If you found this article by direct search on the Internet, you probably already know what DLNA is and for the most part you are only concerned with the issue of setting up a DLNA server on Windows 10. More on this below, but for beginners, a small theoretical lesson.
What is DLNA
DLNA is an abbreviation for Digital Living Network Alliance. This term refers to a special software protocol with which compatible devices can connect to your computer's media library. This is a very useful technology that saves you the hassle of transferring files to other devices for playback. For example, you have a library of movies stored on your computer, but you want to watch some of them on your TV or tablet. Instead of copying a movie to a flash drive, disk, or transferring it via wire to a tablet, simply connect to your computer via the DLNA protocol. After this, media content (photos, videos or music) will be streamed over the network at high speed and without delays. To access the media library, DLNA uses UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), which ensures compatibility with hundreds of a wide variety of devices without the need for complex additional software or drivers.
How to set up DLNA on Windows 10
Windows 10 includes everything you need to set up DLNA. You can make your PC a DLNA server or a client to connect to another server computer. The good news is that all this is configured and works without the need to download anything additional. In principle, there are many different DLNA servers, but for easy to use the average user will have enough basic Windows features 10.
To set up DLNA on Windows 10, you'll need the classic Control Panel. By the way, this instruction is suitable not only for Windows 10, but also for previous ones operating systems, like Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.
By default, Windows allows access via the DLNA protocol only to files and folders in standard libraries located on drive C. Since few people store their media files on system disk, it makes sense to include files and folders from your media disks or other partitions in the library. This is done as follows:
Find the folder you want to include in your media library. Click on it right click mouse and select Add to library. Depending on the content type, select Video, Images or Music. After this, all the content of the folder you selected, including subfolders, will be available to connected devices.
How to connect to a DLNA server on Windows 10
When everything is set up and ready, all that remains is to connect the end device on which you will play the content. This depends on what operating system or application you are using to connect.
If you want to connect to the DLNA server from another computer, make sure both devices are on the same network. Then open File Explorer and click on the button Net in the left panel. A list of available media devices will open. Select your server in it, after which Windows will open Media Player with access to your media library. From it you can play videos, music or view photos. Everything is done as simply and conveniently as possible, so even the most distant users should not have problems connecting.
How to disable DLNA on Windows 10
- If you decide to turn off media streaming, open Network and Sharing Center, and click on the link Change Extra options public access.
- In a new window, expand the item All networks and then click Select media streaming options.
- On a new window Ban everything.
After this, connected devices will not be able to access your media library.
DLNA is a special software protocol that allows devices such as TVs and media boxes that are on the same network to discover multimedia content stored on your computer. This is very useful as it allows you to browse a collection of movies and other media stored in one place using various devices. With a few clicks, you can enable the built-in DLNA server in Windows 10 and start streaming your media files.
Details: DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a non-profit collaborative standards organization that defines interoperability guidelines to enable sharing of digital media between multimedia devices. DLNA uses Universal Plug and Play(UPnP) for media management, discovery and control. UPnP defines the type of device supported by DLNA ("server", "renderer", "controller") and the mechanisms for accessing media over the network.
Windows 10 includes everything you need to use DLNA out of the box: a DLNA client, a (good) media player, and a DLNA server.
To enable DLNA Server on Windows 10, follow these steps.
- Open the classic Control Panel. To do this, simply open the Start menu and start typing the word Panel, from the displayed results, select "Control Panel".
- Go to Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left click the link "Change advanced sharing settings".
- In the window that opens, expand the section "All Networks".
- Click the link- Select media streaming options... In chapter "Media Streaming".
- On next page click the button Enable media streaming.
- Give your online media library a name and select the devices that can access it.
All. Once you're done, your personal folders such as Music, Images, Photos and Videos, will automatically become visible to any UPnP-enabled streaming device.
For example, I can view and play files using my TV with DLNA Android software.
The built-in DLNA server can be disabled at any time. Here's how.
Disable the built-in DLNA server.
Alternatively, you can stop the service by following these steps:
Press Win + R keys to open the dialog box Execute.
Enter: services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, find the service named - General service network resources Windows Media Player.
Double click on it and install Startup type\Manual, now click the button "Stop" And "Apply".
One of the characteristics that distinguishes one modern televisions from others, is the degree of their intelligence. In a figurative sense, of course. We are talking about the technological advantages of the so-called Smart TV. Regular digital TVs, as a rule, can play the role of the TV itself, working in tandem with a receiver, play media content using the built-in player (alas, often with a limited list of readable formats), and also serve as a monitor for a computer, game or TV set-top box. Whereas Smart TV, they are also smart TVs, are able to participate to a greater extent in the chain of content reproduction as independent participants.
1. About media streaming and DLNA technology
Smart TVs are actually the same computers, because they have their own hardware capabilities, have their own software, can connect to wired and wireless networks. And the last thing is almost complete independence from source devices. The advantages of direct TV access to the Internet are obvious, but there are many of them with local access to a computer. Streaming multimedia from computer to TV is direct access of the TV to files on the computer. Streaming eliminates the fuss with flash drives and external hard drives. Files are transferred from the computer to the TV over the network. Without the participation of a computer, as long as it is simply turned on, without the participation of a smartphone, without the participation of set-top boxes and other source devices, all permitted material can be played using a TV - video, photos, music, any media files that such a TV can play.
DLNA technology allows devices on the same network to exchange media content. Many people support her modern devices, capable of connecting to the network - computers, tablets, smartphones, TV and game consoles, and, of course, Smart TV. For example, smart TVs from LG that support DLNA technology have a proprietary Smart app Share is a shell of this technology with a user interface. Applications from other Smart TV brands are called differently and, accordingly, have a different interface. In particular, at smart TVs Samsung's shell for DLNA technology is the standard AllShare application. And for Sony TVs, this is the Vaio Media Server application.
How to set up streaming media from a Windows computer - PC or laptop - to TV? We will examine this issue in detail below.
2. What do you need to set up streaming from a computer to TV?
To set up streaming from a computer to a TV, as mentioned, it is necessary that the latter supports the network. By the way, to stream media files, the Smart TV “status” for the TV is not required. The TV may not have super-functionality; it simply must support the network and allow the selection of a signal source with at least primitive standard functionality. Such a TV must have a built-in Wi-Fi module or an Ethernet network port. As a rule, modern Smart TVs provide both options – wired and wireless. network connection.
Both devices - the TV and the PC or laptop - must be connected to a single local network. When connected to a router (router), any devices - computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs - are automatically combined into one small network. Of course, if you don’t have a router, you can get by by directly connecting the TV to your computer over the network. What you need to do this is to connect network cable to the Ethernet ports of devices. But in this case, if the computer has only one network port (one LAN card with one Ethernet port), you will have to constantly reconnect the cable from the TV and the cable from the Internet provider. It is not comfortable. A router must be in the house if there is a question of unlocking the potential of Smart TV. well and Wi-Fi router– a simply necessary thing if smartphones or tablets are used in the house.
The method of connecting the TV to the network - wired or wireless, if it provides both options, is not important.
The next condition for streaming is configured access using DLNA technology to the media library folders on the computer. On Windows, this can be done in several ways.
3. Setting up network access to computer files in Windows Media Player
A way to configure access to computer files in Windows without the need to install third-party software is to use the standard Windows Media Player.
On the panel Windows tools Media Player, click the “Stream” option and check the box next to:
- “Enable media streaming...”
After switching on this parameter a system window will open with streaming parameters, where you can specify the name of the media library and flexibly configure the availability of media content for specific devices networks: for some, leave the preset resolution, and for others, remove it.
The configured permissions will allow other devices to access files over the network only in the user profile folders. These are the “Video”, “Music”, “Pictures” folders, which are displayed in Windows Explorer along with disk partitions, drives and removable devices of the computer. If this is more than enough, you can start testing file playback on your TV using local applications that work with DLNA technology.
But storing files in user profile folders on the system drive is not a good idea from the standpoint of availability. free space on drive C, and from the point of view of the safety of these files in case of a critical failure Windows operation. As a rule, media libraries of impressive size are stored on non-system partitions of the computer disk. Folders of such media libraries must be added in a separate step to the Windows Media Player library,
To make the contents of other computer folders available for streaming to the TV in the Windows Media Player window, click the “Arrange” option, select “Manage Libraries”, and in it – one of the content types: “Music Library” for audio files, “Video” for video files , “Gallery” for photos and pictures.
A window will open with a list of existing libraries, and to add the desired folder to this list, click the “Add” button on the side. Add this folder in the Explorer window that opens, then click “Ok” in the list window.
Alternative way adding folders with media content to the system list of folders with open access for devices home network– adding to the library using the context menu command in Windows Explorer. At any time, any folder on your computer where videos, music or photos are stored can be accessed for playback from network devices. To do this, you need to open this folder in Explorer, call up the context menu and select the “Add to Library” command. The folder will be added to the appropriate library and its contents will be available for streaming.
The list of folders with video and audio files open for streaming will also change when changes are made to it using the standard Windows 10 Movies and TV and Groove Music applications. In the settings section of both applications, you can add and remove folders to local collections of video and audio files. Local application collections work in conjunction with system libraries.
4. Setting up network access to computer files using the LG Smart Share program
Some Smart TV brands have their own software for desktop operating systems, through which you can configure access to your computer's media files. These programs can be downloaded from the TV manufacturers' website or on the Internet. For example, for smart access Samsung TVs to computer content, the South Korean corporation has created Samsung program Allshare. And for LG TVs, the LG Smart Share Windows program for PC is available for free download on the company’s website. Let's take a closer look at it. On the LG website, select the version for Windows and download.
Installation of LG Smart Share is standard. After launching the program, you need to select any of the proposed content settings options – Movie, Photo, Music.
In the window that appears, access must be enabled. If it is disabled, set the switch to the “On” position.
Switch to the “My” tab shared files" Here you can allow access to files in the specified folders. Using a button in the form of a folder with a plus sign, you need to add any other folders with media content to the existing folders of the user profile. After adding, click the “Apply” button at the bottom, then “OK”.
Everything - now the content of all folders displayed in the “My Shared Files” tab of the program will be available for network devices, in particular for TV.
In the program settings tab just below - “My device settings” - you can change the computer name. Using this name, the computer will be identified on the network for other devices.
The LG Smart Share utility process will automatically start along with the Windows system, providing further access to your computer's media files.
To make sure that everything works as it should, launch the SmartShare application on the TV.
Go to the “Devices” section and select our media server.
Open any of shared folders, which contains media files.
Let's try to play the file.
5. Setting up network access to computer files using the Home Media Server program
Another way to provide TVs, set-top boxes, mobile and other devices that support the network and DLNA technology with access to your computer’s media content is the Windows program “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)”. The program works with many popular TVs: LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, Philips. Using this program, a DLNA server is launched on the computer, to which all network devices can connect. By default, the program allows you to manage server files from the TV - essentially, computer files.
The advantage of using Home Media Server over all of the streaming options listed above is that it has more features and is more customizable. The program provides various transcoders for video and audio files, which allows you to convert media content, if it initially exists on the computer in a format not supported by the TV, into a format that is supported by it. You can additionally configure the broadcast of individual Internet channels on your TV (radio and digital television).
“Home Media Server” can be downloaded absolutely free on the creators’ website.
Download the program, install it and run it. Upon startup, the initial settings window will immediately appear. You can leave everything as default and refuse to scan media files. Let's move on to the program settings in a separate order.
In the program window, click the “Settings” button on the toolbar at the top of the window.
In the settings window that opens, we will see the category tabs on the right. In the first tab “Media Resources”, using the “Add” button, we can add any folders with media content to the program list to give them access for streaming. Shared access can be opened immediately to all partitions of the computer disk (C, D, E, etc.), to all network drives, to all connected removable media. To do this, you need to check the boxes next to the required options at the bottom of the window - respectively, “Local disks”, “ Network drives" and "Removable devices".
The Media Resources settings tab provides many options for the added folders. For example, by clicking the “Change” button, we will be able to exclude hiding files and directories, remove certain types of files, set a different folder name - and all this within the framework of the DLNA server, without changes on the computer.
At the bottom of the “Media Resources” tab there are separate sections with an abundance of different settings. In the “Scanning” section, you can pay attention to the option “Always use file name as the name of the media resource.” Without checking this option, the names of media files in Russian will be converted to transliterated Latin letters or unreadable crocodile.
In the “Devices” settings tab we will see a list of all detected network devices that will have access to DLNA server files. Any of the devices on the list can be disabled by removing the green activity button.
In the “Server” settings tab, instead of the default DLNA server name, we can set our own name, for example, more convenient for perception. Next to the server name field we will see its port - 45397. It may happen that the antivirus or firewall running on the computer will block the operation of the DLNA server. In case of such blocking, the DLNA server port must be granted permission to work in the antivirus or firewall settings.
Also in the “Server” tab, you need to pay attention to the default option that prevents the computer from going into sleep mode while the DLNA server is running. If it becomes necessary to put your PC or laptop into sleep mode, the DLNA server will need to be stopped in the future. If, on the contrary, the checkbox for the option “Prevent the computer from going into sleep mode while the server is running” is not checked for some reason, it is better to check it. Otherwise, watching a movie on TV will be unceremoniously interrupted as soon as the laptop goes to sleep to save battery power.
The Home Media Server program has a very rich selection of settings, and its potential can be revealed gradually, testing certain features as you become familiar with them. For now, let's limit ourselves to the settings already made and save them. Click “Ok” below and agree to scan media files in the configured folders.
After the program completes the scanning process, we can launch the DLNA server. To do this, click the “Launch” button on the toolbar at the top of the main program window.
Home Media Server works in background, and the program can be controlled from system tray. By calling the context menu on the program button in the system tray, the DLNA server can be stopped, started, or restarted.
Automate this process so that the DLNA server starts automatically with starting Windows, you can in the program settings. Last tab The “Advanced” settings provide in the “Startup” column options for autostarting the program itself when Windows starts, autostarting the DLNA server when the program starts, as well as installing its background service in the Windows system.
Once the DLNA server is running, all available media content on the computer can be played on the TV through a local DLNA application. In the TV app, the DLNA server will appear as a connected playback device. Inside it, folders with computer media content configured in the Home Media Server program will be available.
You can launch available media content for playback not only in the TV application. You can also assign the Home Media Server program to start playing media files on your TV. To do this, in the main window of the program, select the appropriate content - click on the “Movies”, “Music” or “Photo” button on the toolbar at the top. The right side of the program window will display folder files that were previously accessed for broadcasting to the TV. Select the desired video, audio file or picture from the list, call the context menu on this file and select “Play to” among the commands. In the list of devices that appears, select the TV. The selected movie, track or photo will unfold on the TV screen.
6. "Bring to device" function Windows 8.1 and 10
The function of starting playback of media files on a computer with displaying the image on a TV is also provided as part of the standard functionality in Windows versions 8.1 and 10. If the Windows system allows playback of computer media files by network devices in Windows Media Player, as discussed above, a movie, audio track or photo can be launched on the computer, and viewing or listening can be continued on the TV. This is a handy thing when you don’t particularly want to fiddle with the TV remote control and look for, for example, the desired movie among a bunch of other media files, killing your nerves with monotonous flipping through file after file.
To launch a media file on your computer, you need to open the context menu on it in Windows Explorer and select the “Bring to device” command. This is a command for Windows 10. In Windows 8.1, this context menu command is called “Play To”.
After this, we will see a list of network devices available for playback. Choose a TV. The launched file will unfold on the TV screen, and on the computer screen we will see a small window Windows player Media with a playlist where you can additionally add some files.
7. Bring to Device feature in Windows 10 Movies & TV app
Available for media files in context menu conductor Windows function“Bring to device” is also implemented in Windows application 10 "Cinema and TV". It works on the principle of launching a video file in an application on a computer and continuing to watch it on a network device, in particular, on a TV screen. Open the “Movies and TV” application, launch the video and in viewing mode, click the first button at the bottom – the button to connect to available playback devices. A list of all network devices defined for outputting the video file will appear in a small window. Choose a TV.
In the future, you can continue watching the movie again on your computer, in the “Movies and TV” application. This is a great idea for a home filled with digital technology that is connected into one network. For example, having started watching a movie on the TV screen in the living room, you can continue watching it on the kitchen TV screen. And then you can move back to the living room with the film. And to do this, you just need to pause for a couple of simple actions on the computer.
8. Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of ways to configure the computer part of the chain of interaction between the computer and the TV over the network is great. Despite the fact that the article turned out to be voluminous, in fact, not all programs on the software market for implementing multimedia streaming from a computer to a TV are considered. Setting up your TV is easier.
As mentioned above, your computer's media files can be accessed through local smart TV apps. And these are the above-mentioned Smart Share for LG TVs, AllShare for Samsung, Vaio Media Server for Sony and others. On regular network-enabled TVs, where the firmware does not provide separate applications, access to computer files can be configured by selecting a media server as the signal source. In many cases, the source button on the TV remote is called “Source”.
Have a great day!
Technologies are moving by leaps and bounds across the planet, expanding the boundaries of possibilities every day. Let's talk about one of them - a home media server, and how to configure it depending on the version of the operating system.
First, let's talk about what a home media server is and what it is needed for. In your search for information, you will come across DLNA technology - the acronym in English stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, the literal translation sounds like Digital Network Alliance. A technology that allows compatible devices on the same network (home, corporate, etc.) to exchange data in real time to play/view media content (music, images, video recordings of any size) - thereby creating a home media server. The network can be like wireless wifi, and wired Ethernet, devices are identified by IP address. Already in 2013, the alliance included more than 200 well-known manufacturers of digital equipment, so the technology is supported by most digital TVs, smartphones / tablets and modern OS versions. Next, in more detail about the options for setting up a home media server using DLNA technology with step by step instructions. Let's start in ascending order of OS versions, starting with seven and then talking about third-party tools.
Built-in Windows tools and home media server
The Windows operating system provides built-in tools for setting up a home media server, but it will take a little time and patience to set up a home network. Since the principle of broadcasting is similar in the seven and ten, we will first set up the operating systems, and then move on to the content transfer itself and the creation of a home media server.
Windows 7 and home media server
A home network media server for Windows 7 can be configured for wireless network, and wired. Devices must be connected at the time of connection to home/ corporate network. So, step by step.
Go to “Open Control Panel” from Explorer, or “Start” panel → “Control Panel”;
Method 2
Now let's start the home media server from the TV, first turn it on.
on the TV remote control, press the button with the image of a house to launch smart services; 
scroll to the right to select “SmartShare”; 
Installation
After successful loading of the distribution, it will proceed to installation:
on the first installation screen you will be asked for the directory into which the unpacking will be performed; you can leave it unchanged, or you can change it; 
Next, the program installation directory will be indicated, which can be changed if desired, and you will also be prompted to “Create a shortcut to launch the program...” on the desktop → after selecting, click “Install” 
installation is complete and the program will ask you to launch the program → click “Yes”. 
Settings
Let's move on to setting up a home media server, below are the complete instructions:
When you first start it will open " Initial settings" Here you will be asked to select a device from the list, or check the “Automatic” box; in addition, you can select the color of the main form from the palette; 
When you click “Next”, an information window with changes in versions will appear. 
Going to the main program window, select “Settings”. 
Select from “Category”
"Media resources":
here we put ticks according to the content that is located either on local disks, on either removable media;
“Add” button → select directories to add media resources and click OK. 
"Devices":
in this settings window, you can add or exclude devices by IP addresses, depending on your preferences, leave or uncheck the “Automatically add new devices” and “Allow access for new devices” checkboxes; 
if you add a new device using the “+Add” button → a new settings window will appear with fields for indicating the name, IP address, setting a time interval to limit access, setting options according to content stars; 
When you click on the “Settings” button → an extended settings window will open with the ability to:
- instructions “Media resources”;
- fine-tuning file formats with video extension and number of image pixels;
- client settings transcoder;
After making changes, click “OK”
"Server"
Only for advanced users and system administrators:
d on the “Basic” tab - indicate the computer name, port, set the obstacle for the machine to go into sleep mode when the server is running; 
in the “Advanced” tab - you can specify the root folder HTTP server, as well as the use of a specific address to receive UPnP messages about discovering and controlling devices on the network; 
in the “Web - navigation” tab - you can manage the default script or make changes to it; 
when you click “+Add”, a dialog box will appear with the ability to specify the name, IP address of the device, MAC address and server name, you can immediately check the IP address for a conflict in the network. 
"Transcoder" - exclusively for advanced users.
Section "Temporary files":
allows you to intelligently distribute the storage of temporary files and set a limit on the total volume in Gb, as well as enable an alert when a certain amount of data is reached; 
specify the buffer size without taking into account disk space;
parameters for performing transcoding with fine tuning profiles indicating priorities, maximum quantity flows as well as resources executable files, you can create your own profile; 
here the paths of the source and finished files with the transcoding profile are indicated. 
Starting a home media server
Individual settings according to preferences and needs have been completed, and now let's get to the fun part - demonstrating the capabilities of your media server.
The program window is divided into 3 parts:
Folder navigation is identical, select required file and start viewing, below is a screenshot.
Tz_mediasrv/screenshot_058
Tz_mediasrv/V002.mp4
Upon completion of work with the home media server, you need to stop the stream transmission:
in the main menu select “Stop”; 
click on the cross - close the main window → the system will display a dialog box with the question “Unload the program?” → “Yes.”
Enjoy watching!
Home media server - rich in settings, free application to share and share files on Windows 7, 8 and 10 PCs with other UPnP, DLNA, HTTP devices on the network.
It will turn out to be a convenient option for watching streaming television, radio broadcasting and local video on gadgets without additional steps of downloading and converting content, connecting flash drives and HDMI cables.
Home Media Server Features
Processes requests from client devices for movies, images and audio data, without playing or generating anything on its own. The program supports Smart TV, game consoles, media players, as well as mobile gadgets– almost any technology can be a full-fledged participant in a multimedia network. Endowed with a number of capabilities:
- converting content into the required format;
- adjusting video frame parameters;
- switching audio streams and supporting subtitles;
- redirection of online streaming;
- support for digital television;
- simultaneous launch on a group of devices;
- working with podcasts;
- remote control via WEB interface.
The home media server also provides an option for backing up the database and settings. May be useful in correcting errors in using the program and possible errors work.
Advantages of Home Media Server
The main advantages in comparison with similar products include:
- Absolutely free. None advertising banners and intrusive third-party software.
- Multifunctionality. A universal “harvester”, the potential of which knows no bounds.
- Trans coding support. Automatically detects and recodes unreadable original file in real time.
- Russian-language localization. Given the extensive functionality of the utility, it will be easier to understand the options in a clear language.
You can download Home Media Server for free for operating systems Windows systems 10, 8 and 7 at the link https://site/domashnij-media-server/ below, and a large number of settings and parameters will help users customize the application as accurately as possible for themselves.