# Turn your old PC into a media server

> Dust-gathering laptops and desktops can become personal Netflix alternatives in an afternoon with free or cheap software.
- Title: Turn your old PC into a media server · Engadget | Shortify
- Summary: Dust-gathering laptops and desktops can become personal Netflix alternatives in an afternoon with free or cheap software. Old PCs can become home media…
- Keywords: media server, plex, jellyfin, old pc, home streaming, linux, windows, diy tech, technology, Turn, old, media
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2264701/how-to-turn-your-old-pc-into-nas-media-server
- Author: Max Miller
- Published: 2026-09-22T12:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: media server, plex, jellyfin, old pc, home streaming, linux, windows, diy tech, technology
## Dust-gathering PC becomes streaming hub
An old laptop or desktop under ten years old can become a private Netflix or Spotify alternative in an afternoon.
## Software runs on nearly any hardware
Plex and Jellyfin media server software work on low-end machines. Beginners can use Windows; tech enthusiasts can tinker with Linux.
## Choose Windows or Linux for your OS
Windows is familiar but Linux is lighter and safer for older hardware. Windows ten is past end-of-service, making it a security risk.
## Reset Windows eleven before starting
Back up your data to an external drive, then use Settings to reset the OS. This can take several hours on older machines.
## Plan storage for your media files
Avoid using the boot drive to serve media. Many enthusiasts use multiple drives with RAID for protection against failures.
## Plex is easiest, Jellyfin is free
Plex requires minimal setup but locks advanced features behind a subscription. Jellyfin is open-source and free but needs more tinkering.
## Transcoding differs between the two
Plex keeps transcoding CPU-bound unless you pay for Plex Pass. Jellyfin offers free GPU transcoding but requires setup.

> Plex makes this process automatic but keeps transcoding CPU-bound, with no hardware acceleration able to take place on your GPU unless you pay for the Plex Pass subscription.
## Emby offers a middle ground option
Emby sits between Plex and Jellyfin for ease of use but charges for hardware transcoding like Plex does. All three offer free trials.
## Key takeaway

Old PCs can become home media servers running Plex or Jellyfin, letting you stream your own files to any device without subscriptions.