📝 System Requirements
✔ Windows 10 PC (64-bit recommended)
✔ 2GB RAM minimum (8GB+ recommended for 4K)
✔ 2GB free storage (more for media files)
✔ Stable internet connection
✔ Administrator privileges
🛠 Part 1: Downloading Plex
- Visit Official Site:
Go to plex.tv/downloads - Select Version:
- Under “Plex Media Server”
- Click “Windows” download button
- Save Installer:
- File: PlexMediaServer-1.32.x.xxxx-x64.exe
- Typical size: 80-100MB
💿 Part 2: Installation Process
- Run Installer:
- Double-click downloaded .exe file
- Click “Yes” to UAC prompt
- Setup Wizard:
- Accept EULA (✓ I accept the terms)Choose install location (default recommended)
- Click “Install” > “Finish”
🔌 Part 3: Initial Setup
- Launch Plex:
- Via Start Menu or system tray icon
- Browser will open to http://localhost:32400/web
- Sign In/Create Account:
- Use existing Plex account or create new
- Premium recommended (but not required)
- Name Your Server:
- Example: “John’s Media Hub”
- Enable “Allow me to access my media outside my home”
🗂 Part 4: Adding Media Libraries
- Create Libraries:
- Click “+ Add Library”
- Select type: Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos
- Add Folders:
- Browse to media locations (e.g., D:\Movies)
- Enable “Advanced” for scanner/agent options
- Metadata Settings:
- Preferred languageCollection options
- Poster/preview generation
🌐 Part 5: Remote Access Setup
- Enable Remote Access:
- Settings > Remote Access
- Check “Enable remote access”
- Port Forwarding (if needed):
- Router port 32400 TCP forward to server IP
- Manual setup available
- Quality Settings:
- Adjust remote streaming quality (2-20Mbps)
- Enable/disable direct play
⚙ Advanced Configuration
Hardware Acceleration
- Settings > Transcoder:
- Enable hardware acceleration (Intel Quick Sync/NVIDIA NVENC)
- Transcoder temporary directory location
User Management
- Shared Users:
- Add friends via email
- Set restrictions (content ratings, time limits)
- Managed Users:
- Create profiles for family members
- PIN protection for accounts
⚠️ Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
| Server not detected | Verify Windows firewall rules |
| Playback errors | Check file formats (MP4/H.264 most compatible) |
| Slow performance | Disable video preview thumbnails |
📥 Additional Resources
✓ Full screenshot guide
✓ Recommended settings cheat sheet
✓ Troubleshooting flowchart
Pro Tips:
- Store metadata on SSD for faster browsing
- Use “Optimize” feature for mobile versions
- Schedule server maintenance during off-hours
For 4K/HDR content, ensure:
- GPU supports HEVC decoding
- Wired network connection
- Direct Play enabled
