Set up Plex Media Server - Here's how

With the Plex Media Server you have your own media server for streaming music or films. You can find out how to set this up in our practical tip.

Plex Media Server installation

First you need to install the Plex Media Server on your PC:

1. First download the Plex installation package from our download portal.
2. Start the installation and follow the wizard that will guide you through the installation.
3. After successful installation you need to create an exception in the firewall for Plex Media. To do this, click "Allow access".
4. If you have successfully installed the tool and released it in the firewall, you will find the icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar. Double click on it to start the configuration.

Plex Media Server setup and configuration

The Plex Media Server is configured via your web browser. However, Internet Explorer is not supported.

1. In the main menu you can first create so-called sections for the streaming of music or film titles. You can also understand these as categories.
2. You will then find the newly created category in the menu on the left. To fill the category with content, select it and click on the "+" symbol below.
3. There you can manage the category, such as editing a type and name, and define a directory for the content.
4. If you want to add another directory, either click on the "+" symbol or drag the respective directory into the window. With "Update section" the new content is loaded.
5. You also have the option of editing film entries. To do this, right-click on any film and select "Correct incorrect entry". There you can change the cover or the description, for example.

This practical tip is based on Plex Media Server version 0.9.15.2.1663 under Windows 7. In the next practical tip we will explain how to play local files with Plex under Chromecast.