Main desktop computer is now my host… I use Plex on laptop to play on TV. Everything works fine.
Now I want to use the music files on my laptop instead my desktop and use plex to do so.
Is that possible?
I’m not sure I get what you’re trying to achieve.
If you have a Plex client installed on that laptop, you’ll be able to play the music stored in a library of your server on that device (same as you’re playing any videos). With a Plex Pass membership you can also use the Plexamp app (standalone music player).
On your desktop with the Plex server installed on it, you can just add the drive from your laptop with the music on it.
Click the 3 dots next to the music library
Manage Library….edit…add folders.
You have to make sure the laptop drive with the music on it is discoverable on your network so your Plex server sees it
Add the laptop music directory. After it scans, you can delete the path for the current music library that’s coming from your desktop now. Or keep both.
Keep in mind… if you do this this
If you ever want to play that music from another player or outside your network that laptop is now going to need to be on, along with the desktop that your server is on
Thank you for taking the time to reply! I wasn’t very clear on my situation.
I have Plex installed on my desktop and all my Videos and music are shown in Plex folders there. In another room, I log into Plex on my laptop and cast them to my TV. No problem.
What I want to be able to do is use Plex to cast music, when I’m not at home, from music stored on my laptop, not music stored on my home computer.
Make sense?
It now makes more sense but I’m afraid I don’t have a solution for your question.
The Plex desktop client can “download” media for offline use, but it cannot cast/fling that downloaded content to other devices. The desktop app cannot play other local media that’s not connected to a Plex Media Server.
Tom,
Again, thank you for taking the time to reply.
I hope you understand that I am presently able to use my laptop to cast media from the Plex Media Server on my desktop without a problem. My goal is having the option to use my laptop to cast media that is stored only on my laptop.
Now I’m now wondering if I could simply install the Plex Media Server on my laptop and switch back and forth from using the Plex Media Server when I want to cast media stored on my laptop, and the Plex app when I want to cast for media stored on my desktop.
Any thoughts?
A “mobile” Plex server is not going to work reliably, if you are planning to use it in local networks which are not your own. A Plex server is usually not something which you can set up and use ad-hoc.
You are better off using some player software which is able to use UPnP casting or Chromecasting.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I don’t care what player I use on my laptop to cast my media, I just need one that will let me put things in a que…
Any suggestions?
Thank You
