A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Audiobookshelf on Windows Server

Audiobookshelf: Your Ultimate Audiobook and Podcast Manager

Audiobookshelf stands out as a dynamic, self-hosted management tool, perfect for organizing your audiobooks and podcasts across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. This versatile application allows users to effectively curate and monitor audiobook libraries within their personal networks. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to installing and configuring Audiobookshelf on your Windows Server.

How to Download Audiobookshelf

To begin your journey with Audiobookshelf on Windows Server, you will need to download it from the project’s official GitHub repository. To do so, visit the Audiobookshelf GitHub page, then navigate to the “Releases” section located in the right sidebar.

From the releases page, locate the latest Windows EXE file and download it directly to your server’s desktop. Once the download is complete, you can find the file in the “Downloads” folder, which is easily accessible through Windows Explorer.

For those who prefer using PowerShell for the download, you can execute this command (make sure that command execution is enabled for your user account):

$downloadPath = [System.Environment]::GetFolderPath([System.Environment+SpecialFolder]::MyDocuments) + '\Downloads\AudiobookshelfInstaller.v2.7.2.1.exe'
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://github.com/mikiher/audiobookshelf-windows/releases/download/v2.7.2.1/AudiobookshelfInstaller.v2.7.2.1.exe" -OutFile $downloadPath

Installing Audiobookshelf on Windows Server

Once you have the Audiobookshelf EXE file, begin the installation process:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the “Downloads” folder.
2. Locate the downloaded Audiobookshelf EXE file and double-click to start the installation.
3. The installer will prompt you to select the installation directory. Choose your preferred location and click “Next.”
4. Decide where Audiobookshelf should store its data—by default, it’s set to “C:\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Audiobookshelf.” You can choose to stick with this option or browse for a different directory.
5. To create a desktop shortcut, check the appropriate box and click “Next.”
6. Review the installation summary and click “Install” to complete the process.

Configuring Audiobookshelf on Windows Server

With installation complete, it’s time to configure your Audiobookshelf. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Audiobookshelf icon in the system tray and select “Open Audiobookshelf…” This action will open the Audiobookshelf interface in your default web browser.
2. Set up the root user by entering a strong password in the designated field and confirming it. Click “Submit.”
3. Log in using “root” as your username alongside the password you just created.
4. Head to the “Libraries” section and click “Add your first library” to establish a new one.
5. Choose the type of media—either “Books” or “Podcasts”—and fill in your library name. Then, find your audiobook files by clicking “Browse for Folder.”
6. After selecting the desired folder containing your audiobooks, click “Create.” Note that this may take a while if you have a substantial collection.

Creating Additional Users in Audiobookshelf

For a more organized listening experience, it’s advisable to create individual user accounts in Audiobookshelf rather than solely relying on the root account. To add a new user:

1. Click the gear icon located in the top-right corner to access the settings area.
2. In the sidebar, select “Users.”
3. Hit the “Add User” button to create a new account. Repeat this process for additional users as needed.

Accessing Audiobookshelf

You can easily access your Audiobookshelf library either through the official Android app or via a web browser. To log in via a browser, navigate to:

http://WINDOWS_SERVER_IP_OR_HOSTNAME:13378

If using the Android app, ensure to input your server’s URL to access your library.

Enabling Remote Connectivity

For additional convenience, set up Tailscale on your Windows Server. This configuration allows remote access to your Audiobookshelf from anywhere, ensuring that your audiobooks and podcasts are always within reach.

In conclusion, setting up Audiobookshelf on Windows Server is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your audiobook and podcast management experience. From downloading to configuration, following these steps will enable you to harness the full potential of this powerful tool.