In today’s digital age, where multimedia content is shared across various platforms, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) plays a prominent role and comes built-in with Windows 11. This media server allows multiple devices, such as smartphones, computers, TVs, media players, and gaming consoles, to discover and stream content over a local network.
Additionally, you can access the DLNA media server on your computer through wired connections, satellites, and telecom networks to securely share and access media content. If you want to enable the DLNA media server on Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to enable and disable the DLNA media server on Windows 11.
What is DLNA Media Server?
DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, which acts as a media server on Windows 11 PCs, storing media content such as videos, photos, music, playlists, and other files over a local network. It has the ability to share media content with other users on the same computer. Multimedia devices can easily share digital media with one another through the DLNA server.
The DLNA media server allows devices to explore and communicate with each other effortlessly, enabling users to stream media content from one device to another. It has three configurations that typically operate based on the DLNA server on the Windows 11 machine: Media Server, Media Renderer, and Control Point.
Therefore, the DLNA media server works with compatible devices to explore and communicate with each other, allowing them to share and access media content over the same network. For instance, you can use your mobile phone as a control point to browse or access media content and select a movie to watch on your Smart TV or computer, all without manually transferring media files.
How to Enable DLNA on Windows 11
Now you know what DLNA media server is on a Windows 11 PC or laptop. If you want to share or access media content on other devices over the same network, you have to first enable the DLNA on Windows 11.
If you don’t know how to enable them, follow the below steps to do it.
1. Press the Windows Key on your PC’s keyboard to launch the Start Menu on the screen.
2. In the Windows Search bar, type in Control Panel and click Open.
3. Under the Control Panel window, choose Network and Internet.
4. Next, click on the Network and Sharing Center option.
5. In the Network and Sharing Center menu, choose Media streaming options.
6. Here, you will see a message that says- Media streaming is not turned on. Click on the Turn on media streaming option.
7. Now, enter the media library name and choose the network from the ‘Show devices on‘ drop-down menu. You will also have the option to allow access to your media content. To enable access, check the Allowed option.
8. Finally, click on OK to save the changes.
Now that you have successfully enabled DLNA on your Windows 11 PC, the files will be visible on your other devices connected to the same network.
Note
You need a DLNA-compatible media player on your connected device or computer, such as VLC Media Player, to stream media content.
How to Disable DLNA on Windows 11
If you no longer wish to share media files and other data from your Windows 11 PC, you can disable DLNA with a simple step. Follow the steps below to disable DLNA on Windows 11.
1. In the Windows Search bar, type in Control Panel and open it.
2. Under the Control Panel window, choose the Network and Internet option.
3. Then, click on the Network and Sharing Center option.
4. In the Network and Sharing Center menu, click on Media streaming options.
5. Click on the Block All option next to Allow All and then click the OK button at the bottom of the menu.
Conclusion
That’s it! You have successfully learned how to enable and disable DLNA on your Windows 11 computer. Enabling the DLNA media server on your computer is a straightforward and easy way to stream media content over a local network to other devices. Whether you want to stream videos, play music, or access pictures on other connected devices, all of this is possible with the DLNA media server.
