Preview: Plex Media Server for Windows 64-bit version

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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A few month ago we started a forum preview for the native version of PMS on the Apple Silicon cpu, a.k.a. the M1 and Apple fans rejoiced. Well, now we have something for you Windows fans.

Introducing PMS 64-bit. Since the introduction of PMS for Windows, it has always been a 32-bit program. Finally, we have a 64-bit version available.

This comes with a new installer so manually installing PMS will look a little different. Once installed the automatic update will work like usual for newer versions.

The new installer detects if a 32 bit version is installed and removes it automatically on start. However, after the 64 bit version installed don’t install any PMS for 32 bit as the old installer can mess up things. To go back to 32 bit you need to uninstall the 64 bit version first.

Where to get it: PMS for Windows 64-bit 1.28.2.6151

WARNING If you run a 3rd party uninstaller tool such as CCleaner that will remove program data when the program is uninstalled, please turn this off. As mentioned, the 64-bit installer will uninstall the 32-bit version and that tool may detect this and remove the Plex Data folder.

Update 08/03/2022: The 64-bit version will now automatically update through the beta channel and be in line with the regular beta releases. You will still need to install it manually if you are not already using the 64-bit version.

New Info 08/11/2022: The 64-bit version will no longer support Windows 7. We try to support versions of Windows that are still supported by Microsoft and they are ending support for 7 soon.

31 Likes
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I just reinstalled windows and the latest version of PMS (completely rebuilt my server) yesterday and it is crashing so bad. I wish I had seen this, so I could have rebuilt my server with this version as a clean install. I went ahead and installed this version in hopes my crashing stops.

My question is anytime a new PMS version comes out will both versions, 32 and 64 release at the same time?

1 Like
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Yes, we will be maintaining both versions for the time being. If you run the 32-bit version, it will update to the 32-bit version, the 64-bit will update to the 64-bit. This may change in the future, but that is the current plan.

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I’m curious to see how it turns out.

Depending on settings, a 64bit PMS should transcode more efficiently…

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@Dalmus In theory it should be using more of the memory during transcoding (due to not having the 4GB 32bit memory limit) which should help a lot.

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PMS shouldn’t be using more than 4GB of memory so there shouldn’t be anything noticeable there.

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Thanks. I am using it and so far it’s good. Will report back if I develop any issues.

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Okay, I downloaded the .exe file. Do I just run it on my PC? Will it keep my libraries in place? Will it keep all my usual settings? Anything I should be careful about when I install the 64-bit version?

Thanks for any insights.

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So what are the advantages/disadvantages ?

I remember the accidental notification months ago :slight_smile:

2 Likes
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Would like to try this too but wondering what the advantages are before I run it.

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I was finally able to get a couple really big music compilation boxes (200+ cds) to be added to my library. It spiked the scanner to over 20GB for a couple hours so obviously that wouldn’t work on 32bit.

Niche case, for sure, but I was happy it worked.

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You won’t see too many advantages now, but by using 64-bit, it opens the door for some nicer things in the future.

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Well I am happy to report I have not had any crashes since updating to the 64 bit. version. I was having crashes left and right on the other latest PMS version. Hopefully I am not jinxing myself, but I am very pleased for this. When Plex is stable it’s the greatest. Keep in mind I have a ridiculous amount of files and often 20 people streaming off my server at a time while I am recording TV shows.

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Nice to know that. How do you update? Uninstall the 32-bit version and install the 64-bit version or let the installer do its thing?

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Read the first post of this thread, please.

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Thanks. I somehow missed that part. :sweat:

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so what is the purpose of upgrading to 64 bit right now?

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Some immediate advantages were already mentioned above.

The purpose of this preview version is to test the build process and the update path on a wider range of possible machines and OS versions and locales to hopefully identify any pitfalls, should they exist.

If you don’t feel like you want to help testing cutting-edge releases on your own installation, don’t upgrade right now.

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Where was it mentioned this was a preview build ?

Many users will have assumed this is a public release.