How to create your own streaming service for free

If you have lots of files on your computer that you want to enjoy on other devices, it can be tricky to know how to organise and access them remotely. That's where our experts at Which? Tech Support come in.

The best solution is to turn your computer into a media server. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is with Plex Media Server, a free platform that lets you stream your personal media collection to multiple devices.

Below, we explain in simple terms how to enjoy your content on a bigger screen – perfect for movie nights or moments when you want to look at holiday snaps.

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Setting up Plex in 5 quick steps

Plex Media Server works like your own private Netflix, allowing you to add and organise movies, music, TV shows, home videos and photos.

You can't use Plex to stream copyrighted media unless you own the rights or have permission.

Plex runs on Windows, macOS and Linux (even on older computers), and supports multiple users streaming to different devices simultaneously. This means you can watch your content on laptops, TVs or other devices without the hassle of USB sticks.

To try Plex for yourself, follow the steps below.

1. Download and install Plex

Get started by downloading the Plex app to your computer.

On the website, select the dropdown menu to pick your preferred platform – Windows, macOS or Linux, for example. Then, select Choose Distribution.

You can install Plex Media Server by opening the downloaded setup file and following the installation wizard. It’s essentially a case of pressing Next until installed.

2. Create a Plex account

Once Plex has finished installing, open the app by right-clicking the Plex icon in your taskbar (the icon is a right-facing arrow). Choose Open.

You will now need to follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. Once done, agree to the terms and conditions.

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3. Set up your media server

Next, name your media server. This can be anything you’d like, such as 'My Media Server'. You also have the option to allow access to your media from outside your network. For example, you could stream a film stored on your Plex server to your laptop while away from home.

Add the libraries you'd like on your server. There are standard ones like music, films, and photos, but you can also add custom ones, such as 'home videos'.

After selecting a library, choose Browse for Media Folder and select the folder where the data is stored. For example, if you choose Music, select your music folder on your computer. You can then add as many libraries as you like depending on what media you have.

Plex will start adding all of your media to the server, indexing it, pulling the appropriate data from online databases, and adding artwork.

4. Configure your settings

In Settings (the spanner icon in the top-right corner), you'll find a variety of options for customising your server, such as adding other users, enabling Cinema Trailers for a theatre-like experience, or setting up auto-play to continue playing a TV series.

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5. Start watching your favourite TV shows and films

All that's left to do is download the app on your devices (for example, your TV, Android device or iOS device) and sign into your account to start streaming content.

Any new content you add to the folders on your computer will automatically be added to Plex.

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