Unlocking Remote Access to Your Jellyfin Media Server on Windows Server
Are you looking to access your Jellyfin Media Server hosted on a Windows Server from any location? This comprehensive guide provides two effective solutions: using Tailscale for a hassle-free setup or configuring the Windows Firewall manually for those who prefer a hands-on approach. By the conclusion of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to establish remote access to your Jellyfin Server in a manner that fits your preferences best.
Setting Up Your Jellyfin Server on Windows Server
Before diving into remote access configurations, ensure your Jellyfin Server is installed on your Windows Server system. If you’re already set up, feel free to skip to the remote access section.
To begin, download the official Jellyfin server installer. Visit the Jellyfin Windows release page and locate the download link for “installer/jellyfin10.8.13windows-x64.exe.” Once downloaded, navigate to your "Downloads" folder and double-click the file to launch the installer.
You will encounter a welcome page within the installer; simply click “Next” to proceed. Accept the Jellyfin license agreement by clicking “I Agree,” which will initiate the installation process. This should only take a few moments. Once completed, launch the Jellyfin server using the shortcut on your Windows desktop.
Enabling Remote Access via Tailscale
For those who prefer not to open ports in their firewall and expose them to the internet, Tailscale offers a secure mesh networking option. By connecting your systems with Tailscale, you can create a private network without complex configurations.
Begin by downloading and installing Tailscale on your Windows Server. Visit Tailscale.com and click “Get started for free.” Choose your login method from options such as Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Apple, or OIDC.
Once logged in, you will see a prompt to add your first device. Locate the Windows icon and click on it, then select the “Download Tailscale for Windows” button to obtain the Tailscale client. After downloading, run the installer and launch Tailscale from the Windows Start menu. The application will appear in the system tray; right-click and select “Log in” to authenticate your server.
When connected to Tailscale, your Windows Server becomes part of your mesh network. To grant remote access to other devices, simply add them to your Tailscale network. Visit the Tailscale dashboard to obtain the IP address of your Windows Server, which you can use to access your Jellyfin server via:
http://TAILSCALE_IP_FOR_WINDOWS_SERVER:8096Configuring Remote Access Through Windows Firewall
If you prefer not to utilize Tailscale and want to enable remote access directly via Windows Firewall, follow these guidelines. Start by opening the Start menu on your Windows Server and searching for “Allow an app through Windows Firewall.” Choose the appropriate result.
Important: In the networking settings of the Jellyfin Media Server’s Admin panel, ensure that “Allow remote connections to this server” is enabled. This step is crucial for establishing remote access functionality.
Next, the Windows Defender Firewall settings will appear. Click “Allow another app” and navigate to the Jellyfin Server EXE file located in the “Program Files” folder. Adding this file to the allowed apps list will unblock the Jellyfin Server, essential for remote access.
Following this, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router to direct incoming connections to your Jellyfin server on its standard TCP port, which is 8920. Once this is set up, you can access your Jellyfin Media Server over the internet with the following URL:
http://WINDOWS_SERVER_IP:8096Conclusion
Whether you opt for Tailscale to simplify your networking setup or prefer to navigate Windows Firewall settings manually, enabling remote access to your Jellyfin Media Server on Windows Server can significantly enhance your media streaming experience. Choose the method that best fits your needs and enjoy seamless access to your media collection from anywhere in the world.