Plexmediaserver.exe: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on: June 28, 2023

Plexmediaserver.exe: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

When you open the Windows Task Manager, you may come across a process called “plexmediaserver.exe” running in the background. This may raise questions about its purpose and whether it is safe to keep it on your system. In this article, we will explore what plexmediaserver.exe is, its functions, and whether you should consider removing it.

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What is Plexmediaserver.exe?

Plexmediaserver.exe is an executable file associated with the Plex Media Server software. Plex Media Server is a popular media management and streaming platform that allows users to organize and access their media files from various devices. It enables users to stream movies, TV shows, music, photos, and other media content to their smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

The plexmediaserver.exe process is responsible for running the Plex Media Server software on your computer. It acts as a server, allowing other devices on your network to connect and access the media files stored on your computer.

Is Plexmediaserver.exe Safe?

Yes, plexmediaserver.exe is safe and is not considered malware or a virus. It is a legitimate process associated with the Plex Media Server software. However, it is essential to ensure that you have downloaded and installed Plex Media Server from the official website or a trusted source to avoid any potential security risks.

If you are unsure about the legitimacy of plexmediaserver.exe running on your system, you can perform a scan using Malwarebytes Free or any other reputable antivirus software to confirm its authenticity.

Should I Remove Plexmediaserver.exe?

Whether you should remove plexmediaserver.exe depends on your usage and requirements. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Do you use Plex Media Server?

If you actively use Plex Media Server to organize and stream your media files, it is recommended to keep plexmediaserver.exe running. Removing it would prevent you from accessing your media library and streaming content to other devices.

2. Do you have limited system resources?

Plex Media Server can consume significant system resources, especially when transcoding media files on-the-fly. If you have limited system resources or notice a significant impact on your computer’s performance, you may consider disabling or stopping the plexmediaserver.exe process when you are not actively using Plex Media Server.

3. Are you concerned about security?

While plexmediaserver.exe itself is safe, running any server software on your computer can potentially expose your system to security risks. It is crucial to keep Plex Media Server up to date with the latest security patches and follow best practices for securing your media server. If you are not actively using Plex Media Server or have concerns about security, you may choose to remove plexmediaserver.exe.

How to Remove Plexmediaserver.exe?

If you have decided to remove plexmediaserver.exe from your system, here are the steps to do so:

Open the Plex Media Server application.
Click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
Select “General” from the left sidebar.
Scroll down and click on the “Disable” button under “Enable Plex Media Server.”
Confirm the action when prompted.
Restart your computer to ensure the process is completely stopped.

After following these steps, plexmediaserver.exe should no longer be running on your system.

Conclusion

Plexmediaserver.exe is an essential component of the Plex Media Server software, allowing you to organize and stream media files across devices. It is safe to keep plexmediaserver.exe on your system if you actively use Plex Media Server and have no concerns about security or system resources. However, if you are not using Plex Media Server or have limited resources, disabling or removing plexmediaserver.exe can help improve your computer’s performance. Remember to download Plex Media Server from trusted sources and keep it up to date to ensure a secure media streaming experience.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.

Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.

Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.

Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.

Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.

Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.

Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.

Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.