14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 is the first modern Windows version that comes without Windows Media Center, with Microsoft deciding to abandon the project completely for this release and instead offer a DVD player in the store.
What's surprising, in a bad way, is that this free DVD player does exactly what its name says, while Windows Media Center offered a lot more advanced capabilities, so it can barely be considered an alternative.
Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party Windows Media Center replacements out there, so you might not feel any difference even if you upgrade to Windows 10.
But this decision to give up on Windows Media Center in Windows 10 has caused outrage among Windows 7 and 8.1 users, and many have decided to delay or even refuse the upgrade just because the add-on is no longer available.
“That's it, I won't upgrade to Windows 10”
A 7-page discussion on Microsoft's Community forums is full of negative comments aimed at the Redmond-based software giant, as many believe that removing Windows Media Center in Windows 10 is certainly a step backwards.
“Microsoft, wake up here. Over here, Twitter, Facebook, assorted websites. The demand is there. We want our DVRs, we want our Windows Media Center,” Microsoft user DavindinCT wrote.
“I am sure getting tired of MS killing the good stuff like WHS, WMC. Running MS Windows for over 20 years, and this is the first time I am seriously considering Linux! They really are out of touch on just what people are doing with their OS. They have just decided that everyone needs the cloud and XBox. Nothing else matters. Yes, I run WHS2011 and WMC7 and will not be upgrading to Windows 10!” user cvguy added.
Fortunately for Microsoft, criticism like this comes and goes, so expect those who are using Windows Media Center to upgrade to Windows 10 eventually. The Windows app ecosystem clearly comes to rescue this time, and with so many alternatives out there, the switch to the new OS shouldn't be as painful as many believe.