Microsoft has confirmed that it is killing off Windows Media Center in Windows 10. The admission came during a private meeting at Microsoft’s Build conference in San Francisco according to a report from ZDNet.
As it turns out, the code for Media Center simply isn’t compatible with Windows 10 and Microsoft has no plans to modify it to make it work.
Microsoft introduced Windows Media Center as a forked version of Windows XP way back in 2002 and it quickly became the go-to option for Home Theater PC (HTPC) builders. The software was upgraded over the years to support features such as high-definition TV and support for CableCard devices but over time, its user base began to dwindle (it's now considered "infinitesimal" according to Microsoft's automatic telemetry).
Windows Media Center hasn’t been actively developed since 2009, the same year Windows 7 launched. The software stuck around for another OS cycle, however, as it’s currently available for Windows 8.1 via the Media Center Pack add-on, though Microsoft makes it clear that the Xbox One is now its primary entertainment hub.
If you (or your HTPC) can’t live without Windows Media Center, it’s probably best if you simply stick with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 instead of upgrading your box to Windows 10 this summer. Microsoft will provide support for these two operating systems until 2020 and 2023, respectively.
If you prefer to run the very latest Microsoft OS, there are plenty of other media options to choose from including Kodi and Plex, just to name a few.