Installation of the 64 bit version on the 32 bit

Latest update claims it will install 64 bit version over 32 bit version.
It says it can’t remove the 32 bit automatically .
I do it manually but for some reason the installer “sees” remains of the 32 bit version of the Plex Media Server so I can’t install the new version .
I’m pretty paranoid that the database will be damaged during the process so I moved it to a safe place before uninstalling the 32 bit version .
What is the right procedure to do this and why can’t Plex do it automatically ?

In versions before 1.40.2 there was a bug in the installer: Plex Media Server - #617 by chris_decker08

This will not happen, as long as you don’t use 3rd-party “uninstaller” tools.
Do also avoid “registry cleaner” and “system optimizer” apps.

Only try a manual deinstallation

  • after a fresh reboot of the machine
  • after stopping Plex server from running using its task tray icon

If you continue having trouble removing the old server version, refer to https://support.plex.tv/articles/202967086-windows-errors-trying-to-upgrade-install-or-uninstall-plex-media-server/

When installing the new version, do not install it to any other location than the default program folder on drive C:
(This is only about the Plex program code, not about the location of the Plex data folder!)

P.S.: if you are running Plex server as a Windows service, updating to 64bit might be more involved, as it requires an update of the service wrapper as well.

I tried several times now .
I uninstall it 32 bit version - reboot and try to install the 64 version .
A 32 bit version is found (and a message that a file isn’t found (error code 2)).
I have to reinstall the 32 bit version .
I don’t use third part software .

Does it say which file is missing?

No it doesn’t .
I can install the 32 bit version so I thought all needed files would be installed .

Which version number of the server are you trying to install?

Please find the log file of the installer. You may find it either in the Logs subfolder of your Plex data folder, or in the global temp folder of your Windows user account.

Just for completeness’ sake: you are running Windows 10 or 11, not something older?

I’m using windows 10.


There is quite a lot of installation logs

Those with date and time from the last update attempt.
Please zip them before uploading.

I made an attempt to uninstall the 32 bit version and install the 64 bit version.
No install log was generated.
I reinstalled the 32’ and append the install logs generated.
Installer Logs.zip (3.9 MB)

Please look in the general temp folder of your Window suser account.
It is probably in your case in C:\Users\Thomas\AppData\Local\Temp

Since the installation of the 32bit version succeeds, the logs are of rather limited use.

In the temp folder there is an empty file 21396643-b7d5-4517-b131-c03b01b12ee9.tmp I can’t delete.
I append what’s else in the folder
Temp.zip (2.9 KB)

Thank you, these are the log files from the 64bit installer.
I will forward them and see if this is something that can be solved.

When you did this, you did it the ususal way, per the Apps control panel, right?

If (after uninstalling it the regular way) you use the Microsoft tool from https://support.plex.tv/articles/202967086-windows-errors-trying-to-upgrade-install-or-uninstall-plex-media-server/ and let it look for any “plex”-related apps to uninstall, does it find additional “Plex server” or “Plex shutdown” installations?

Unfortunately I don’t have the code the Microsoft tool requiers to uninstall.
I tried to use the tool to install the 64 bit version but without success.

I’m not sure what code you are referring to.
It should only ask for a program name or simply display a list of everything it has found as installed.

Using the tool to remove the old PMS has no effect . There’s still hidden parts .
If the program I want to uninstall doesn’t show on the list I’m asked to enter a code: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx…
Perhaps the only work around is a fresh Windows installation :weary:

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