+- Jellyfin Forum (https://forum.jellyfin.org)
+-- Forum: Support (https://forum.jellyfin.org/f-support)
+--- Forum: Guides, Walkthroughs & Tutorials (https://forum.jellyfin.org/f-guides-walkthroughs-tutorials)
+--- 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