If you are looking to transfer Plex server to another computer, it can be a daunting task. However, it is necessary to ensure that all your media files and settings are properly transferred to the new computer.
Plex is a powerful media server that allows you to stream your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and photos to any device connected to your home network. However, if you’re planning to upgrade your computer or switch to a new one, you may need to transfer Plex Media. Server to ensure you don’t lose your media libraries and settings.
In this article, we’ll show you how to transfer Plex to another computer in six easy steps. Let’s get started!
How to Transfer Plex to Another Computer?
Step 1: Backup Your Plex Media Server
The first step to transfer Plex to another computer is to back up your Plex Media Server. This will ensure that you can restore your media libraries, settings, and metadata to the new computer without any loss. Here’s how to do it:
How to Back Up Your Plex Media Server on Windows
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Backup” from the left-hand menu.
- Click on “Backup” to create a backup file of your Plex Media Server.
- Save the backup file to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
How to Back Up Your Plex Media Server on macOS
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Plex” menu in the top-left corner.
- Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Backup” to create a backup file of your Plex Media Server.
- Save the backup file to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
Step 2: Install Plex Media Server on the New Computer
Once you’ve backed up your Plex Media Server, you can proceed to install it on the new computer. Here’s how to do it:
How to Install Plex Media Server on Windows
- Download the latest version of Plex Media Server from the official website.
- Run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Plex Media Server on your new computer.
How to Install Plex Media Server on macOS
- Download the latest version of Plex Media Server from the official website.
- Drag and drop the Plex Media Server app to your Applications folder.
- Double-click on the app to launch it.
Step 3: Restore the Plex Media Server Backup on the New Computer
Now that you’ve installed Plex Media Server on the new computer, it’s time to restore the backup you created earlier. Here’s how to do it:
How to Restore the Backup on Windows
- Copy the backup file you created earlier to your new computer.
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Backup” from the left-hand menu.
- Click on “Restore” and select the backup file you copied to your new computer.
- Click on “Restore” to restore your media libraries, settings, and metadata to the new computer.
How to Restore the Backup on Mac OS
- Copy the backup file you created earlier to your new computer.
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Plex” menu in the top-left corner.
- Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Backup” and select the backup file you copied to your new computer.
- Click on “Restore” to restore your media libraries, settings, and metadata to the new computer.
Step 4: Set Up Your Media Libraries
Now that you’ve restored your Plex Media Server backup, it’s time to set up your media libraries. Here’s how to do it:
How to Add Media Libraries on Plex
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Add Library” button in the top-left corner.
- Select the type of library you want to add, such as Movies, TV Shows, Music, or Photos.
- Browse to the location of your media files and click on “Add.”
- Follow the prompts to configure the library, such as setting up metadata agents or enabling automatic library updates.
How to Organise Your Media Libraries
Once you’ve added your media libraries to Plex, you can organize them to make it easier to find and stream your favorite content. Here are some tips for organizing your media libraries:
- Use descriptive names for your libraries and folders, such as “Action Movies” or “80s Music.”
- Group similar content together, such as all the seasons of a TV show or all the albums by an artist.
- Use the “Collections” feature to group related content together, such as all the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies or all the albums from a particular decade.
- Use tags to add additional metadata to your content, such as the genre or year of release.
Step 5: Configure Your Server Settings
Now that you’ve set up your media libraries, it’s time to configure your server settings to optimize your Plex experience. Here’s how to do it:
How to Configure Your Server Settings on Plex
- Open Plex Media Server and click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Server” from the left-hand menu.
- Navigate to the different settings tabs to customize your server settings, such as “General,” “Library,” “Transcoder,” and “Remote Access.”
- Adjust the settings to your preferences and click on “Save Changes” when you’re done.
Step 6: Check That Everything Is Working
Finally, it’s important to check that everything is working properly before you start streaming your media on the new computer. Here’s how to do it:
How to Check That Plex Is Working on the New Computer
- Open Plex Media Server on the new computer.
- Navigate to one of your media libraries and ensure that all the content is showing up correctly.
- Try streaming some content to a device connected to your home networks, such as a TV or a smartphone.
- If you encounter any issues, consult the Plex support documentation or forums for troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
Transferring Plex to another computer may seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process if you follow these steps.
By backing up your Plex Media Server, installing it on the new computer, restoring the backup, setting up your media libraries, configuring your server settings, and checking that everything is working, you can ensure a seamless transition to your new computer.
With your media libraries and settings intact, you can continue to enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, music, and photos on Plex wherever you go.
FAQs
Q: Will transferring Plex to another computer delete my media libraries and settings?
A: No, transferring Plex to another computer should not delete your media libraries and settings as long as you follow the backup and restore process outlined in this article. By backing up your Plex Media Server before transferring it to the new computer, you can ensure that all your media libraries, metadata, and settings are preserved. Restoring the backup on the new computer should restore all of your Plex settings and media libraries.
Q: Can I transfer Plex from Windows to Mac or vice versa?
A: Yes, you can transfer Plex from Windows to Mac or vice versa by following the backup and restore process outlined in this article. The process is the same regardless of which operating system you are transferring from or to. Simply back up your Plex Media Server on the original computer, install Plex Media Server on the new computer, and restore the backup on the new computer. As long as you are using the same Plex account, your media libraries and settings should transfer seamlessly to the new computer.
