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+--- Thread: Running multiple instances of mpv shim in windows (/t-running-multiple-instances-of-mpv-shim-in-windows)
Running multiple instances of mpv shim in windows - mansam15 - 2025-02-22
Hello! I have being trying to run multiple instances of mpv shim and managed to do it. I thought I'd make a guide for anyone interested as I noticed that there is not much on the subject online.
The reason I wanted to achieve this is so that I can use mpv shim for each of my users.
This is my first time making a guide so please, if you have any suggestions for making it better to understand dm me.
Step 1
Install sandboxie from github (I used classic but plus should also work).
Step 2
Create a new sandbox (or use the default one if you want) Sandbox --> Create New Sandbox
Step 3
Create the batch file to run the new instance of mpv shim without it using the original one's appdata.
To do that create a .txt file and write in it the following:
start "" "C:\Path)\To\MpvShim\run.exe" --config "C:\Path\To\New\Appdata"
Then save it as a .bat file.
You would best place the .bat file in a directory under your User (C:\Users\YourUserName\____) without other files in it.
Step 4
Right click on the created sandbox and select Sandbox Settings --> Program Start --> Forced Folders --> Add Folder --> add the directory in which you placed the .bat file so that it always runs in sandboxie.
Step 5
Go to Sandbox Settings --> Resource Access --> File Access --> Full Access --> Add --> add your C:\Path\To\New\Appdata from your .bat file
Then go to Blocked Access --> and add the original mpv-shim appdata directory (you need to be able to see "Hidden Items" in order to select it enabled by the view tab of the file explorer).
The directory by default is YourUserName\Appdata\Roaming\jellyfin-mpv-shim
If you want to run more than the 2 instances (the original and this one) you should also add the other instances' appdata directory namely C:\Path\To\New\Appdata from the batch files.
Step 6
To run them just run the .bat files or their shortcuts. To run them at startup simply put the shortcut in C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
The first time it runs it will ask you to add a server. To make it ask you again in case you want to change anything simply delete the instance's appdata and rerun it.
P.S.
To display the yellow borders uncheck "Display a border around the window" in Sandbox Settings --> Appearance
RE: Running multiple instances of mpv shim in windows - Balthazarn - 2025-10-22
(2025-02-22, 12:04 AM)mansam15 Wrote: Hello! I have being trying to run multiple instances of mpv shim and managed to do it. I thought I'd make a guide for anyone interested as I noticed that there is not much on the subject online.I'm having trouble with creating the .bat file. Can you explain more about the correct syntax to use in that file?
The reason I wanted to achieve this is so that I can use mpv shim for each of my users.
This is my first time making a guide so please, if you have any suggestions for making it better to understand dm me.
Step 1
Install sandboxie from github (I used classic but plus should also work).
Step 2
Create a new sandbox (or use the default one if you want) Sandbox --> Create New Sandbox
Step 3
Create the batch file to run the new instance of mpv shim without it using the original one's appdata.
To do that create a .txt file and write in it the following:
start "" "C:\Path)\To\MpvShim\run.exe" --config "C:\Path\To\New\Appdata"
Then save it as a .bat file.
You would best place the .bat file in a directory under your User (C:\Users\YourUserName\____) without other files in it.
Step 4
Right click on the created sandbox and select Sandbox Settings --> Program Start --> Forced Folders --> Add Folder --> add the directory in which you placed the .bat file so that it always runs in sandboxie.
Step 5
Go to Sandbox Settings --> Resource Access --> File Access --> Full Access --> Add --> add your C:\Path\To\New\Appdata from your .bat file
Then go to Blocked Access --> and add the original mpv-shim appdata directory (you need to be able to see "Hidden Items" in order to select it enabled by the view tab of the file explorer).
The directory by default is YourUserName\Appdata\Roaming\jellyfin-mpv-shim
If you want to run more than the 2 instances (the original and this one) you should also add the other instances' appdata directory namely C:\Path\To\New\Appdata from the batch files.
Step 6
To run them just run the .bat files or their shortcuts. To run them at startup simply put the shortcut in C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\drive mad
The first time it runs it will ask you to add a server. To make it ask you again in case you want to change anything simply delete the instance's appdata and rerun it.
P.S.
To display the yellow borders uncheck "Display a border around the window" in Sandbox Settings --> Appearance
RE: Running multiple instances of mpv shim in windows - mansam15 - 2025-10-22
If you have trouble in creating it you just have to create a txt file with the contents you want and then rename the .txt file to .bat
You can also open the text file and save as .bat instead of .txt
The content should be the following:
start "" "C:\Path\To\MpvShim\run.exe" --config "C:\Path\To\New\Appdata"
with the quotes as you see them.
The first directory points to the mpv shim executable which is named run.exe and you can find it in the installation directory.
The second one is just a directory of your choice in which the configurations will be saved. It has been a while since I played around but any directory under your user will probably work (not sure if it will have permission errors otherwise).
Do not forget the quotes around directories and the two after start.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask!