Plex Media Server Won't Install? Fix with These Simple Steps

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Key notes

  • Plex Media is a streaming media service that can manage videos, photos, or music on your PC. 
  • If you experience Plex Media Server won't install issue, it's advised to clean old registry keys. 
  • You can as well try launching the setup file as an admin to install it without errors. 
  • We provided detailed guides on how to perform these actions and efficiently resolve the error. 
Plex Media Server won't install

Plex Media Server is a popular local streaming software available for multiple platforms and allows users to stream content from their local server like Nvidia Shield Pro over the internet from anywhere.

However, at times you may face difficulty installing Plex Media Server. Several users have reported Plex Media Server won’t install issues in the Reddit community forums.

Server version: Trying to install the latest PMS 1.1.4.2757
OS: W10 HP x64
Had PMS installed many months ago now and removed it for one reason or another. Wanting to devote some time to it on my main rig so have tried to install it again afresh after installing the OSX version of PMS on my Mac recently. Run the installer as admin, let it run the install flows and it comes up with the setup successful – great. Until you click launch and it does nothing. After further investigation, no Plex directories in C:ProgramFilesx86, no start menu shortcuts, nothing – Not even in LocalAppdata.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot Plex Media Server won’t install issue in Windows.

How to fix Plex Media Server Won’t Install

1. Run the Setup File as Admin

  1. Windows may prevent some files from installing and making changes to the registry entries due to insufficient privileges.
  2. Locate the Plex Media Server setup file that you downloaded from the official website.
  3. Right-click on the Setup file and click on Run as Administrator.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete and reboot the system.
  5. After the restart, navigate to C:ProgramFilesx86 and check if the app is correctly installed.

2. Uninstall and Clean Old Registry Entries

If you are trying to reinstall Plex Media Server, it is possible that the old registry entries are preventing the fresh installation.

It is also possible that uninstallation was partially successful thus creating issues with the installation.

Clean Registry Entries using Fortect:

  1. Download and install Fortect.
  2. Launch the Fortect app.
  3. Click on the Scan button.
    Fortect scan process
  4. After the scan, click on Start Repair.
    Start Repair option
  5. Now try to run the Plex Media Server setup file again and check for any improvements.

3.  Run Microsoft Apps Troubleshooter

  1. Microsoft offers a Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter application that helps you automatically repair issues when any installation-related issues occur.
  2. Download Microsoft Programs Install and Uninstall.
  3. Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the issue. Apply any fixes if recommended by the troubleshooter. 
    Plex Media Server won't install
  4. Reboot the system and check for any improvements.

More about the topics: windows 10