If you've installed Plex Media Server on Windows Operating Systems in the past, then you shouldn't have any problems figuring out how to install Plex on Windows 10. This article is aimed at those who want to know how to get Plex on Windows and have never installed it, or those that simply just want a guide on how to setup Plex server. It will be focused on the Plex Media Server portion of the install, assuming you have other client hardware in place to receive the video. [Read:5 best Plex clients in 2015 for your HTPC]
The software itself is more than capable of supporting Windows 10. It is worth noting Plex was running successfully on Windows 10 since the Technical Preview, giving further credibility to Plex's stability and developer support. In case you want to explore other alternative solutions, like running your media locally or streaming from media sources on internet, you could also take a look at Kodi for Windows or even newer alternatives such as Emby media server. Without further ado, here's how to install Plex on Windows 10. [Read:Plex vs Emby: A Comprehensive Comparison]
The first step to install Plex on Windows 10 is to download the Plex Meda Server software. As this article is covering a PC installation, select Computer as the server type.
Plex Media Server Server Type Selection
You will then select the OS where you'll be installing Plex. For the sake of this article, select Windows for the OS then "Download English."
Once the download finishes, click to launch the installer. Leave all defaults in place and progress through to the initial launch of Plex. You'll need to accept the Plex Terms of Service in order to install Plex on Windows 10.
This Is The Screen You Will See When You Run Plex For The First Time
The first time you open Plex Media Server, it will be rather empty.
At First, You Won't See A Lot Of Media In Your Plex Server
Click on the "+" to the right of your Plex Media Server name to begin adding media.
From This Plex Screen You Can Add A Library To Your Server
Select which type of media you're going to connect to your Plex Server.
TIP: If the video is not named in the Plex Naming Convention then you'll want to add it to Home Videos for the scanner to pick it up correctly.
We're going to connect a Movies library to our Plex Server. Select Movies as our Library type. If you want your Movies library to be named something other than "Movies" now is your chance to change it.
After clicking next, you'll see where we can browse to find where our Movies library is stored.
With our Movies Library selected, we'll add it to our Plex Media Server.
You Will See This Screen While Plex Metadata Downloads For Your Media.
Plex will load the names of our Movies library and begin collecting the appropriate metadata.
The process is the same regardless of media library type: whether Movies, TV Shows, or Music. Now is a perfect time to add 3 of the best Plex Channels.
With our libraries added and the metadata downloaded, your install of Plex Media Server on Windows 10 is officially set up. The only thing left to do is go to your Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV or other client device and point it to your newly-running server. [Read:What Plex Client Hardware is Right for You?]
Plex is a well-known and well-rounded media serving powerhouse but it is far from the only option available. Check out 10 media center alternatives worth a look, should you find yourself wanting something different.
Christopher Glick is a Systems Administrator by day and a media consumer and server enthusiast for over a decade. When not solving the technology problems of friends and family, I can be found in my vegetable gardens, surfing reddit, or playing video games.
