Moving a Windows home server to Linux for media apps
A Windows 11 Pro is being considered for a move to Linux. Windows was chosen because it was familiar and easy, but update and reboot annoyances have become tiring.
The preferred replacement is not a -only server, but a Linux system with a normal desktop interface that is easy to learn. Linux Mint and Pop!_OS are being considered.
The current machine has an Intel Core i5-12600K, 32GB of memory, built-in Intel graphics, a 1TB NVMe drive for the , and two 12TB using NTFS. It currently runs Plex, , and ProtonVPN, with plans to add media such as Sonarr, Radarr, Lidarr, Readarr, Bazarr, Prowlarr, Overseerr, Jellyseerr, and Notifiarr, plus Jellyfin, Navidrome, and .
Key points
- Windows updates and reboots are the main reason for considering a move away from Windows.
- The goal is an easy Linux system with a desktop interface, not a -only server.
- Linux Mint and Pop!_OS are the main options being considered.
- The server already runs Plex, , and ProtonVPN.
- Future plans include a large media automation stack plus Jellyfin, Navidrome, and .