Server Version#: 1.20.5.3600
Player Version#:
Every time I run Plex I’m told via the “Activity” gadget, there is a Media Server Update available. My current version is 1.20.5.3600, the update is to version 1.25.8.5663.
No matter what I do, the update command does not install the new update. On screen I’m told the update is downloading but when I activate “Install”, & then grab my cup of tea 
I find the server has not updated to the new one. I only have this updating problem with Plex, all other software on my Windows 10 PC updates fine. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.
same problem - no answer yet???
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Plex Media Server_20220711235229.log (20.5 KB)
I’m still having problems trying to update Plex, this is despite trying the advice I’ve been given in this post / thread. I’ve tried uninstalling Plex from my PC to download the latest version to reinstall but I’m not able to uninstall the older version. During the new installation process a message appears saying the feature I’m trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable. I’ve to try again (same message re occurs when I do), or enter an alternative path to a folder containing the installation package 'pms-shutdown.msi. I’m admittedly, lost & frustrated with this problem. I’ve attached a log file in hope it will help someone see what the problem is. HELP!! Thank you in advance.
Thank you for your reply. What is meant by “show down Plex”?
I have tried running the installer manually (if this means going to the Plex Website & downloading the most recent version then clicking install). The original (older set up) version of Plex is still in the PC as it can’t be uninstalled.
Its when I do this that the installation process commences but stops when I get the error message as I describe.
Sorry if I’m not understanding your guidance correctly.
He probably meant “shut down”.
Take a look into your Plex data folder, in the /Updates subfolder.
Is the installer executable of the old version still in there? If yes, then launch it and choose “uninstall”.
Otherwise, take a look here: Windows: Errors trying to upgrade, install, or uninstall Plex Media Server | Plex Support
Forgive me in advance for my PC tech inadequacies. When I look in the plex media folder (I do not see a folder named plex data folder), there is no /updates subfolder. There is a Plex Update Service Launcher.exe & Plex Update Service.exe. The Plex Media server.exe is also there. Is this helpful?
Follow the orange link. It explains the location of the folder.
Otto, thank you so much for your patience, truly appreciated. The link took me to the folder. In that folder there seems to be loads of different versions (earlier) of the media server software (they are named as numbers & letters (e.g. - 1.27.1.5916-6b0e31a64). When I open each folder there is a sub folder “Packages” which includes the .exe file of each plex version. When I launch each .exe file I only see the “install” option & if I try to install I get the original problem message I’m trying to solve. the error message seems to be looking for “pms-shutdown.msi”. It can’t find it & says I should try again or enter an alternative path.
Do you see a folder for your currently installed 1.20.5… ?
If you do, take the .exe then copy it to a convenient folder.
copy the path to this folder into the clipboard.
Then open a command line (cmd.exe) and paste the path in. make sure it ends in a backslash. Then append the full file name of the exe (including the .exe part)
then append a space character
then append /repair
So the full line should look similar to
D:\otto\PlexMediaServer-1.20.5.3600-47c0d9038-x86.exe /repair
then press Enter.
This should restore the missing pms-shutdown.msi which you will be needing to uninstall it right afterwards.
Otto, again my appreciation of your continuing patience. I did see a folder for my currently installed Plex which was located at C:\Users\Betanski\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Updates. I copied it to a folder I created on my desktop (new location - C:\Users\Betanski\Desktop), then followed the instructions you supplied to enter into the cmd. prompt. When I enter the cmd prompt the Plex install window opens & when trying to install I suffer the same source problem.
Afterthought - Not sure if I’m selecting the folder with the currently installed version of plex (version 4.43.4). The names of the folders in C:\Users\Betanski\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Updates do not identify which version they are relevant to.
You are citing the version number of the web app, not the server.
Please peruse the second link I gave in my first response above.
Hi Otto, I’m still trying this & thank you for your continuing assistance. I’m assuming the 2nd link you refer to is using the Windows Uninstall Tool. I did use this & it appeared to remove the Media Server. I also used it to remove the Media Player. Once uninstall was completed I did a PC restart & Plex was not in the programme / app list so all seemed good. I then downloaded the latest version of Plex but when I tried to install it I received the same error message I received before - “the feature you are trying to use is on a network resource which is unavailable. Click ok to try again or enter an alternative path to a folder containing 'pms-shutdown.msi in the box below”. I’ve copied you the log -
Plex Media Server_20220713115627.log (20.1 KB)
Did you download the installer exe onto a local hard drive or are you running it from a network file share?
Otto, I downloaded the install exe to my C: hard drive. It went to my downloads. However, I think I’ve detected a mistake I was making. The download was not the Windows 64 bit version. I’ve now downloaded the 64bit version, executed the install & it has installed. It’s version 1.48.2.3124-647ff031. This new install is currently trying to find my server & failing to do so.
Are all traces of the x86 installation gone from your hard drive?
Check whether the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server is still present or if it has been removed.
The folder you mention is there. Some of the files in it are dated as today, others are, at the oldest, dated back to 2020
Are you sure that you are not looking at the folder C:\Program Files\Plex\Plex Media Server instead?
C:\Program Files (x86) holds the 32 bit version, while
C:\Program Files holds the 64 bit version.
only clean out the Plex\Plex Media Server folder inside of the former.
Does it let you delete the folder or does it complain that some of the files are still in use?
