[Windows 10 Update KB4338819 issue] Conversion Failed. The transcoder exited due to an error

Plex Media Server
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43

Solved my problem. I have used the following PMS versions on Windows 10:

1.12.3.4973-215c28d86
1.13.2.5154-fd05be322
1.13.4.5251-2e6e8f841

They all present the same error. Since this is very widespread after a recent Windows patch, it’s partly to blame. The issue starts with updating your Windows 10 to OS Build 17134.165. This is patch KB4338819 released on June 10th, and targeted systems on June 11th. If you are unlucky and unable to use Plex with any of the versions (some users down/upgraded versions and have no issues), there is a solution. Unfortunately Windows no longer offers the ability to rollback these types of updates through the Settings UI. You instead have to use command prompt or Windows Restore.

WARNING! Proceed at your own risk. You must have administrator rights on the target machine. These instructions are provided as a suggestion only. You do not have to follow them. In the event your system becomes unstable or has data loss, only you are responsible. If you can wait for a fix from Plex, do so. If you must have access to Plex now, continue.

Command Prompt WUSA (Recommended)

  1. Open command prompt as admin.
  2. Type in winver and press enter to ensure you are on Build 17134.165
  3. If you are type in wusa /uninstall /kb:4338819
  4. When prompted click Yes.
  5. When it’s completed, make sure to defer/pause updates or else the update will be installed when you are away.

Windows Restore Method (Alternative):
!!Any changes you have made to Windows or programs you have installed will reverted or removed!!

  1. Open command prompt as admin.
  2. Type in winver and press enter to ensure you are on Build 17134.165
  3. If you are, type in command rstrui and press enter.
  4. A window will appear. Select “Choose a different restore point”
  5. Choose a restore point on or before June 10th.
  6. Click finish and let the process complete.
  7. When it’s completed, make sure to defer/pause updates or else the update will be installed when you are away.

When Plex has released an update, turn off defer/pause updates and install any updates pending. This is only a temporary fix for myself because I have family who lives hundreds of miles away that uses my server. It’s been annoying to myself and them for the last few days. Finally we are able to watch again.

Edit: Wanted to clarify this only applies if you are Windows 10 using the most recent version of PMS. I see multiple replies from people saying it started happening only the past few days. This was my solution as that’s all that has changed on my system.

Edit 2: Updates to this post here -> [Windows 10 Update KB4338819 issue] Conversion Failed. The transcoder exited due to an error