Plex HTPC for Windows - install in user profile?

Plex Players Desktop Players
1

Is it possible to install Plex HTPC for Windows with a non-admin user, into the local user profile folder and allow it to auto-update without admin access? (Similar to how Zoom and Chrome can be installed and updated without admin privileges.)

I do have full control of the PC and an admin account, but I leave it running with an always-logged in, non-admin user. I thought that running the Plex HTPC installer with a regular user account would allow me to install the binaries onto my AppData folder, but it keeps prompting me for elevation.

I also tried allowing it to elevate, but then forcing it to install onto my (non-admin) user AppData folder. But the auto-updates still prompt for an admin account & password.

Is the Windows version not designed to be installed without admin? It’s a bit inconvenient for me to have to use my keyboard and put in an admin password whenever it auto-updates.

2

You can disable auto-update if you want.

Add

[debug]
disableUpdater=true

to the plex.ini.

1 Like
3

Well, I do want to stay updated. It sounds like the current design of the Windows version does require elevation. So I guess this would be more of a feature request to change that.

Thanks for offering that workaround, though.

4

Maybe then you could have a look at this Powershell script crafted by a plex enthusiast.

When Plex HTPC is installed in a non-privileged folder the script also doesn’t prompt you with a windows admin screen.

5

For the Most part anytime a program try’s to make a change to files in Program files or the registry will require elevation. You could try setting permissions on the Plex folder in program files for users to write there, or you could disable UAC. But I wouldn’t recommend taking either of those options.

6

Thank you, I might give that a try.

7

For the Most part anytime a program try’s to make a change to files in Program files or the registry will require elevation.

There’s a trend with new software these days to install in the user’s AppData folder, rather than Program Files. (Chrome and Zoom are able to do this. Chrome prompts for elevation but if you skip the UAC prompt, it gives the option to install into your user profile folder.)

It can be annoying for sysadmins who have to manage updates in an enterprise environment. But at home, I’d love for Plex HTPC to be able to do this. It’s just a client, on a read-only user account for me.

8

Yes, I am aware. We use AppLocker to block execution from those folders. Well more specifically we Only allow execution from specific folders.

9

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