Wanting to run Emby as a Service; question about Install Location.

[wayloncovil 2]

Hi.

 

So I have a Windows PC in the Livingroom that everyone uses. We have multiple Windows logins for each user. I want to have my kids watch their movies on Emby rather than pulling out the DVDs.

 

I installed Emby under the Admin user so it's in the Admins AppData folder and I understand that I would either have to install it under each user, or setup Emby to run as a Service for my kids to be able to watch their shows on Emby under their user accounts.

 

I would also like Emby to stream to my Roku occasionally which means that I need to leave my Admin user logged in all the time or setup Emby as a service.

 

It seems like going the Service route is the better option.

 

I've found the wiki on Github that provides instructions to use NSSM to run Emby as a service.

 

I've read that there are benefits to having Emby in the AppData folder because it automatically updates the application.

 

A couple of qestions...

 

1. If I'm going to setup Emby as a service, should I leave the install in the Admin AppData folder or should I move it to a more generic location such as Programs?

2. If I move the folder out of the Admin AppData folder and have it running as a service, will it automatically update?

 

Any other questions I should be asking but might be to ignorant to know about?

 

Thanks!

Edited January 12, 2019 by wayloncovil

[notla49285 48]

Can I also throw in, what are the advantages of running Emby as a service?

[ebr 16184]

Can I also throw in, what are the advantages of running Emby as a service?

 

The only one is that you don't have to have a Windows user logged in for it to run.

 

It creates other complications (mostly with permissions due to the lack of that user) though.

 

OP - it is hard to know whether you will have problems moving it or not but, as stated above, you have to be sure you've setup a proper user context for the service for it to work properly anyway.

[Happy2Play 9781]

 

2. If I move the folder out of the Admin AppData folder and have it running as a service, will it automatically update?

 

​Emby server running as a service will not automatically update.  You will get the notification is available but requires manual intervention.

[wayloncovil 2]

...you have to be sure you've setup a proper user context for the service for it to work properly anyway.

@@ebr, thanks for responding.

I checked the instructions...

For NSSM, in the Log On Tab section, it has the radio button for local system account highlighted.

Should I use Local System Account or should I have it use an Admin account?

Just wondering what's best to have the proper user context.

Also...

If I'm going to run it as a service, I'd rather move it out of the Admin's AppData folder to something on my C: or D: drive because that seems more appropriate since I'm running it as a service. From what I've read, I can just move the entire folder somewhere else and it will work, correct?

It seems like just moving the folder mimics the portable installation. Should I just move my folder or start over using the Portable Installation?

And if I use the portable installation, will the portable installation prompt me for an update?

Yeah... lot's of questions on my part. I appreciate the help. Most thankful.

Edited January 19, 2019 by wayloncovil

[Luke 42079]

 

 

Should I use Local System Account or should I have it use an Admin account?

 

The answer is probably "it depends", based on what resources the server will need access to. Like for instance any local or network folders that might require authentication.