How to Set Up a Media Server in Windows 7

A media server is a type of wireless connection that your computer shares with other devices in your home. If you have a Blu-ray player capable of media server access, for example, you can use that player to access movie and music files while they are still on your computer. You don’t need to download or purchase any additional software in order to create a media server in Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system. All the tools you need are already installed on the PC and are ready for use the first time you turn it on.

Step 1

Open Windows Media Player. This is the default installed software on any Windows computer that is capable of playing both music and movie files. Windows Media Player is also capable of cataloguing and displaying the various image files on your computer.

Step 2

Right-click on either the “Music”, “Videos” or “Pictures” categories on the left side of the screen depending on exactly what type of content you want to share via a media server. To share movie files, for example, right-click on the “Videos” option. From the new menu that appears select the “Manage Videos Library” option. Repeat these steps for the “Music” and “Pictures” categories as needed.

Step 3

Click “Add.” Locate the folder on your computer where the files you want to share are stored. Select the icon for the folder and click “OK.” All of the content in that folder will automatically be added to your Windows Media Player library. Icons for each individual piece of content will be displayed in the main Windows Media Player window.

Step 4

Click the “Stream” button at the top of the Windows Media Player window. From the drop-down menu that appears, select “Automatically Allow Devices to Play My Media.”

Step 5

Select the “Automatically Allow All Computers and Devices” option from the new window that appears. This will tell Windows Media Player that you want to allow all devices on your home network to access your streaming content. Windows Media Player will take your settings into account and automatically create your media server. Your music, video or image files will now be accessible via any device in your home that is capable of connecting with the media server.