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[How-To] Install Jellyfin on Windows Server 2022

Purpose

This doc will explain the process to install Jellyfin Media Server on Windows Server 2022 Standard Edition.

Prerequisites

List of prerequisites:

  • Admin user 
  • Windows Server 2022 VM or Physical Box

Below is a step‐by‐step guide to installing and configuring Jellyfin Media Server on Windows Server 2022. This guide covers:

  • Downloading and installing Jellyfin
  • Configuring Windows Firewall to allow Jellyfin traffic
  • Running the Jellyfin service as a domain user
  • Accessing the web interface for first‑time setup

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Download and Install Jellyfin

  1. Download the Installer:

    • Visit the official Jellyfin website:
      https://jellyfin.org/downloads/
    • Under the “Server” section for Windows, download the latest Windows Installer (.msi).

  2. Run the Installer:

    • Double‑click the downloaded .msi file.
    • Follow the installation wizard:
      • Accept the license terms.
      • Choose the installation folder (default is usually fine, e.g., C:\Program Files\Jellyfin).
      • On the “Service” page, you’ll have an option to install Jellyfin as a Windows service. (Leave this option checked.)
    • Complete the installation.

  3. Verify Installation:

    • Once installed, Jellyfin should automatically start as a Windows service (running under the default account initially).
    • You can check the service status by opening Services (press Win+R, type services.msc, and press Enter) and looking for “Jellyfin”.

Step 2: Configure Windows Firewall

Jellyfin by default uses port 8096 for HTTP (and port 8920 for HTTPS, if enabled). You’ll need to create inbound firewall rules to allow traffic on these ports.

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security:

    • Press Win+R, type wf.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Create a New Inbound Rule for HTTP (Port 8096):

    • In the left pane, click Inbound Rules.
    • In the right pane, click New Rule….
    • Rule Type: Select Port, then click Next.
    • Protocol and Ports:
      • Select TCP.
      • In the “Specific local ports” field, enter:
        yaml
        8096
      • Click Next.
    • Action: Select Allow the connection, then click Next.
    • Profile: Choose the profiles (Domain, Private, Public) that apply. For a domain environment, at least Domain should be checked.
    • Name: Give it a name like “Jellyfin HTTP (8096)”, then click Finish.

  3. (Optional) Create an Inbound Rule for HTTPS (Port 8920):

    • Repeat the above steps with port 8920 if you plan to use SSL/TLS for secure connections.

Step 3: Run Jellyfin as a Domain User Service

If you want the Jellyfin service to run under a domain user account (for example, to access network resources or follow your organization’s security policies), follow these steps:

  1. Create or Identify the Domain User Account:

    • Ensure you have a domain user account (e.g., DOMAIN\JellyfinUser) with the necessary permissions to access required files and network shares.

  2. Change the Service Logon Account:

    • Open Services (press Win+R, type services.msc, and press Enter).
    • Locate the Jellyfin service in the list.
    • Right‑click on the Jellyfin service and select Properties.
    • Go to the Log On tab.
    • By default, it’s set to Local System account. Change it to This account:
      • Click Browse…, enter the domain username (e.g., DOMAIN\JellyfinUser), and click Check Names to verify.
      • Enter the password for the account.
    • Click Apply, then OK.
    • Restart the Jellyfin service: Right‑click the service and select Restart.

  3. Verify the Service is Running:

    • Confirm the service status in the Services console.
    • You can also check the Windows Event Viewer for any logon-related errors.

Step 4: Access Jellyfin for First‑Time Setup

  1. Open a Web Browser:

    • On the Windows Server or from a client machine that can reach the server, open your preferred browser.

  2. Navigate to the Jellyfin Web Interface:

    • Enter the URL:
      pgsql
      http://<your-server-ip-or-domain>:8096
      For example, if your server’s domain is jellyfin.company.local:
      arduino
      http://jellyfin.company.local:8096

  3. Initial Setup Wizard:

    • The Jellyfin welcome/setup wizard will load.
    • Follow the on‑screen instructions to:
      • Choose your language.
      • Configure the administrator account (create a username and password).
      • Set up libraries by specifying media directories.
      • Configure additional settings as desired (such as metadata options).
    • Complete the wizard to finish the setup.

  4. (Optional) Secure with HTTPS:

    • If you plan to expose Jellyfin over the internet or simply want to secure local communications, consider configuring a reverse proxy (e.g., using IIS, Nginx, or Apache) to handle SSL/TLS, or use Jellyfin’s built‑in HTTPS settings if desired.

Final Notes

  • Updates:
    Regularly check for Jellyfin updates via the official website or GitHub repository. Updates may include new features, security patches, and bug fixes.

  • Backups:
    Ensure you backup your configuration and media libraries. Jellyfin stores configuration files (by default) in the installation directory or a user-specified data folder.

  • Documentation and Community:
    For advanced configuration and troubleshooting, refer to the Jellyfin Documentation and join community forums or chat channels for support.

Following these instructions should provide you with a fully functional Jellyfin Media Server on Windows Server 2022 running as a domain user, with the proper firewall configuration, ready for first‑time setup via your web browser. Enjoy your media server!

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