I’m currently running Windows 10 Pro. The issue I’m experiencing is all within my local network. Everyone outside my network can stream. Either the libraries are having trouble trying to load, or it will get stuck buffering at 30%. It will not play. I’ve been struggling on this issue for almost a week. I’ve finally narrowed it down. I’ve removed and reinstalled the apps on the streaming devices, restored factory settings on router (suspecting that could’ve been the issue), and reinstalling Windows 10. The issue still remained. Now, I’ve finally found the cause of the issue, but just cannot figure out why. I’m over 100% it’s Windows 10 firewall. When I toggle the firewall off, and everything works like a charm. I just want to know what is causing it. I feel that I’m so close, but need some guidance.
The Plex installation program creates the necessary exemptions in the Windows Firewall automatically - unless the firewall was disabled at the time of the installation.
If you want to create the rules yourself: https://support.plex.tv/articles/201543147-what-network-ports-do-i-need-to-allow-through-my-firewall/
(These rules do only apply to the machine where Plex server is installed. On your router, you need only grant access to port 32400.)
This is also a frequent source of trouble:
Thanks for you quick response. However, I performed the steps on both links, but unfortunately those did not work. There has to be a service or executable that needs to be allowed through the firewall. Or possibly another app that Plex uses, that needs to be allowed. Like I mentioned before, when I turn off the Windows firewall, everything works great.
I’ve just discovered that this IS affecting devices outside the network as well.
Have you checked the status of your network connection in Windows?
If it says ‘public’ instead of ‘private’ then all ports are closed.
No, it’s set to private.
I have only 3 other things left for you to try:
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Make sure that the connection between your server and the router is wired. Don’t use WiFi for the server.
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disable powersaving for the network adapter
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make 2 settings in your router:
A)exempt the domainplex.directfrom the ‘DNS rebinding protection’ (IF your router provides such a setting)
B)set your DNS server to Google’s (8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4) (reason: the DNS servers of regular ISPs often handle the TLD.directpoorly)
Confirmed the steps, except 3(a), which was not an option. Unfortunately no change. Same results. I’m still leaning towards the firewall, missing an exception. Shouldn’t be any reason me running Windows 10 Pro to have anything to do with it?
That’s what I use as well. No issues.
Any chance you have an interfering 3rd party firewall, torrent client or VPN installed?
Nope. I don’t use the computer for anything, except strictly Media Server.
Hello, OttoKerner! Not gonna believe this. It’s not Windows 10 Firewall. I have Linksys EA8500 Smart WiFi MU-MIMO Router. APPARENTLY, there’s a feature in there called “Media Prioritization”. With all honesty, this has never been an issue in the past until now. All I did was toggle it on, and everything was working. I did not set anything in order, just turned it on. My opinion, it seems to be a glitch in Linksys firmware. Either that or that feature is conflicting with the Windows Firewall. So, the issue is resolved and hopefully it’ll help anyone else out there. BUT, I would love to know why it’s occurring.
Lol July 2019 right now and your Linksys post helped me as well. I absolutely cannot believe thats what my problem was. 2 different Plex servers internally both not working. I’ve been messing with countless OS installs, ports, and firewalls for 5 days straight. All kind of Plex and Plex account troubleshooting. Unbelievable. Switched the Prioritization on and bam its working. Much thanks man!!
