Plex for Windows 8.1 is now free but in-app purchase needed to unlock most features

Plex has made its popular media streaming app for Windows 8.1 free to download and use, but owners should be aware that it needs an in-app purchase to unlock most of its features.

Here's what you can do now with the version 2.0 of Plex for Windows 8.1:

  • Unlimited playback of on-device video and photos.
  • Fling unlimited photos and videos from your Plex Media Server (available for free at https://www.windowscentral.com/e?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anrdoezrs.net%2Flinks%2F100048247%2Ftype%2Fdlg%2Fsid%2FUUwpUdUnU30090%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.plex.tv%2Fmedia-server-downloads%2F&token=gt6eGkG1 and the Camera Roll on your phone or tablet to other supported Plex apps, such as Roku, Android TV, Fire TV, and Plex Home Theater (coming soon to Xbox One, Playstation, and other apps).

Also be aware that playing media from a Plex Media Server on the device running the free version of Plex for Windows 8.1 is limited to one minute for music and video, and it also places a watermark on photos. You can unlock unlimited streaming to your PC or tablet with a Plex Pass subscription or with a one-time in-app purchase, which also unlocks other features as well.

There is a Windows Phone version of Plex, but it remains priced at $4.99, so getting the free version of Plex for Windows 8.1 won't unlock some features for the Windows Phone app.

Download Plex from the Windows Store (free)

Thanks to Kenice for the tip!

John Callaham