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Set up Windows Media Center with Xbox 360 (Windows Vista)

Overview

You can use Windows Media Center to stream music, pictures, and video to your Xbox 360 console from any computer on your home network. The following steps are for Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium versions. For help installing or setting up Windows Media Center on your computer, see Windows Media Center.

Step 1: Connect your console to your network

Connect your console to your home network using a wired connection or using a wireless connection.

Step 2: Remove previous connections

If you previously connected a computer to your Xbox 360 console, you will need to remove the existing connection. Here's how:

On your computer
  1. Start Windows Media Center.
  2. Go to Tasks, and then click Settings.
  3. Click Extender.
  4. Click Xbox 360 Media Center Extender.
  5. Click Uninstall.
  6. Click Next.

On your Xbox 360 console

  1. Press the Guide button on your controller, go to Settings, and select System Settings.
  2. Select Computers.
  3. Select Windows Media Center.
  4. Select Disconnect.
  5. Press the B button on your controller to return to the Xbox Dashboard.

Step 3: Get the setup key on your console

  1. Go to Apps, and then select My Apps.
  2. Select Media Center.
  3. Write down the 8-digit setup key.

Step 4: Add your console to Windows Media Center

  1. Start Windows Media Center on your computer.
  2. Go to Tasks, and then click Add Extender.
  3. When prompted, enter the 8-digit setup key from Step 3.
  4. Click Next to complete setup.

Step 5: Start Windows Media Center on your console

  1. Go to Apps, select My Apps, then select Windows Media Center. It will take some time to build your media libraries the first time you use Windows Media Center on your console.

If you have any problems, please see Troubleshoot Windows Media Center.

Related Issues

How to connect to Xbox LIVE
Learn more about Windows Media Center
Troubleshoot Windows Media Center

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