# Install plex to an external hard drive

**URL:** <https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077>\
**Category:** General Discussions\
**Created:** [May 10, 2021, 4:41pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077 "2021-05-10T16:41:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![paul\_alistair\_googlemail\_com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d9b06d/32.png) [@paul\_alistair\_googlemail\_com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/paul_alistair_googlemail_com)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2021, 4:41pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077/1 "2021-05-10T16:41:09Z")

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OK, so here is my question. I would like to instal PLEX to an external hard-drive, including all the databases etc. This way when I need to “move” my plex all I need to do is plug the HDD into a new PC and job done. My old Plex server died, and while I have the media on externals, the thought of re-installing plex, and doing ALL the metadata fixs for mis-matched titles etc is killing me. I am trying to future proof here as this will be the THIRD time I have had to do this.

So is it possible to have everything running on a external? Databases and Media. almost like a hot swappable plex server if you will?

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**Author:** ![tom80H](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/tom80h/32/19753_2.png) [@tom80H](https://forums.plex.tv/u/tom80H)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2021, 4:49pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077/2 "2021-05-10T16:49:28Z")

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While it’s theoretically possible, I’m not sure it’s actually going to work well.  
You can move the server data directory to another drive – though this can significantly impact your server’s performance.

> [@\[HowTo\] An extended guide on how to move the Plex data folder on Windows](https://forums.plex.tv/t/howto-an-extended-guide-on-how-to-move-the-plex-data-folder-on-windows/197060):
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> By default, Plex server stores all its own data on the system drive, in the AppData path of the Windows user. You might want to change that location, if your system drive is a small SSD or you are simply having capacity issues. Moving Plex data to a dedicated drive also makes it easier to retain your Plex server data when changing machines or re-installing Windows from scratch. For larger servers/collections, I recommend a dedicated, internal SSD drive. Exit/End/Quit/Close plex, using the t…

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You’ll also need to re-link all those special configurations to point your future Plex Media Server to the same external drive/share (Registry configuration). Overall it might be easier to look into some decent backup approach or simply copy the old server’s data directory to the new device.  
[https://support.plex.tv/articles/201370363-move-an-install-to-another-system/](https://support.plex.tv/articles/201370363-move-an-install-to-another-system/)

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**Author:** ![OttoKerner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/ottokerner/32/10079_2.png) [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)\
**Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 8:51am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077/3 "2021-05-11T08:51:52Z")

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I recommend you to use a second _internal_ hard drive.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/2/a/2acb9765406f63293d357b4ec509ec39aa28f2ad.png) [@system](https://forums.plex.tv/u/system)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2021, 8:52am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/install-plex-to-an-external-hard-drive/715077/4 "2021-08-09T08:52:10Z")

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