FAQ: How do I move my library over to RoonServer? How do I run headless?
Roon Server - Basics
All configuration for Roon Server is done from the main Roon app, running as a Remote. Once Roon Server is installed, the Roon icon should appear in the Menu Bar on macOS, or in the tray on Windows.
You can right-click the icon to confirm that Roon is running. Then,
install the full Roon app on a different machine to configure or use Roon.
Roon Server has a "
Launch at startup" option so that Roon Server will start up automatically when the user logs into the account that is used for Roon. To avoid the need to manually log into Windows each time the server hardware is rebooted or Windows is restarted, it's a good idea to
set up an auto-login for this account.
Migrating to Roon Server
If you would like to convert your existing Roon install to a headless Roon Server install, follow the steps below. Note that if you care about anything in your database,
back it up first.
Windows
This assumes you'll be running Roon Server on the same computer you previously ran Roon on. If you're moving your Core to a new machine, start by migrating your Roon database, then follow the instructions below.
- Rename your Roon folder to RoonServer
- Download RoonServer for Windows and install it
- Launch Roon Server
If you use audio devices connected directly to the server computer, you will also need to
configure Windows to log in automatically to your Windows user account.
macOS
This assumes you'll be running Roon Server on the same computer you previously ran Roon on. If you're moving your Core to a new machine, start by migrating your Roon database, then follow the instructions below.
- Rename your Roon folder to RoonServer
- Download RoonServer for macOS and copy it to your Applications folder
- Launch Roon Server
Controlling and Configuring RoonServer
Once you've migrated to Roon Server, you can use any previously configured remote install to control it. You shouldn't need to log in or reconfigure anything.
To control Roon Server from a new device (or if you're setting up RoonServer for the first time) just
install Roon on any supported device on the same network. Run as a remote when you start up, and select your Roon Server install.
If you're controlling Roon Server from a device that
previously ran your Roon Core, read the warning below.
If you have moved your Core to a new Mac or PC and want to control Roon Server from the computer that
has ever previously run your Roon Core, it's essential you start with a fresh install.
Confirm your original
Roon folder has been renamed or no longer exists in your AppData directory, then
do a fresh install of the Roon app to control your new Roon Server install. Running the same Roon database twice on the same network is
not supported and will almost certainly cause problems. You've been warned.
Related Articles
FAQ: How do I move my Roon library to a new computer?
Roon tracks every file in your library, and any actions you take in Roon are attached to that file, whether you're editing it, adding it to a playlist, marking it as a favorite, or tracking how many times you've played it. Starting with Roon 1.1 ...Configuring Windows to log in automatically for Headless Servers
To configure Windows to log in automatically, you'll need to follow these steps: Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type Regedt32.exe, and then press Enter. Locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows ...FAQ: How do I move my collection to a new folder, hard drive or NAS, Will I lose my edits?
If you're going to move all or part of your music library, please follow the strategy below to ensure Roon can accurately track your files to their new location. If you are adding new files that Roon has never seen, then you can skip this whole ...FAQ: What's Radio and how does it work?
What is Roon Radio? Designed from the ground up with machine learning technology, Roon Radio can play a mix of your favorites along with music from beyond your library, using the vast catalog of music from TIDAL and Qobuz. Roon Radio makes ...FAQ: What's a watched folder?
You add your local music to Roon via "watched" folders. These are folders that will be monitored by Roon for new music. Your files are left in the folder and won't be copied or modified in any way unless you explicitly choose to add or delete them ...
Visit the Roon Community!
Need help? Thousands of Roon subscribers and audio enthusiasts are chatting over on our community site right now, join them! You don't even need a Roon subscription to sign up.