Turn Your Old Windows PC into a Plex Streaming Server

Have you ever wondered what to do with that dusty old Windows PC sitting in a corner, quietly judging your lack of storage organization? Well, it turns out that you can give it a second life as a powerful streaming server using Plex! Whether you're moving away from traditional cable or simply want an easy way to access your media library from anywhere, this guide provides a detailed overview of how to set up Plex on your old Windows machine.

Getting Started: What You Need​

First things first, let’s talk hardware. You don't need the latest gaming rig to set up your Plex server, but there are some minimum requirements you should consider. Here’s what you'll need:

• A Windows PC: At least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
• Memory: Minimum of 4GB of RAM. More is better, especially if you plan on streaming multiple shows at once!
• Operating System: Windows 10 is necessary, so upgrade if you haven’t already.
• Storage: Depending on your media library, especially if going for 4K content, you might need several terabytes of storage.

My old machine, equipped with a Ryzen 7, handled everything like a champ — not a single hiccup!

Setting Up Plex Media Server​

Install the Software​

Begin the transformation by downloading the Plex Media Server from the official site. It’s not like the usual software installation; there’s no flashy graphical interface. Once installed, it runs in the background, awaiting your command.

1. Download and Install: Choose the server option suited for your Windows architecture (x86 or x64).
2. Setup Wizard: This will walk you through creating an account and accepting terms. Simple enough, right?

Configuring Your Media Library​

After installation, it's time to set up your libraries. Think of it as organizing your virtual drawers. You’ll need to:

1. Create a File System: Designate folders for different types of media, like movies, TV shows, and music.
2. Link to Plex: The setup wizard will guide you through locating these folders.

The mighty Plex pulls metadata from the internet automatically, offering up movie posters, descriptions, and even details like release years — making your library visually appealing.

Keeping Your Library Current​

Plex makes adding new content as easy as pie. Simply drop new files into the corresponding folders, then:

• Head to Libraries, click Scan Library Files, and let Plex do its magic. Simple, right?

Connecting Devices for Streaming​

Now that your server is up and running, connect your devices. Plex is versatile; it's compatible with smartphones, tablets, TVs, and computers.

1. Install the Plex App: Whether on Android, iOS, or TV, install Plex to start streaming.
2. Create a MyPlex Account: This helps sync your devices and lets you stream content even when you're not at home.

And if you want to share your newfound treasure trove of media with friends or family? Just hop into the settings and grant access to others by entering their Plex usernames.

Troubleshooting: Not All Heroes Wear Capes​

Plex can require some transcoding, especially if multiple streams are happening at the same time. If your CPU can’t keep up, it may result in buffering. Consider upgrading your hardware if you find this happening frequently.

Conclusion: Why Choose Plex?​

Setting up a Plex Streaming Server on an old Windows PC is a great way to breathe new life into that hardware. While the platform is easy to use and relatively low-maintenance, remember there are alternatives like Jellyfin that some might find preferable due to fewer bloatware concerns.
So, if your old PC is gathering more dust than digital data, it’s time to repurpose it into a media powerhouse. You might just find yourself immersed for hours binge-watching that series you’ve meant to start. And who doesn’t love free entertainment?
What are you waiting for? Get streaming with Plex today!
Source: XDA How I turned my old Windows PC into a streaming server with Plex