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Download Kodi through its official Windows links, choosing either the executable installer or Microsoft Store. Before an upgrade, back up your data and check the hardware, add-on and skin requirements.

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Change your IP location. Set up IPVanish.

Add IPVanish to your viewing setup to choose your connection location and encrypt traffic to its servers. Install it on a supported device, then open your streaming app separately.

Choose a country in IPVanish, connect, then open your streaming app. The service sees the VPN server’s IP location instead of your usual one. That can help you access location-dependent services where your subscription and the provider’s rules allow it, while encrypting traffic between your device and the VPN server.

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How to set up IPVanish for streaming
  1. Check your viewing option. Choose the broadcaster and plan for your event or title from the viewing options above.
  2. Install and sign in. Choose your IPVanish plan, then install the IPVanish app from your device’s app store and sign in. Our Android TV setup guide explains the steps for compatible TV boxes.
  3. Choose a location and connect. Select a server in the country you want to connect through. Wait until IPVanish confirms the connection.
  4. Open your streaming app. Sign in to the broadcaster separately and open the event or title. Your VPN subscription does not include a TV subscription, sports pass or pay-per-view purchase.

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EntertainmentBox editorial cover: How to install and update Kodi on Windows
Original editorial cover illustration. EntertainmentBox

Keep your library before an upgrade

Kodi recommends backing up before upgrading, checking hardware requirements and checking compatibility of add-ons and skins. Its guidance recommends a fresh installation when jumping two or more major versions.

Use Kodi’s Backup guide to locate your data folder and copy it to your backup location. Keep that copy before changing the installation.

Add IPVanish to Windows

IPVanish’s Windows page lists Windows 10, Windows 11 and ARM64-powered Copilot+ PCs. Check its current requirements before installing on an older computer.

  1. Download the Windows app from IPVanish’s official setup page.
  2. Install it and sign in with your IPVanish account.
  3. Choose a server and connect before opening your online viewing app.

Use the VPN for connection privacy

The VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks your IP address. IPVanish’s Windows app also offers a configurable kill switch and automatic connection options; review those settings for how you use your PC.

Choose the Kodi installation route and VPN settings separately. An update decision should follow Kodi’s compatibility guidance; a VPN connection is there for your internet traffic.

Choose your Kodi download

Kodi’s Windows page links to 64-bit and 32-bit installers and the Microsoft Store. Check the requirements for your PC before choosing.

  1. Open Kodi’s official Windows installation guide listed in Sources, then follow its link to the Windows download page.
  2. Choose the Store route for automatic updates, or download the appropriate installer for manual updates.
  3. Run the installer or complete the Store installation, then open Kodi.

Choose a Windows installation method

Kodi documents an executable installer and a Microsoft Store version. The Store version updates automatically; the installer gives you control over when to update.

  1. Use the official Kodi download page to choose the Windows installer or Microsoft Store link.
  2. Run the chosen installation process and keep the update behaviour of that method in mind.

Check requirements before upgrading

Check the hardware requirements and add-on compatibility before a major Kodi upgrade. Preserve a backup of your existing data folder.

  1. Back up Kodi and check that the computer meets the new release’s minimum requirements.
  2. Check whether the add-ons and skins you use support the new version before installing it.

Back up the Kodi data folder

A full Kodi data-folder backup preserves add-ons, settings and library databases. Do not use it to transfer a setup between different operating systems or major Kodi versions.

  1. Locate the Kodi data folder using the official table for your operating system.
  2. Copy the folder to a separate backup location before changing the installation. Keep the original backup until you have checked the restored setup.

Sources & verification

We use official sources and automated checks to prepare this guide. Availability and prices can change.

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