This guide will show you how to install kodi on Windows. The steps described below were realized on Kodi 21 Nexus, the latest available version, and apply to many version of Windows such as Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 & 11.
We assume that you already know what this application is about, but if you do not know, you can follow this link for more info about kodi and how to make the best of it.
Since Kodi is appears under both 32-bit and 64-bit version after the release of Kodi 18 Leia, it is also possible to install it from the Microsoft App Store, available on Windows 10.
The recommended version of Kodi is the current release Kodi 21 Nexus. 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). In addition, we will also see how to create a portable version.
System Requirements
Before you install Kodi 20 Nexus on Windows, make sure your PC meets the following system requirements:
– Windows Version: You need to run Windows 7 or higher. Kodi isn’t available on Windows XP/Vista.
– CPU: Almost any x86 or x64 processor will do the job. This includes Intel’s Pentium 4, AMD’s Athlon 64, or any newer CPU. In other words, you won’t have any issues running Kodi if your computer was made during the last 10 years.
– RAM: You need to have at least 1GB of RAM. It’s recommended to have at least 2GB to make sure you can run Kodi alongside other applications on your PC without performance issues.
– GPU (Graphics): Any GPU that supports DirectX version 9.0c will do that job. Just like with the previous requirements, any GPU made in the last 10 years or so will be able to run Kodi.
– Available Space: On its own, Kodi requires between 100MB and 200MB of space. However, make sure to have enough free space if you’re going to use Kodi to play locally stored movies and TV shows.
How to Install Kodi on Windows?
There are three methods to install Kodi 20 Nexus on Windows computers:
1) Using the official installer from the Kodi website
2) Using Microsoft’s App Store (available on Windows 10)
3) Using a portable version of Kodi
We will explain each method in detail below.
Install Kodi on Windows using the Microsoft Store
The easiest way to install Kodi 20 Nexus on Windows is through the official Microsoft Store app (available only on Windows 10). This method ensures that you always get the latest version of Kodi automatically updated by Microsoft.
To install Kodi using this method:
- Launch the Microsoft store. You can find it by going to the Start menu and typing “Store” in the search field. The Microsoft Store should appear in the search results. Click on it.
- Once you are in the Microsoft App Store, you can use the search field on the top right. Type “Kodi” and then press Enter. Kodi should appear in the search results. You will see different applications with a similar name, but you are only interested in the official one, created by the XMBC Foundation.
- Clicking on the Kodi icon will take you to the application preview. Since it is free, all you need to do is click on Install.
- Kodi will download and install the application on Windows as a background task. When the installation is finished a notification will be displayed at the bottom right of the screen. Click on it to start Kodi.
Kodi is now installed on Windows. You can access Kodi from the Start menu, either by navigating through the menus or by typing “Kodi” in the search field.
That’s it! You have successfully installed Kodi using this method.
Whichever installation method you use, the result will always be the same, since the Kodi version will be the same in all cases.
However, if you download Kodi from the App Store you will have an additional advantage, and that is that you will be able to keep the application updated at all times.
Using the official installer from the Kodi website
This is the most recommended method to install Kodi on Windows. Here are the steps:
- Download the latest version of Kodi for Windows from the official website.
- Click on the downloaded Kodi file to start the installer.
- Click the “Run” button.
- When the installer window appears, click “Next“.
- Once the installation is complete, click “Finish” to close the installer.
Below is the complete guide to installing Kodi on Windows by downloading the .EXE file from the official website. To do this, follow these steps:
- The first thing you need to do is to access the download page of the official Kodi website. If you scroll down, you will see the versions of Kodi available for each system.
- Click on the Windows icon to download the Windows version. A panel will display the different versions you can download.
- Depending on your operating system you may need to download the 32-bit or 64-bit version. If your processor is 64-bit, which is most likely, download the INSTALLER (64BIT) file. If your processor is 32-bit, which is unlikely, download the INSTALLER (32BIT) file. You can also download beta versions of Kodi, but we do not recommend this, as they may cause problems.
- Once you have downloaded the file, run it. The file is probably downloaded to the Window’s download folder or the desktop. Use the Windows file explorer to access it.
- Running the .EXE file will launch the Kodi installer. You must click Next to continue.
- There are a few different components that you can choose whether you want them installed or not, such as the Audio Coding Addons, PVR Addons, and some skins. If this is your first Kodi installation, it is recommended to keep the default components.
- Finally, you will be able to choose the installation path. The default path is C:\Program Files\Kodi, but you can change the path if you prefer to install the application somewhere else or on another hard drive. You can then decide whether you want to add a shortcut on the desktop or in the start menu.
- When the installation is complete, you will be able to choose an option to run Kodi when closing the installer.
- Once the installation is complete, click on the new Kodi icon in the start menu or taskbar. When you start the program, you should be able to see the Kodi startup screen.
And that’s it. You have now installed Kodi on Windows.
Using a portable version of Kodi
This method allows you to run Kodi without installing it on your PC. You can use this method if you want to try out different versions of Kodi or if you want to use it on multiple PCs without installing it every time.
To create a portable Kodi version for installation, you will need to download the Kodi.EXE file and upload it to a USB drive. Here are the steps:
- First, go to the download page of the official Kodi website and scroll down until you see the list of the different Kodi versions.
- Click on Windows. You will see different installers; click Installer (64BIT) to download the version for 64-bit processors. If you have a 32-bit processor, download the INSTALLER (32BIT) version.
- Once you have downloaded the file, launch the .EXE file to run the Kodi installer. This time you will need to look carefully at the different options.
- You will be asked where you want to install Kodi. Click Browse and select the USB drive, which you have inserted into a port on your computer. Click Next until the last step of the installation. Do not finish the Kodi installation.
- In the last step of the installation, you will be able to check the option to run Kodi at the end of the installation. Make sure not to select this option. Finally, finish the Kodi installation.
- Once the installation is finished, access the directory where you have installed Kodi, which will be inside the USB drive.
- In the Kodi installation directory, you will see a file called Kodi.exe. You must create a shortcut for this file. To do this, right-click on the file and select the Create shortcut option. Drag this file to the Windows desktop. Another option to create the shortcut is to right-click on the file and select the Send to -> Desktop (create shortcut) option.
- On the desktop, right-click on the shortcut you just created and then select Properties. You will see a field called Destination. You must add “-p” (without quotes) to the end of the file name shown in this field. For example, if the file is located at “G:\kodi.exe“, it should look like this: “G:\kodi.exe -p“. Then click Apply and then OK.
- Next, start Kodi from this shortcut.
Now, each file or Addon you install will be saved in Kodi’s own directory, located on the external drive. These files include add-ons, local content, skins, and user data.
You can find these files in the portable_data folder, inside the Kodi installation directory. Likewise, any changes you make will take effect on the external drive.
You will be able to use this version of Kodi on any other computer without any problem.
