Multimedia platforms and entertainment systems are trending right now among the Internet community. The market has plenty of options, starting with Netflix, Hulu, the BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and other local channels and stations. However, all of them are paid, while Kodi is free. In this article, you will learn how to install Kodi on a Windows PC.
The Kodi fever
Kodi is a free open source software that allows users to stream numerous movies, TV series, documentaries, concerts, live games, and virtually all types of content from a host of devices: PlayStation Vue, Xbox, Windows PC, Android, iOS, MacOS, Linux, Roku, the Amazon Fire Stick (and Cube,) and more.
Kodi’s compatibility and content offerings make it an all-purpose media centre, letting users accessing, storing, downloading, and playing material online. It is open source, so its code has been audited and improved thanks to community contributions.
Additionally, Kodi is customizable in every sense of the word: you can change its appearance, the content you want to see or enjoy, and its features. Kodi is like a “puzzle,” and the “add-on” are the pieces that are needed to complete the masterpiece. These add-ons are the content bits available, officially or unofficially, to feed your Kodi experience.
When initially launched Kodi was named the Xbox Media Center (XBMC) thanks to its roots with the Xbox console. Four years ago, however, it was renamed to Kodi, and you can install it on Windows PC with relative ease.
Kodi and Windows: a match made in heaven
It was obvious that any software development made recently was going to be compatible with Microsoft Windows, arguably the most prominent operating system of all since its inception to the market long before the new millennium turned its page.
As a matter of fact, Kodi runs smoothly on Microsoft’s newest product, the Windows 10 operating system. So if you want to know whether you can install Kodi on a Windows PC, you will find out that the answer is a resounding yes.
How to install Kodi on a Windows PC
- Access the official Kodi download page, or the Microsoft Store, to get/download the app’s installation file.
- After completion, double-click on the recently downloaded file to open Kodi’s set up window.
- You will be prompted to start the installation of the Kodi app. Follow the instructions that the system provides.
- After completion, launch the Kodi app on your Windows PC. You will find the app on your desktop.
How to install Kodi add-ons on a Windows PC
- The first step is opening your Kodi app.
- Then, go to “Add-ons.”
- Click on the Package Installer Icon, located at the upper left.
- Click on “Install from the repository.”
- Then, select “Kodi Add-on Repository.”
- Choose “Video Add-ons.”
- Click on the add-on you wish to get, and then “Install.”
- After you see the notification that your add-on has been enabled, return to the Kodi home screen.
- Click on the “Add-ons” tab on the left.
- Select “Video Add-ons.”
- Every video add-on you install will be available on this screen.
Best Kodi add-ons for Windows PC
- USTVNow
- Crackler
- Popcornflix
- iPlayer WWW
- NFL GamePass
- ESPN
- NBCSN
- TV
- Fox Sports Go
- Crunchyroll
- Youtube
- Plex
- FilmRise
- SnagFilm
- Big Star Movies
- BFI
- CBC Sports
- MLB TV
- NFL Game Pass
Here’s a good idea: use a VPN for Kodi
Here’s a good idea: use a VPN for KodiThere are pros and cons to being an open source software project. People can improve the product, so that’s a positive, but interacting in such a big ecosystem unprotected may leave your IP address exposed to potentially dangerous agents, such as hackers and malware developers.
Besides, if you want to get the best out of Kodi, you need to be able to access add-ons that are unavailable in your geographical zone. Remember, on the Internet, content is classified by location because of numerous reasons, with licensing agreements being the most relevant.
If you are in the United States of America, the probabilities are high that you won’t be able to download an add-on to enjoy Japanese anime or one to enjoy Indian movies. With a Virtual Private Network, you will earn the ability to spoof your IP address (the most obvious piece of data with which add-ons can recognize your location) and acquire another one from a different place.
Virtual Private Networks, or VPN, are online encryption tools that can hide your IP number, as well as your shared traffic, in a virtual tunnel built thanks to technologies named protocols. The tunnelling action will protect your content not only from IP-recognizing add-on developers, but also from hackers, cybercriminals, crypto miners, online advertisers, governmental surveillance agencies, and more.
So, if you are going to install Kodi on a Windows PC, consider getting a reliable VPN as well. It will help you access foreign add-ons without getting blocked, and it will protect you from dangerous and malicious agents on the web. IPBurger, with plans starting at $5 per month, offers one of the best price-value relations on the market. It safeguards your traffic and gives you the ability to use both shared and dedicated IP addresses. Its privacy policy and security features are handy, as well.
In conclusion, Kodi is one of the most sought-after entertainment platforms on Earth. It is free, open source, and highly compatible and customizable. You can easily install Kodi on Windows PC, but if you want security and the ability to access international add-ons, hire a VPN.
