How To Create A Media Server On Windows 10

Google Chromecast and Plex are the big names in media streaming these days, just yous can achieve some of that functionality with your basic operating system. A Windows 10 DLNA server lets you stream music and videos to other devices on the network.

With a Windows 10 DLNA server, you can stream local files to a DLNA customer/player. You may be surprised at the variety of hardware that supports this functionality, from mod TVs to consoles, tablets, and Android phones.

The word 'server' automatically summons images of complexity, simply setting upwardly media streaming is far easier than you retrieve. All you need is to flip a few settings in your Control Console and you lot're on your mode.

What is DLNA?

Sony set up the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) in 2003. It comprises numerous organizations who have collaborated to create a standard for media streaming on a wide range of devices.

A Windows ten DLNA server uses media histrion to manage and evangelize content via a bespoke protocol, sending packets to DLNA clients or players such every bit TVs or speakers. DLNA certified devices apply UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) to automatically find each other on the network, so no manual IP entry is required.

Still, there are several caveats with DLNA which accept caused media streaming in Windows 10 to be largely dominated by tertiary-political party tools. Its age means information technology doesn't account for the rise in streaming services like Netflix, and it primarily targets those who have a large local library. As such, you can't media stream your browser video or screen, simply the files on your hard drive.

It tin too struggle when it comes to file formats. Windows 10 DLNA servers primarily support mutual file MP3, WMA, and MP4 files, and fifty-fifty MP4 can neglect the files are a certain resolution or bitrate. The standard also doesn't support MKV, AVI, and FLAC extensions, despite their increasing popularity. With those limitations outlined, let'southward spring into how to enable media streaming in Windows x.

How to Enable the Windows 10 DLNA Server

Time needed:iii minutes.

Y'all tin can understand from the drawbacks while media streaming isn't enabled by default in Windows ten – information technology can exist a headache at times. Still, Microsoft makes it quite easy to enable the feature if y'all wish to utilise it.

Open Control Panel

Press the Commencement button and type "Control Panel". Click the first upshot to launch it.
Open Media streaming options

In the Windows 10 control panel, search for "media streaming". Click the "Media streaming options" subheading nether "Network and Sharing Center".
Turn on Media Streaming

Windows volition at present present you with the media streaming options page. Read the cautionary information within the xanthous banner and click "Turn on media streaming" if you're on a trusted network.
Suit your Windows 10 media streaming options

In the next window, enter a proper noun for your Windows 10 DLNA server so you tin find it on other devices. Press "OK" to arrive bachelor on your local network.
Observe the server on your Windows 10 DLNA customer

To stream content, you have to be able to find the server on another device. On a Windows 10 PC you lot tin can practice this via File Explorer. The Network section will return a list of devices, including the ane you just named. Double-click the icon to access Windows Media player, where yous tin easily play whatever files.
Switch the media collection

Y'all can find your files in Media Thespian under the "Other Libraries" section. Click a relevant department to run into all your files for playback.
Manage your media via File Explorer

If you're not a fan of the Windows Media Histrion, y'all tin head to "This PC > Network locations" in File Explorer and double-click the media server to access the file listing. You lot tin then play and manage at will.