Hey there, I made a guide on how to setup two servers for local only and remote only until bell fixes this. [GUIDE] Running Two Plex Servers on One Windows Machine (Windows + Docker) Without Conflicts — Including First‑Time Docker Install + Media Folder Setup
This guide explains how to run two Plex Media Servers on the same Windows PC:
• Plex for Windows (native install)
• Plex in Docker (containerized)
Both servers run simultaneously, each with its own port, with full LAN access and full remote access.
All sensitive information has been removed.
1. Install Docker Desktop (first‑time setup)
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Download Docker Desktop for Windows from the official Docker website.
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Run the installer.
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When prompted, enable “Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper‑V” (recommended).
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Complete installation and reboot if required.
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Open Docker Desktop and ensure it shows “Running.”
Docker is now installed and ready.
2. Set up Docker media folders and file sharing
Docker cannot access Windows drives unless you explicitly allow it.
A. Create a folder for Plex’s Docker config
C:\PlexDocker\config
B. Ensure your media drive or folder is shared with Docker
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Open Docker Desktop
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Go to Settings
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Go to Resources
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Go to File Sharing
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Add the drive or folder where your media is stored
Example:
• D:\Media
• E:\Movies
• X:\TV -
Apply and restart Docker if prompted.
If you skip this step, Plex in Docker will not be able to read your media.
3. Remove any old Docker Plex container (if resetting)
docker stop plex-docker
docker rm plex-docker
(Optional) Delete the old config directory if you want a fresh Plex setup:
C:\PlexDocker\config
4. Create Docker Plex with a dedicated external port
Windows Plex uses port 32400 internally, so Docker Plex must use a different external port (example: 32401).
Run Docker Plex with:
docker run -d --name plex-docker -p 32401:32400 -v C:\PlexDocker\config:/config -v <MEDIA_PATH>:/data -e PLEX_DISABLE_TUNERS=1 -e ADVERTISE_IP=“http://<LAN_IP>:32401/” plexinc/pms-docker
Replace <MEDIA_PATH> with your media directory and <LAN_IP> with your computer’s LAN IP (example: 192.168.x.x).
This ensures:
• Windows Plex stays on 32400
• Docker Plex uses 32401
• No port conflicts
• Remote access works correctly
• Docker Plex can read your media
5. Router Port Forwarding (IMPORTANT: Do NOT forward 32400)
Forward only the Docker Plex port.
Windows Plex does NOT need a port forward for remote access when running dual servers.
Forwarding 32400 causes LAN devices to fail to connect to Windows Plex.
Correct router configuration:
Docker Plex
External: 32401
Internal: 32401
Protocol: TCP/UDP
IP: <LAN_IP>
Windows Plex
No port forward
(Leave 32400 completely un-forwarded)
This prevents hairpin NAT issues and restores proper LAN access.
6. Windows Firewall Rules
Add rules manually:
TCP Rule
Port: 32400
Allow all profiles
Name: Plex Windows 32400 TCP
UDP Rule
Port: 32400
Allow all profiles
Name: Plex Windows 32400 UDP
Repeat for Docker Plex ports (example: 32401) if needed.
7. Fix Windows Plex LAN Access
If LAN devices cannot reach Windows Plex:
A. Verify Plex is listening
Run: netstat -ano | findstr :32400
Look for: TCP 0.0.0.0:32400 LISTENING
If present, Plex is listening correctly.
B. Add LAN subnet in Plex
Plex Web → Settings → Server → Network → LAN Networks
Add: <YOUR_SUBNET>/24
Example: 192.168.x.0/24
Save and restart Plex.
C. Allow Plex executable in Windows Firewall
Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an app → Add Plex Media Server.exe
Enable Private and Public.
8. Configure Docker Plex Remote Access
Plex Web (Docker) → Settings → Server → Remote Access
Set:
• Manually specify public port: 32401
• Internet upload speed: Unlimited
• Custom server access URLs: http://<LAN_IP>:32401/
Save and restart the container.
9. Force Plex to Default to Highest Remote Quality
Plex defaults to 720p unless you override both server and client settings.
Server Settings (Windows + Docker)
Settings → Server → Remote Access
• Internet upload speed: Unlimited
Settings → Server → Transcoder
• Transcoder quality: Prefer higher speed encoding
• Hardware acceleration: Enabled
• Maximum transcodes: Unlimited
• Background transcoding: Disabled
Client Settings (each device)
Settings → Quality
• Remote Streaming: Original
• Remote Quality Limit: Maximum
• Automatically adjust quality: Off
Restart the Plex app once after changing these.
10. Verify Everything
Windows Plex LAN
http://<LAN_IP>:32400/web
Docker Plex LAN
http://<LAN_IP>:32401/web
Remote Access
Docker Plex should show “Fully accessible outside your network.”
Windows Plex will still work remotely via Plex Relay if needed, but LAN access will be perfect.
