You have a folder of films and music on one PC and want to watch it on another screen. Plex, made by Plex, Inc., is a client–server media player platform built for that job. The Windows download points to the official server downloads.plex.tv, and we do not host the file.
First steps after installing version 1.115.0
The installer is 178.8 MB, so allow for a sizeable download. Version 1.115.0 was released on August 17, 2026, and the package ID is Plex.Plex.
After install, expect to connect the app to a Plex service, since it works as the client half of a client–server setup.
Streaming video and music from one platform
Plex is a global streaming media service and a media player platform. Its tags cover audio, video, music streaming and video streaming, and it is listed under video players and TV apps. It is cross-platform, so the same service is not tied to Windows alone.
When VLC or Kodi fits better
If you only want to open local files with no server involved, VLC media player, MPC-HC, PotPlayer or mpv (shinchiro build) are listed alternatives. Kodi and Jellyfin Media Player are also listed for people who want other media-center style options.
Plex pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download, with a freemium licence
- Covers both video and music streaming
- Cross-platform, according to its tags
- Download comes from the official host downloads.plex.tv
Cons
- 178.8 MB installer is large for a player
- The freemium licence means some features may be paid
- Freemium licence means some features may be paid
Is Plex safe?
Plex, Inc. publishes this Windows build of version 1.115.0, and the download comes straight from downloads.plex.tv. The licence is listed as Freemium and GPL-2.0, so the client is free to use while some Plex services may sit behind paid plans. If you want extra assurance, scan the installer before running it.
How to install Plex
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Plex from the Start menu.
