Twonky disappeared after firmware update on WD My Cloud Mirror Gen 2

Many WD My Cloud Mirror Gen 2 users have noticed that the Twonky media server is no longer available after a recent firmware update. While Twonky previously served as the built-in DLNA media server on this NAS, it appears to have been completely removed or replaced in some firmware versions. This has led to frustration among users who used Twonky to stream movies, music, or photos to smart TVs, game consoles, or media players.

Background: Twonky and WD My Cloud

For years, Twonky Media Server was the standard media server solution on WD's My Cloud devices. The program offered excellent compatibility with a wide range of DLNA devices and was known for its ease of use. In the My Cloud settings, users could easily activate Twonky, rescan the media database, or select folders for streaming.

However , starting with certain firmware versions—particularly around v5.xx —Western Digital made significant changes to the My Cloud series' operating system. The company switched to a newer software base (including Debian Linux) and removed several older packages, including Twonky. The official reason was usually "security and compatibility," as Twonky was no longer actively maintained or licensed by WD.

What stands in its place now?

In newer firmware versions, Plex Media Server or an internal DLNA service (sometimes called "WD Media Server") is offered as an alternative. Plex is powerful and popular, but not everyone is happy with it. Plex often requires a user account, runs slower on older devices, and some users miss the simplicity of Twonky's direct DLNA streaming without an internet connection.

What can you do?

There are a few possible solutions depending on your technical knowledge and the firmware version of your My Cloud Mirror:

Downgrade to an older firmware

. Some users choose to revert to a firmware version that included Twonky. However, this can introduce risks, such as security vulnerabilities or loss of support from WD. Additionally, the automatic update feature should be disabled to prevent the device from being updated again.

Manually Installing Twonky:

On some forums (such as WD Community and Reddit), users share methods for manually reinstalling Twonky via SSH access. This requires technical expertise: you'll need to log in to the NAS via the command line, download packages, and modify configuration files. Western Digital no longer offers official support for this, so you do this entirely at your own risk.

Using alternative media servers:

Besides Plex, you can also consider lightweight DLNA servers like MiniDLNA (ReadyMedia) or Serviio , depending on whether your My Cloud app supports them. These alternatives often offer similar functionality to Twonky without the extra weight.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Twonky after a firmware update on the WD My Cloud Mirror Gen 2 isn't a mistake, but a deliberate decision by Western Digital. For users who valued Twonky's simplicity, this is a disappointment, but there are still workarounds and alternatives. Those willing to delve a little deeper into the settings can still find a DLNA solution that meets their needs—although it's not the familiar Twonky of the past.

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