Windows 7 Home Network Media Sharing - How To

Transforming Your Windows 7 PC into a Media Server

Windows Media Player 12, a component of Windows 7, provides a straightforward method for converting your computer into a media server. This allows for the streaming of music, movies, and photos to various devices and computers connected to your home network.

Enabling Media Streaming

To initiate media streaming from your Windows 7 system, the feature must first be activated. Open Windows Media Player and navigate to the Library section. Select "Stream," then click "Turn on media streaming." A confirmation button will then activate the streaming functionality.

Alternatively, you can access the settings directly through the Control Panel. Open Control Panel, then navigate to "All Control Panel Items," followed by "Network and Sharing Center," and finally "Media streaming options." Click the button to enable streaming and confirm with "OK."

Upon activation, a list of network-connected devices will be displayed. From here, you can specify which computers or media players are granted access to your shared media content.

Further customization of streaming settings is also possible. You can define precisely what media is shared and utilize the parental ratings controls to restrict access as needed.

Configuring Windows Media Player

With media streaming now enabled, let’s examine how to access the streamed content within Windows Media Player. On another computer on the network, launch Windows Media Player.

Within the Library section, you will find "Other Libraries." These libraries – Music, Video, and Pictures – represent the media available for streaming from the server computer.

This functionality introduces a valuable feature, enabling a computer with substantial storage capacity to function as a central media server.

Other computers, even those with limited storage like netbooks, can then connect and enjoy the entire media library. This provides a convenient and efficient solution for accessing your digital content throughout your home network.