Downloads

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Hey there!

I have never been able to see a download button for any shared content on Plex and I have no idea why. I’m (server) on Windows 11 and use Chrome. I share my library with multiple people as well as have multiple people sharing theirs with me. I’ve always looked to download with a person who has DL enabled, but I cannot find it! I’ve had people send me screenshots of them seeing a DL button for my content just to show me where it’s located and I, for the life of me, have never seen it in my end. Has anyone encountered this or know what’s going on? I have the most recent version of everything running in case that’s a question and I’ve also tested/tried it in Edge (I think that’s the name of the Microsoft browser) with the same result.

Please help,

Thanks!

2

The download privilege has to be granted separately, from the general right to stream content from a shared server.
The admins of the shared servers need to allow downloads explicitly to you.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/204232573-restricting-the-shares/

(And you cannot download anything from the free streams on plex.tv)

3

Plex Documentation → Downloads for Offline Use → Downloads Overview

Supported Plex clients:

  • Android (mobile)
  • iOS
  • Plex for Linux
  • Plex for Mac
  • Plex for Windows
4

Yes, I know all that and all those requirements have been met; still don’t see the option to download. It’s odd

5
  1. Downloads generally are only available in certain clients. The mobile clients, and Plex for Desktop. i.e. the web app is not among these.
  2. Downloads from a shared server are only available if their owner has granted you explicitly the Download privilege.
  3. Downloads are not available in the “Movies & Shows” on plex.tv which has ad-supported streams for free.
6

I am on Plex (on Chrome) on my Windows 11 PC which is where my server is. I have been granted download privileges from several shared servers. I’m not sure what I’m missing.

7

Please review the supported client list.

Plex Web, using any browser, is not on it.

Use Plex Desktop instead.

8

Are you talking about downloading something aside from the Plex server to my Windows desktop?

9

Correct.

Plex has a client-server architecture. Plex Media Server streams media to client applications such as Plex Web, Plex for AndroidTV, etc.

When you use a web browser, you are using the Plex Web client.

Plex Web does not support downloading media files for offline viewing.

Plex Desktop, a Windows application, does support downloading media for offline viewing.

If you wish to download media to your Windows PC from a server shared with you, use Plex Desktop.