Learn how to enable a DLNA server on Windows 10 and stream your media files seamlessly across devices on the same network. Follow the simple steps outlined in this guide to set up your DLNA server today.
DLNA technology allows you to stream content from one device to another. For example, stream audio and video from a PC to a TV wirelessly. You can learn how to set up DLNA in Windows 10 from our article.
What is DLNA
The Digital Living Network Alliance certificate, or DLNA for short, is a special technology that allows devices that support it to share various content over the network. Typically, it is used to run movies, music, or photos stored on a computer on a smart TV.
How DLNA Works
This system works as simply and clearly as possible. First of all, you need to connect both devices with DLNA support to one router via cable or Wi-Fi. Then open the desired file on your computer, right-click on it and click “Transfer to device…”. All that remains is to select the desired TV from the list and start streaming.
Creating a DLNA server
The process of creating a DLNA server on Windows 10 is also not difficult. To do this, you need to do the following:
- Open “Media Streaming Settings” from the taskbar search;
- Click on “Enable media streaming” and enter the server name. Also, if necessary, uncheck the boxes next to unnecessary devices;
- In the device’s Settings, specify the type of content to which access will be granted.
- Once confirmed, you can safely enjoy watching or listening to available content on your smart TV.
Adding folders for DLNA server
A rather non-obvious thing, especially for beginners, is adding your own folders with videos, music and photos so that they are visible on another device. The algorithm looks like this:
- Open Windows Media Player;
- Right-click on the item you want to add. For example, if you want to watch videos, then click on the “Video” section and select “Manage Video Library”;
- Using the “Add” button, upload the folder with the required files.
After these manipulations, your folder will become available to devices with DLNA support.
Setting up DLNA via third-party software
You can also adjust various parameters of DLNA servers using third-party software. The best programs for this are Home Media Server and Serviio . These utilities have rich functionality that helps create and configure a DLNA server on Windows 10.
In addition, the applications can recode files into the required format, broadcast subtitles, automatically sort content into different categories, and much more. The interface is extremely convenient and intuitive, so anyone can figure it out.
Setting up DLNA via “Stream”
You can set up streaming via a DLNA server directly in the player itself. To do this, open Windows Media and on the top panel, first click the “Stream” button, and then “Additional streaming options…”. The already familiar window with various options will appear.
Tips for stable DLNA operation
To ensure that streaming via a DLNA server works properly, it is recommended that:
- Disable all current downloads on your computer to reduce network load;
- Do not use the Internet on other devices while viewing the file;
- Use a more powerful router;
- Turn on the “High Performance” mode on your computer.
If even after these steps everything still slows down, it is easier to play the file directly on the TV.