naming the link Upgrade to Media Center pack to make it absolutely clear why the option has disappeared after Media Center pack is added?

    By the way, has anybody tried this. On a new install with Add features option available, run the wizard and provide a non-working key (like Windows 8 PRO product key), click okay to confirm there's no features available, and close the wizard. Restart. Check to see if the Add features option is still there.

    Well this is the world we live in And these are the hands we're given...


    Monday, January 28, 2013 9:20 PM
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    @ Noel, your response did not answer my question. Why was the component, 'ADD WINDOWS FEATURES'  removed after install of media center? Why is windows 8 now using windows media key showing as windows 8 is activated using media center key

    I didn't attempt to answer anything, I just asked another question.  Anyway, I'm not sure anyone outside of Microsoft would be able to answer your questions with any authority.  We users can only speculate based on observations, and ask further questions.

    Do we know that "Add Features" won't reappear if other "features" are offered by Microsoft?  In this day and age of network-integrated systems (think "cloud") I don't see why that wouldn't be possible, though I have no idea whether it actually works that way.  I CAN say, from observation, that the Windows 8 system is more "dumbed down" (i.e., optimized for the technically challenged) than prior versions of Windows.  It's not beyond possibility that Microsoft has taken a "what you don't know won't hurt you" approach with the "Add Features" function.

    As far as the Media Center Key goes, I have the impression that under the covers it's actually an upgraded license (e.g., something like a "Windows 8 Pro Plus Media Center" edition).  Early on there was apparently some kind of hack published on the net where people could activate Windows 8 just using a free Media Center key (skipping the actual "pay for the license" part), though I've read more recently that doing that was subsequently closed off.

    In any case I believe all this complexity is just an attempt on Microsoft's part to increase profits by reducing the value of the system most people get, as I believe they had to pay royalties for every copy of Windows sold to the suppliers of certain codecs.  Telemetry probably told them that fairly few folks used the Media Center.

     

    -Noel

    Detailed how-to in my eBooks:  

    Configure The Windows 7 "To Work" Options
    Configure The Windows 8 "To Work" Options
    Tuesday, January 29, 2013 12:44 AM
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    Paul,

    this option is not available for VL Keys.
    You will need to use a non VL Key.


    Cheers,
    Mircea

    Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:52 PM
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    I wonder if it is a limitation on the VL media?

    It is!

    Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:54 PM
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    My question to you would be:

    Once WMC is installed and you know there are no other features available, why would you need it?

    Cheers

    Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:57 PM
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    I wish somebody would listen to you, I feel the same way, this is just crazy and then MS people wonder why people buy Mac's and they love them!
    Saturday, February 16, 2013 5:25 AM
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    ok  but how do I know what! features to have/ use  from program  window ?

    Wednesday, April 9, 2014 7:26 PM