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How to Set Up Windows Media Center to Stream XBox 360

Along with being a high-definition video game console, the Xbox 360 can also download and play back different types of media, including music and movies. Additionally, the Xbox 360 can hook up to a Windows-based PC, enabling the console to stream that PC's media. This can be accomplished in two ways: through Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center. Windows Media Center hardware is typically the better option because it's built into the Xbox 360. This means the console can also stream TV and radio stations when configured to work with your computer's Windows Media Center application.

Things You'll Need

Ethernet cable

Instructions

- 1
  Create a local area network connection between your Windows Media Center PC and Xbox 360 with an Ethernet cable. Connecting them via Ethernet allows the two devices to communicate and transfer data.
- 2
  Start up both your PC and Xbox 360.
- 3
  Locate Windows Media Center on your Xbox 360 in the dashboard's "My Xbox" section and open it.
- 4
  View the introduction screen, then click "Next" to have your Xbox 360 confirm the local area network connection between your PC and display an eight-digit code to help configure your PC's Windows Media Center with your Xbox 360. Notice that a Windows Media Center extender notification appears in your taskbar.
- 5
  Double-click the extender icon in the taskbar. A dialog window will appear.
- 6
  Choose "Yes" to launch the Xbox 360 extender setup. Windows Media Center will launch.
- 7
  Click "Next" on the introduction screen. You'll then be prompted to enter the eight-digit code provided by your Xbox 360.
- 8
  Type in the eight-digit code in the corresponding fields on the screen, then select "Next."
- 9
  Choose your firewall option. If you are only using Windows' built-in firewall, then you can choose the option that says you've already set up your firewall. If you are using an additional third-party firewall, choose "View details online" to learn how to configure your specific firewall to work with the extender.
- 10
  Choose whether or not you would like to view your media folders on Windows Media Center by clicking "Yes" or "No", then selecting "Next." Windows Media Center will then automatically finish the configuration process.

Xbox 360