Hello! There is no doubt that the use of online applications is growing every day. Therefore, it is imperative that we are aware of the operation of the various devices. Certainly, these elements have many utilities. Indeed, we can use it for work, study, and leisure. And it is on this last element that we want to deepen today. It is well known that lately we have been forced to spend much more time at home. And the COVID-19 has totally modified our habits. Consequently, the mechanisms for leisure are becoming more relevant. Specifically, cell phones and smart TVs are widely used. Particularly, the latter can connect to our network connection. Therefore, they can transmit multimedia elements. Currently, many devices include DLNA technology. This tool is related to multimedia streaming. Therefore, today we will see how to enable DLNA media server in Windows 10
What is DLNA
DLNA has become a wireless connection standard for multimedia streaming. In effect, DLNA creates a common language within a home network. It therefore makes it possible for all devices to understand each other. In fact, with DLNA, we will be able to share multimedia files between devices and our PC. To accomplish this, we just need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. In the past, this was not possible. However, this improved technology is a partnership of manufacturers of electronic and computing devices. This union makes it possible to define guidelines for sharing digital media between connected devices.
The Digital Living Network Alliance was born in 2003 led by Sony. It involves a standard that allows devices to share elements such as images or videos. In addition, it allows a virtual bridge between devices. Therefore, the possibilities of multimedia content reproduction are expanded. Hence, a cable is not necessary. Nor do we need a physical location for the devices to interact. The only requirement is that all devices remain connected within the home network.
There are many advantages to deploying and configuring a DLNA server in Windows 10. Indeed, it will be possible to stream video and music over the network from your computer to another device. Moreover, preserving the integrity and fidelity. Then it is convenient to install it in the system. On the other hand, there is no need to download anything. It is that Windows 10 incorporates its own DLNA server. Then it is convenient to install it in the system. Let’s see how to activate it.
How to enable DLNA media server in Windows 10
We have established the advantages of DLNA. So let’s move on to its implementation. It’s a bit of a long process. However, we will guide you step by step. The first thing you have to do is to go to the control panel. With this in mind, press the Win+Q combination to open the search button. Once there, type Control Panel to launch it.
Next, click on Network and Internet.
In the next screen, please click on Network and Sharing Center.
Now, click on Media Streaming options.
You can see that there is no mention of the term DLNA. However, this functionality is fully DLNA compliant. Accordingly, just click on Turn on media streaming.
After a few moments, we will enter the initial configuration. From there we will be able to assign a name for the multimedia library. It is also possible to define the path where the DLNA server will be deployed. Note that it can be the local network, or all networks. Finally, set which programs will be allowed to make use of this streaming media. It is still possible to customize other options. With this in mind, click on Customize.
As you can see, this is a custom configuration. If we leave it like this, then we will deploy a local server. Therefore, we will be able to stream multimedia content directly from it.
How to share DLNA files in Windows 10
I would like to point out that the content to be transmitted will depend on the Windows libraries. We are talking about Images, Videos, or Music. Let’s see how to configure it. There is a prerequisite to be able to stream via DLNA. Indeed, we first have to add it to any of the Windows libraries. With this in mind, right-click on the file or folder to be included. Next, select the library where it will be added:
We will then check if the item was added successfully. With this intention, open the library properties. Just right-click and select Properties.
Indeed, we checked that the folder was added correctly. Then just access the Smart TV and select the computer running Windows 10 and you can browse the shared folders.
How to disable DLNA in Windows 10
At some point, you may no longer want to use this functionality. With this in mind, do the following. First, you have to go to the streaming settings. Remember that it is located in the Control Panel. Please follow the steps listed in the previous section. Once you get to the Network and Sharing Center section, click on Media streaming options.
On the next screen, just click on the Lock All option. Remember that this option is located right next to the selected library.
Very well, in this way we have seen how to enable DLNA media server in Windows 10. No doubt Windows 10 is keeping pace with this changing world. Moreover, it is at the forefront of new technologies. So, here’s a great idea to increase your home entertainment. Nothing better than being able to combine the multimedia content of your devices. This allows you to take advantage of even more leisure possibilities at home. See you soon!
