
That’s because Windows 10 has native software you can turn on. Change some settings on your computer to start using it as a media server.Install a third-party program (more on that later) or.Luckily, a home media server is straightforward to set up.

So you just learned you need media server software to access your files. Ready to get started? Here’s how to set up your own home media server Tap or click here to get better Wi-Fi using these features on your router. You can even tinker with your router to control traffic with network prioritization and beef up security. If you’re new to lingo like LAN, check out our easy guide to internet connectivity. While you don’t need internet access, you will need a LAN or local area network. To put it simply, adding a 4K movie with Blu-ray quality to your home media server means you can watch it anytime, even when the internet is out. After all, your local network may move data more quickly than your internet connection. Another great benefit is video quality preservation. Setting up a home media server saves you time and effort. A home media server also lets you watch high-quality videos Tap or click here for a few handy sites that reveal where the show or movie you want to watch is streaming. You might even have to sign up for a new service to watch the film.

It can be configured and maintained using a web interface from any other device with a browser and accessed using purpose-built Plex apps, DLNA/UPnP streaming, or even the web interface.This can be frustrating since you have to look up the movie again to see where it’s streaming. This is server-and-client solutions, where your main server runs on a computer that sits somewhere on your network. The first option is to use a media server like Plex. There are a few routes you can take with this, including both premium options and open-source freeware. Picking the right software to power your media server largely depends on your intended usage. RELATED: 5 Reasons You Should Buy a Mini PC (and 3 Reasons Not To) Choose Which Software You Want to Use An older Intel NUC is also a solid choice and can be found even cheaper on the used market.

Apple’s Mac mini is one of the best mini “PC” options for its reasonable price point, near-silent operation, range of ports, power efficiency, and overall performance. Mini PCs are good choices if you’re buying something specifically for use as a media server.
