This article details a step-by-step process of how to set up a Plex Media Server for first-time users. Plex Media Server is a free-to-use software that enables users to catalogue and stream their media library from one centralised location. PMS acts like most OTT or media streaming services in the sense that users can access their media content from any of their devices.
Plex Media Server can be run on various devices and operating systems. This software is compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS. However, the installation process for each of these systems differs from one another. Provided below are the system-specific steps in which Plex Media Server can be installed.
The first step to set up Plex Media Server is to download Plex Media Server. Users can find the software on Plex’s official website and download the software for free. Users will have to go to the Downloads page and select the device/platform they are using.
Windows Download Guide To Set Up Plex Media Server
For Windows computers, users are required to have Windows 10 (version 1607) or newer (Intel or AMD processors only). After the software is installed, users will have to run the installer. The users then have to follow the installation methods provided.
When the users reach the final page of the installation window, they should tap on the Launch button. Users who have not selected this option will have to launch the software from the Start button instead.
After the installation process, the Plex Media Server will be launched and a System Tray icon will be displayed. The last step involved in setting up the Plex Media Server is to open the application from the system tray.
macOS Download Guide To Set Up Plex Media Player
Mac users will have to meet the required OS X 10.13 High Sierra or newer versions to run PMS. Users have to download the zip file of Plex Media Server and unzip the file after it has been downloaded.
Users then have to move the app to the Applications folder and launch Plex Media Server from the folder. Located on the users’ Menubar lies the “>” icon. Once this icon has been clicked, users can choose the Open Plex option which opens up the app for them.
Linux Download Guide To Set Up Plex Media Player
Under Linux, Ubuntu and Fedora/CentOS are supported to run Plex Media Server. The process of how to set up Plex Media Server for the two operating systems differs from each other.
Ubuntu:
Ubuntu users will have to download the .deb package and run sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_1.19.4.2935-79e214ead_amd64.deb. Users then have to rename the last file name. The new name will be the name of the package that was downloaded. The users then have to open a new browser window and head to http://127.0.0.1:32400/web.
Fedora/CentOS:
Federo/CentOS users will have to download the .rpm package instead. After the package has been downloaded, the user has to run sudo dnf and install plexmediaserver-1.19.4.2935-79e214ead.x86_64.rpm.
Similarly, with the installation process for Ubuntu, users will have to rename the last file as the name of the downloaded package. The final step involves opening a new browser window and heading over to http://127.0.0.1:32400/web.
NAS Devices Download Guide
For NAS Devices, users have to download the appropriate installation package. Users should then follow the installation procedure provided by NAS manufacturer. Lastly, users will have to open a new browser window and head to http://local.nas.ip.address:32400/web.
The Setup Wizard
Once the software has been downloaded and launched, users can proceed with setting up their account and server. When a user opens the server for the first time, they are taken to Setup Wizard which assists them with the sign-up process. The Setup Wizard helps users with creating and adding media to their libraries. Its main task is to help users with organising their media library.
Setting up Media Libraries
There are five types of libraries for users to categorise their media into. These categories include movies, music, photos, TV shows and other videos. Plex utilises the users’ files and folders to coordinate content and collect metadata.
Plex advises users to make a test folder for every media category and add their libraries. This helps users envision how their library would look like in the app. Users can add and delete media from their library in the library itself anytime. They can even start over with a brand-new library. A testing folder makes it easier for a user to decide how they want to label their files and folders. After the organisation of media files in their library, users can click on any media content and play it to see if it works.
Conclusion
Plex Media Server has more than 20 million downloads with users from more than 200 countries worldwide. With more than 400K 5-star reviews, this app is not only free to use but it is also secure to use. However, Plex does offer a subscription plan for certain functions such as skipping a show’s intro. But overall, the software is an excellent media library giving users full control of their digital library.
Suggested:
Learn How to Fix Plex TV Not Connecting to Server Error (Simple Steps)
