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Turn Windows into DLNA Media Server: Best Tools in 2024
Grab the best software to easily set up a DLNA server
10 min. read
Updated onJanuary 8, 2024
updated onJanuary 8, 2024
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Life today is media-centric, and there’s never a dull moment. At least not with a DLNA server allowing you to stream unlimited video, music, audio, and photos to your entertainment devices.
You will, however, need the best DLNA server to turn your computer into a media server that is safe and robust.
So, what is the DLNA server? What devices support DLNA? Is it the same as Bluetooth? Does DLNA work over the Internet? These are all legitimate questions that we shall try to address accordingly.
A DLNA server stores media content and avails it across a network wirelessly. The server is generally a DLNA-enabled PC or a NAS (network-attached storage).
Once active, the server lets you conveniently browse the entire media collection from multiple devices through a home network.
And there are indeed numerous devices that support DLNA, such as computers and gaming consoles, mobile devices, digital cameras, media players, and other IoT products.
How do I turn my computer into a media server?
That’s one way toset up a DLNA server on Windows 10. You can also use a NAS and connect your new media server to the network via Ethernet or Bluetooth from theDevices screen. And you can similarlyenable DLNA in Windows 11.
As you can see, you can set up a home network media server by enabling the native Windows 10 technology. However, most users find using third-party DLNA software more straightforward.
A DLNA server software is an application that allows you to share the burgeoning library of movies, audio, and pictures in your computer with your other DLNA-compatible devices.
Have a look at our favorite picks:
Once installed, the DLNA software instantly sets up your PC as a media streaming center, opening up a sea of thrilling and personalized entertainment choices.
Inter-device connectivity is established through the handy DLNA protocol and the software makes the whole process simple and direct.
What is the best DLNA server software for Windows?
Playon– DLNA software + record content for offline entertainment
Playon is a full-feature media portal that integrates all your media streaming services into one media library.
The platform is easy to use. You can either download it on your computer or directly to a media streaming device such as Roku.
The software is easy to navigate. You get a grid view of all your streaming platforms in the home menu and recommended content based on your history.
One major plus of using Playon is the recording feature. You can capture all types of media for offline enjoyment.
Playon is a subscription-based service with monthly charges. You can try it for free for 7 days and get to download 7 media recordings.
Otherkey featuresof Playon include:
Playon
Ampache– Top-notch DLNA streamer (works with any client & media player)
Ampache is an open-source web-based streaming app and file manager that works with almost any internet-enabled device so capturing and casting shows from a desktop, tablet, or phone is a breeze.
If you want highly reliable, and secure DLNA server software, Ampache has very few equals.
Ensuring a fantastic user experience, this tool lets you stream movies, music, and shows from Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Amazon, and countless other streaming sites and channels with no hidden catch.
It has countless customization options, such as various authorization methods, listing metadata sources by preference, importing custom metadata, ordering album art sources by preference, and many more.
There is no DLNA/UPnP with a premium subscription, as Ampache already has all of those features by default for free.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Ampache
Plex– Complete DLNA media server solution (file management included)
Plex is a multimedia management software that allows you to access and stream TV channels and streaming platforms’ content and lets you organize all your personal media files into one library.
This platform works worldwide, allowing you to stream content from all major on-demand media services.
Plex is compatible with multiple media hardware such as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Roku. So, is Roku a DLNA device? If you were wondering about this possibility, there’s your answer – it can be!
Plex can also run on Android and iOS mobile devices and Windows or macOS computers.
Plex allows you to download content to access it without an Internet connection. You can sync downloaded media to all your devices so you can enjoy it wherever you are.
Otherkey featuresof Plex include:
⇒Get Plex
Kodi– DLNA server software with support for game controllers
Kodi is another popular option for users that want to connect and access all their media content from one place.
It provides completely free media library management features that integrate your TV channels, on-demand platforms, audio files, pictures, and more.
Besides passive media content, Kodi lets you connect your games to the app. You can add stand-alone games, or connect emulators.
It also offers support for game controllers, so you can set it up as a one-stop entertainment center.
You can use this DLNA server software to record live TV video content. Just press the record button while streaming and you’ll be able to reaccess it whenever you want.
Kodi can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It also comes as a mobile app for Android and iOS.
Key featuresof Kodi include:
⇒Get Kodi
Jellyfin– Free DLNA server for Windows 10
The media server software has also been hailed for its sleek performance. And would you believe you can get all this bliss without paying a dime?
Even without digging too deep into its technicalities, this is one of the best choices for anyone searching for a smashing performance from a free DLNA server for Windows 10.
Unsurprisingly, its advanced design enables the server to produce one of the sweetest streaming experiences amongst the top contenders.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Jellyfin
MediaPortal
Powerful but very easy to use,MediaPortalputs up a strong show when pitted against the rest of the DLNA servers for Windows 10.
It streams a large variety of media files with surprising precision and at impressive speeds.
MediaPortal handles just about every device and is a powerful entrant to our unique selection of DLNA media server tools that gives a reliable, simple, and seamless streaming experience.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Media Portal
Subsonic– Cross-platform compatibility & extended format support
Subsonic is another popular UPnP media streaming service whose main claim to fame is its unique ability to transcode a huge variety of media formats. Whatever you want to share, the tool is always up to the task.
Your Xbox, smartphone, and practically every other device work excellently as soon as you hook them up with this DLNA server software that also boasts apps for Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Chrome, and many more.
Its compatibility prowess goes even further as it supports pretty much any network-enabled media player from Winamp, iTunes, XMMS, VLC, and MusicMatch to Windows Media Player.
Plus, it has an embedded Flash player. This DLNA server software also supports all media formats (MP3, OGG, AAC, and any other audio or video format that streams over HTTP).
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Subsonic
Emby– Can store your content in multiple resolutions
Emby is one of the most feature-rich DLNA media servers that works like a charm across a plethora of rendering devices and is a joy to stream with.
Whether it’s stand-up comedy, soaps, Formula 1, or blockbuster movies, this has gotten rave reviews for its polished performance.
This DLNA software automatically converts and streams your personal content on any device. It can store your content in multiple resolutions, enabling direct streaming from any device.
Furthermore, you can sync your personal media to smartphones and tablets for easy offline access. Emby apps are available for Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, and tablets.
The innovative idea of a pleasant user interface and media auto-detecting technology is lovely to users seeking painless streaming.
Let’s quickly look at itskey features:
⇒Get Emby
To enjoy your rich media library across multiple devices, you have to turn your computer into a media server, and the best way to do this is by using DLNA server software.
The thing with these thoughtful tools is that they’re not equal, meaning you need to take your sweet time evaluating your options.
If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Sonia Martin
Sonia is a tech enthusiast that fell in love with Windows after having experienced working on a different OS.
Being above all, a down-to-earth kind of person, she deeply appreciated the ease of learning and usage associated with Windows products and made it her personal mission to guide her peers in discovering the same beauty of simplicity through writing.
When she does not preach about computer-related topics, she enjoys cooking extravagant food with intricate names and peculiar aromas which are usually not appreciated by the crowds.
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