Install a local Plex Media Server under Linux or Windows

5 Steps to Installing a Local Plex Media Server on Windows

In today’s digital age, media consumption has become a significant part of our daily routine. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, it’s easy to forget the convenience of having your own media library at home. That’s where Plex comes in. Plex is a media server software that allows you to organize and stream your personal media collection to any device, anywhere. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing a local Plex Media Server on both Linux and Windows operating systems.

Before we begin, it’s essential to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running Plex. For Linux, you’ll need Ubuntu 18.04 or later, or Debian 9 or later. For Windows, you’ll need Windows 7 or later. You’ll also need a processor with at least two cores, 2GB of RAM, and 1GB of available storage space.

Now, let’s get started.

Step 1: Download and Install Plex Media Server

To download the Plex Media Server software, go to the official Plex website and click on the “Download” button. Select the appropriate operating system for your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

For Linux, you can also install Plex Media Server using the command line. Open a terminal window and run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:plexinc/plex-plugins
sudo apt update
sudo apt install plexmediaserver

For Windows, the installation process is straightforward. Follow the prompts to select the installation location and complete the installation.

Step 2: Launch Plex Media Server

Once the installation is complete, launch the Plex Media Server application. On Linux, you can do this by running the following command:

plexmediaserver

On Windows, you can find the Plex Media Server application in the Start menu.

Step 3: Add Media to Your Library

Now that the server is running, it’s time to add your media to the library. Click on the “Add Library” button on the Plex Media Server dashboard, and select the type of media you want to add. Follow the prompts to scan your media folders and add them to the library.

Step 4: Configure Plex Media Server

After adding your media, it’s time to configure the server to suit your needs. Go to the “Settings” tab on the Plex Media Server dashboard, and select the “Server” option. Here, you can customize various settings, such as the server name, network settings, and media management options.

Step 5: Access Your Media Library

Now that your media library is set up, it’s time to access it from your devices. Download the Plex app on your preferred device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. Sign in to your Plex account, and your media library will be automatically synced to your device.

In conclusion, setting up a local Plex Media Server is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you’ll be able to enjoy your personal media library from any device, anywhere. Remember to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements, and always keep your software up-to-date to ensure optimal performance. Happy streaming!

a. Download and install the Plex Media Server software from the official website

As the demand for streaming media continues to grow, more and more people are turning to Plex as a solution for managing and sharing their personal media collections. Plex is a powerful media server software that allows you to stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos to any device, anywhere in the world. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a local Plex Media Server on both Linux and Windows operating systems.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that Plex offers both a free and a paid version of their software. While the free version includes most of the basic features, the paid version (known as Plex Pass) provides additional features such as cloud syncing, live TV, and premium support. If you’re unsure whether the free or paid version is right for you, we recommend trying out the free version first and upgrading to Plex Pass if you find that you need the additional features.

Now, let’s get started with the installation process.

Linux Installation

1. First, you’ll need to download the Plex Media Server installation file from the official website. You can do this by visiting the Plex website and clicking on the “Download” button in the top right corner of the page.

2. Once the download is complete, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where you saved the installation file.

3. To install Plex Media Server, run the following command:

“`
sudo sh plexmediaserver-.sh
“`

Replace “ with the version number of the installation file you downloaded.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. You’ll be asked to accept the license agreement, choose an installation directory, and set up your Plex account (if you don’t already have one).

5. Once the installation is complete, you can start the Plex Media Server by running the following command:

“`
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver
“`

6. To ensure that the server starts automatically when you boot your system, run the following command:

“`
sudo systemctl enable plexmediaserver
“`

Windows Installation

1. First, you’ll need to download the Plex Media Server installation file from the official website. You can do this by visiting the Plex website and clicking on the “Download” button in the top right corner of the page.

2. Once the download is complete, double-click on the installation file to begin the installation process.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. You’ll be asked to accept the license agreement, choose an installation directory, and set up your Plex account (if you don’t already have one).

4. Once the installation is complete, you can start the Plex Media Server by opening the Start menu, searching for “Plex Media Server,” and clicking on the “Start Plex Media Server” option.

5. To ensure that the server starts automatically when you boot your system, right-click on the “Plex Media Server” shortcut in the Start menu, select “Properties,” and click on the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator,” and then click on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed a local Plex Media Server on either Linux or Windows. Now, you can connect your devices to your Plex server and start streaming your media collection.

In conclusion, installing a local Plex Media Server is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. Whether you’re using Linux or Windows, following the instructions outlined in this article should help you get up and running in no time. Remember, if you have any questions or run into any issues during the installation process, be sure to consult the Plex documentation or reach out to their support team for assistance. Happy streaming!

b. Launch the Plex Media Server application and sign in to your Plex account

In today’s digital age, streaming media has become a popular way to consume content. However, with the increasing cost of streaming services and the need for a stable internet connection, many users are turning to local media servers as a more cost-effective and reliable alternative. One such media server is Plex, which allows users to stream their own media libraries to multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a local Plex Media Server under both Linux and Windows operating systems.

Before we begin, it’s essential to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running Plex Media Server. For Linux, you’ll need a 64-bit distribution with a kernel version of 3.10 or higher, while for Windows, you’ll need Windows 7 or later. Additionally, you’ll need at least 2GB of RAM and a dual-core processor.

Now, let’s get started with the installation process.

Linux Installation:

1. First, you’ll need to download the Plex Media Server package for your Linux distribution from the official Plex website.

2. Once the download is complete, open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded file.

3. To install the package, run the following command:

“`
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_x.x.x_all.deb
“`

Replace ‘x.x.x’ with the version number of the package you downloaded.

4. After the installation is complete, launch the Plex Media Server application by running the following command:

“`
plexmediaserver
“`

5. The Plex Media Server application will launch, and you’ll be prompted to sign in to your Plex account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the official Plex website.

6. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be taken to the Plex Media Server dashboard, where you can manage your media libraries, add new content, and configure server settings.

Windows Installation:

1. First, download the Plex Media Server installer from the official Plex website.

2. Once the download is complete, double-click the installer to launch the installation wizard.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

4. After the installation is complete, launch the Plex Media Server application by searching for ‘Plex Media Server’ in the Windows search bar.

5. The Plex Media Server application will launch, and you’ll be prompted to sign in to your Plex account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the official Plex website.

6. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be taken to the Plex Media Server dashboard, where you can manage your media libraries, add new content, and configure server settings.

In conclusion, installing a local Plex Media Server is a straightforward process, and with this guide, you should be able to get up and running in no time. Whether you’re using Linux or Windows, the steps are similar, and the interface is intuitive and user-friendly. With Plex Media Server, you can enjoy your own media library on any device, without the need for a stable internet connection or expensive streaming services. So, what are you waiting for? Install Plex Media Server today and start enjoying your media library like never before!