How to Move Plex Server to Another Drive
Plex is a fantastic media server solution that allows you to stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos to various devices. However, as your media library grows, you might find yourself running out of storage space on your current drive. Fortunately, moving your Plex server to another drive is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Back up your Plex data: Before you begin, it’s essential to create a backup of your Plex server data. This includes your media library, settings, and metadata. You can use the built-in Plex Backup feature or manually copy the necessary files to an external drive.
2. Install Plex on the new drive: Connect your new drive to your computer and install Plex media server on it. Follow the installation instructions provided by Plex.
3. Transfer your media files: Copy your media library from the old drive to the new one. Make sure to maintain the same folder structure to avoid any issues with Plex’s library scanning.
4. Update Plex settings: Launch the Plex server on the new drive and update the necessary settings, such as the media library paths and server name.
5. Reinstall Plex on client devices: Once the new Plex server is up and running, you’ll need to reinstall the Plex app on your client devices and log in to your account. This will ensure they connect to the new server.
6. Test your setup: Verify that your media files are accessible and streaming correctly on your client devices. If you encounter any issues, double-check your settings and folder structure.
7. Remove the old Plex server: Once you’re confident that everything is working smoothly on the new drive, you can uninstall Plex from the old drive and delete any remaining files.
FAQs:
1. Will moving my Plex server delete my media files?
No, moving the Plex server only involves transferring the server software and settings. Your media files remain untouched.
2. Can I move my Plex server to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move your Plex server to an external drive as long as it’s connected to your computer and accessible.
3. Do I need to reinstall Plex on my client devices?
Yes, you’ll need to reinstall Plex on your client devices and log in to your account to connect to the new server.
4. Can I move my Plex server to a different operating system?
Yes, you can move your Plex server to a different operating system. However, some settings and paths might need adjustment.
5. Is it necessary to back up Plex data before moving?
Backing up your Plex data is highly recommended to avoid any potential data loss during the move.
6. Can I move my Plex server while it’s running?
It’s best to stop the Plex server before moving it to ensure a smooth transition.
7. Can I move my Plex server without an internet connection?
Moving your Plex server locally is possible without an internet connection, as long as your client devices are on the same network. However, some features may be limited until you have an internet connection again.