Plex Media Server App Wont Open but Web Does

Hi, please excuse my ignorance but I’m needing help. I downloaded the newest version of Plex Media Server. I have been using the Web version.

I was trying to download videos that my friend has in his server but on the web version I cannot. (I have permission as I can download the same video from my phone).

My question/ask is how do I get the Plex Media Server APP to open? I’ve tried Uninstalling/Reinstalling several times but it’s just not opening.

I’m losing my mind. All I want to do is download some of those videos to my PC!

Please help :slight_smile:

Thank you!

Server Version#:
Player Version#: v.1.40.5.8854-f36c552fd
<If providing server logs please do NOT turn on verbose logging, only debug logging should be enabled>

Plex DocumentationDownloads for Offline UseDownloads Overview

You cannot download using Plex Web. The only Plex clients that support downloading are the mobile apps and Plex Desktop for Linux/Mac/Windows.

Do not confuse Plex Media Server (which streams media) and the Plex clients (what you use to watch the media).

You do not need Plex Media Server to download media from your friend’s server. You should use Plex Desktop for Windows, the Windows based client (which has the same look and feel as the web interface).

Plex Desktop: Documentation, Download


If you want to stream media files from your PC to your phone, tv, etc., then you will need to install Plex Media Server on your PC. When running, you will see the Plex icon in the Windows taskbar.

To configure Plex Media Server, double click on the Plex icon. It should launch Plex Web, ask you to login, etc.

If you have not used Plex Media Server before, you should read through the Quick Start documentation. Plex DocumentationIntro to PlexQuick Start Info


If you wish only to stream from your friend’s server, then you do not need Plex Media Server on your PC. You can uninstall it so it will not take up drive space, CPU resources, etc. Plex DocumentationInstallation and Basic SetupUninstall Plex Media Server.

1 Like

OMG wow yea that was the issue. I didn’t think I was confusing the two, but sure enough I was.

Thank you tons.

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