How to Host a Minecraft Server (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 08:07

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world. While it's fun to play alone, this survival-themed block building game is more fun when played with other people. Minecraft: Java Edition allows you to host your own server via your personal computer. However, you need knowledge of basic networking systems skills to become a host. This wikiHow teaches you how to set up and host your own Minecraft server on a computer.

Step

Part 1 of 5: Checking Computer Compatibility

Step 1. Check which version of Minecraft you are running

There are two versions of Minecraft: Minecraft (also known as Minecraft: Bedrock Edition) and Minecraft: Java Edition. You will need to download a server program that matches the version of Minecraft installed on your computer. To find out what version of Minecraft there is, run the game and look at the opening/title page. If you see " Java Edition " under " Minecraft " on the welcome page, you have Minecraft: Java Edition. If the landing page just says "Minecraft" with no text underneath, you have Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

• The server program for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is still in the alpha testing stage. It is possible that this program has more errors than the server program for Minecraft: Java Edition.
• Only players using PCs and Mac computers can connect to Minecraft: Java Edition servers. Minecraft players using Windows 10, Android, iPhone, iPad, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS4 versions of Minecraft can connect their computer or device to the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition server.
• Alternatively, you can sign up for a free Minecraft server at Minehut.com. You can also subscribe to the Minecraft Realms service to become a permanent server host.

Step 2. Consider the capabilities of your computer

If you want to use your personal computer as a Minecraft server, it must have a fast central processing unit (CPU) and sufficient RAM to accommodate the number of players who log into your server to play. You will also need some additional resources or support to run the computer operating system and the Minecraft game. Below are some recommended and required computer specifications to host Minecraft servers, depending on the number of connected players:

• 1-3 players:

  2 GB RAM, Intel Core or AMD K8 (or higher) based CPU, 10 GB free space on hard drive.

• 3-5 players:

  3GB RAM, Intel Core or AMD K8 (or higher) based CPU, 18GB free space on hard drive.

• 5-7 players:

  6 GB RAM, Intel Nehalem or AMD K10 based CPU (or higher), 25 GB free space on hard drive.

• 8 players or more:

  8 GB RAM, Intel Nehalem or AMD K10 based CPU with clock speed of 3.6 GHz or higher, 35 GB free space on a hard drive with recommended high read/write speed.

Step 3. Check internet connection speed

You need high upload and download speeds for players to interact directly with each other. Below are the recommended internet connection speed options, depending on the number of players connected to the server:

• 1-3 players:

  6 Mbps upload speed, 3 Mbps download speed

• 3-5 players:

  8 Mbps upload speed, 4 Mbps download speed

• 5-7 players:

  upload speed 14 Mbps, download speed 7 Mbps

• 8 players or more:

  upload speed 30 Mbps, download speed 15 Mbps

Step 4. Make sure you have the latest version of Java on your computer

The program that allows you to use your computer as a Minecraft server requires Java to function.

• Windows computers usually don't have Java built in. You can install the latest version of Java from https://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp. Java is available in 32 bit and 64 bit versions. You can run a 32-bit version of Java on a 64-bit architecture computer, especially if you're using an older browser that only supports 32-bit Java. However, you cannot run a 64-bit version of Java on a computer with a 32-bit architecture.
• On the other hand, Macintosh computers usually have a built-in Java that updates automatically. If your computer doesn't have the latest version of Java, you can get it from the same source or site as the Windows version of Java.

Part 2 of 5: Setting the Server Host for Minecraft: Java Edition

Step 1. Create a folder for the server program

This folder will contain the server program and all of its files. You can name it as you wish. However, it is recommended that you provide an easily recognizable name (eg "Minecraft server" or something similar). Folders can be created in any easily accessible directory on the computer. Follow these steps to create a new folder:

• Open the directory you want to add the new folder to in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
• Right-click an empty area of the folder and click " New ”.
• Click " Folders ”.
• Type in a folder name.

Step 2. Download the appropriate Minecraft server program

The Minecraft server program is available as a Java (.jar) file. Follow these steps to download the Minecraft server program files:

• Visit
• Click the text " minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar ” which is green.
• If your browser tells you that the file may be dangerous, click “ Keep ”.

Step 3. Copy the “server.jar” file to the server folder

By default, you can find downloads in the “Downloads” folder on PCs and Mac computers. Find the file " server.jar ", then copy or cut the file. After that, visit the server folder that was created and paste the files into that folder.

Step 4. Create a new “Start” file

The process of preparing the file for use will depend on your computer's operating system (eg Windows or Mac).

• Windows:

  • Right click the space in the server folder and click “ New ”.
  • Click " Text documents ”.
  • Name the document as "Start".
  • Open a text document.
  • Type " @ECHO OFF " on the first line (without the quotes).
  • Copy and paste " java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui " in the second line (without the quotes, and make sure the name " server.jar " on the command line matches the name of the.jar file)
  • Type "pause" on the third line (without the quotes).
  • Click " File ”.
  • Click " Save as ”.
  • Select "All files" next to "Save as type".
  • Change the ".txt" extension to ".bat".
  • Click " Save ”.

• Mac

  • Open the TextEdit program.
  • Select "Make Plain Text" from the "Format" menu.
  • Copy and paste " #!/bin/bash " on the first line (without the quotes).
  • Copy and paste " cd "$(dirname "$0")" " " on the second line (without the first and last quotes)
  • Copy and paste " exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar server.jar nogui " (without the quotes, and make sure the name " server.jar " is the same as the file name in the server folder).
  • Save the file in the server folder with the name "start.command" (change the ".txt" extension to ".command").

Step 5. Run the "Start" file

After creating the " start.bat " file on Windows or the " start.command " file on Mac computers, open the file to run it. If you receive an error message, make sure you have the latest version of Java installed according to your operating system architecture (eg 64 bit or 32 bit). Follow these steps to run the "Start" file:

• Windows:

  Double click the " start.bat " file

• Macs:

  • Open Terminal.
  • Type "chmod a+x," (including spaces, without quotes).
  • Drag the.command file into the Terminal window.
  • Press the “Enter” key.
  • Double click the “start.command” file.

Step 6. Agree to the End User License Agreement

This approval is required so that you can run the server program. Follow these steps to agree to the deal:

• Open the file " eula.txt " in the server folder.
• Change the entry "eula=false" to "eula=true" at the end of the document.
• Click " File ”.
• Click " Save ”.

Step 7. Open the file " server.properties " in Notepad or TextEdit

Follow these steps to open the file in Notepad or TextEdit:

• Right-click the " server.properties " file.
• Click " Open with ”.
• Choose " Notepad " or " TextEdit ”.

Step 8. Adjust Minecraft game settings

Type the value/entry after the plus sign ("=") to change the setting. If you don't know or understand the settings that can be changed, leave the file as is. Also, look for and note the server port number. Some of the server settings you can change include:

• ” gamemode=survival ”: Change "survival" to any desired game mode. You can change it to "survival", "creative", or "adventure".
• ” difficulty=easy ”: Change " easy " to the desired level of difficulty. You can change it to "peaceful", "easy", "normal", or "hard".
• ” allow-nether=true ”: Change " true " to " false " to disable Nether.
• ” player-idle-timeout=0 ”: To remove an inactive player from the server, change "0" to the allowed duration (in minutes) of player silence.
• ” spawn-monsters=true ”: To disable the appearance of monsters, change " true " to " false ".
• ” pvp=true ”: To disable Player-vs-Player mode, change " true " to " false ".
• ” hardcore=false ”: To enable hardcore mode, change "false" to "true".
• ” enable-command-block=false ”: To activate the command bar, change " false " to " true ".
• ” max-players=20 ”: Change "20" to the maximum number of players you are allowed to be on the server.
• ” server-port=25565 ”: Only change the port number if you are using port forwarding on your router. Note down or remember the port number shown from the start. You will need it later.
• ” spawn-npcs=true ”: To turn off the occurrence of non-playable characters, change " true " to " false ".
• ” allow-flight=false ”: If you want the character to be able to fly, change " false " to " true ".
• ” level-name=world:” Change " world " to any name according to the world name you want.
• ” view-distance=10 ”: To increase visibility, change "10" to a larger number. To reduce visibility, change "10" to a smaller number.
• ” spawn-animals=true ”: To disable animal occurrence, change " true " to " false ".

• ” whitelist=false:

  ” Change " false " to " true " if you only want to allow whitelisted players. After that, edit the file " whitelist.json " in the server folder and add your username, as well as the username of each player you want to allow playing on the server. Press the “Enter” key after each username.

• ” generate-structures=true ”: To disable random occurrence of buildings, change " true " to " false ".
• ” level-seed= ”: If you specifically have the number of seeds or seeds you need to use to create the world, enter the number after the "=".
• ” motd=A Minecraft Server ”: Change " A Minecraft server " to whatever message you want to show as daily message.

Step 9. Save server settings

When you have finished editing the server settings, follow these steps to save the file:

• Click " File ”.
• Click " Save ”.

Step 10. Determine who has administrator rights

Edit the file " whitelist.jsof " in the server folder to set the rights. Administrators or moderators can issue commands from chat mode while the game is running to add or block players, or change the course of the game. You can assign administrator rights by entering a player's username into the “Ops” or “Admin” list (for older versions of Minecraft), just as you would enter a username in the permissions list or whitelist. You will need to enter your own username in the “Ops” list, as well as the username of someone you trust to help you.

Step 11. Get the primary IP address and IPv4 address

You will need to enter this address into your router's settings for the computer to act as a server. Use the following steps to find out the IPv4 address and primary gateway address:

• Windows:

  • Click the Windows “Start” menu.
  • Type in "CMD".
  • Click " Command Prompt ”.
  • Type in "ipconfig" and press the "Enter" key.
  • Note the numbers next to "IPv4 address" and "Default Gateway".

• Mac

  • Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen. It's next to Safari on the.
  • Click " System Preferences ”.
  • Click the icon " Network ”.
  • Click the network the computer is connected to in the left sidebar.
  • Click " Advanced ” in the lower right corner of the screen.
  • Click " TCP/IP ”.
  • Make a note of the IPv4 address and router address (“Default Gateway”).

Step 12. Enter the primary IP address into the web browser

The primary IP address is displayed next to " Default Gateway " on Command Prompt and next to " Router " on Mac computers. The router's user interface will be displayed. Typically, the computer's primary IP address is "192.168.0.1", "10.0.0.1", or something similar.

Step 13. Enter the router's user interface

You must know your router's username and password in order to access it. If both information has not been changed, you can find the username and password by reading the user manual or the router manufacturer's web page. The router's default username and password may also appear on a label next to the router. Enter the username and password to enter the router's user interface.

Step 14. Look for port forwarding settings

Every router's user interface is different. The port forwarding settings might appear in the "Advanced Settings" section or something.

Step 15. Create a new port forwarding rule

Click the option to create a new rule. You may be asked to enter a server name. You can call it "MinecraftMC" or something. Enter the IPv4 address as the internal IP address. Use the Minecraft server port number as the start, end, internal, and external port number. By default, the port number is "25565". Select the option to use TCP and UDP. Click the option to apply the new port forwarding settings. Save the router configuration if necessary.

Step 16. Get the external IP address

In order for your friends to connect to the Minecraft server, you will need to provide them with an external IP address. Follow these steps to get the external IP address:

• open https://www.whatismyip.com/.
• Note the number next to " My Public IPv4 is: ", at the top of the page.

Step 17. Click the "Start" file in the server folder

After that, the server will run.

Part 3 of 5: Connecting the Game to the Minecraft Server: Java Edition

Step 1. Open the Minecraft launcher

The program is marked with a patch of grass icon. Click the icon on the desktop, Windows “Start” menu, Dock, or “Applications” folder.

Step 2. Click Play

It's a green button at the bottom of the launcher window. Minecraft will run after that.

Step 3. Click Multiplayer

This option is the second option on the Minecraft startup page.

Step 4. Click Direct Connect

This option is the second option at the bottom center of the screen.

Step 5. Enter your IP address

Use the field in the center of the screen to enter the computer's IP address.

• To connect the game to a server that is hosted on the same computer (the computer with Minecraft installed), type "0" or "localhost". If you change the port number in the " server.properties " file, you will need to type "localhost:", followed by the appropriate port number.
• To connect the game to a server on another computer on the same network, you must enter that computer's internal IPv4 address.
• To connect the game to the Minecraft server on a different computer on a different network, you will need to enter the computer's external IP address (found by going to

Step 6. Click Join Server

The game will connect to the server afterwards.

Part 4 of 5: Setting Up the Server for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

Step 1. Create a folder for the server program

This folder will contain the server program and all of its files. You can name it as you wish. However, it is recommended that you provide an easily recognizable name (eg "Minecraft server" or something similar). Folders can be created in any easily accessible directory on the computer. Follow these steps to create a new folder:

• Open the directory you want to add the folder to via File Explorer.
• Right click an empty area and select " New ”.
• Click " Folders ”.
• Type a name for the folder.

Step 2. Download the Minecraft server program:

Bedrock Edition. This server program is available for Windows and Ubuntu operating systems. Follow these steps to download the server program:

• Visit https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/bedrock.
• Click the checkbox next to "I agree to the Minecraft End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy", under the appropriate operating system.
• Click " Download ”.

Step 3. Extract the downloaded file to the server folder

The server program is downloaded as a ZIP file. You will need to extract the files to the Minecraft server folder you just created. You'll need a program like Winzip, WinRAR, or 7-Zip to extract the ZIP file. By default, downloads can be found in the “Downloads” folder or in a web browser. Follow these steps to extract the contents of the ZIP file to the Minecraft server folder.

• Double click the file " bedrock-server-1.14.32.1.zip ".
• Select everything in the file.
• Click " Extract to ”, “ Extract all, or a similar option.
• Click " Browse ” (if available).
• Find and select the Minecraft server directory.
• Click " Extract ”, “ Ok, or a similar option.

Step 4. Open the Minecraft server folder

After extracting all the files from the downloaded ZIP file to the Minecraft server folder, locate and open the folder.

Step 5. Open the file " server.properties " in Notepad

This file contains all server settings. To open it in Notepad, right-click the file and select “ Open with " Click " More apps ” and select Notepad. After that, click " Ok " Notepad will be selected as the main program to open the file.

Step 6. Change server settings

You can change server settings by editing the values/entries that appear after the plus sign for each setting. Changeable values or entries are displayed under each available setting. These settings include:

• ” server-name=Dedicated server ”: Change "Dedicated server" to any name, as per the server name you want.
• ” gamemode=survival ”: Change "survival" to any desired game mode. You can change it to "survival", "creative", or "adventure".
• ” difficulty=easy ”: Change " easy " to your desired level of difficulty. You can change it to "peaceful", "easy", "normal", or "hard".
• ” allow-cheats=false ”: If you want players to be able to use cheats, change " false " to " true ".
• ” max-players=10 ”: Change "10" to the maximum number of players that can connect to the server.
• ” online-mode=true ”: This option requires all players to go through the authentication process via Xbox Live. Change "False" if you want to allow players using a local area network (LAN) to connect to the server without an Xbox Live account. All non-LAN players must go through the authentication process via Xbox Live.
• ” whitelist=false ”: Change to " true " if you only allow the players added to the list " whitelist.json " to the server.
• ” server-port=19132 ”: Only change the port number if you are using port forwarding or port forwarding. Write down or remember the port number. You will need it later.
• ” server-portv6=19133 ”: Only change the port number if you are using port forwarding.
• ” view-distance=32 ”: Change "32" to a higher number to increase visibility. Lower the number to reduce visibility.
• ” tick-distance=4 ”: This option affects how far events in the player's world (eg the appearance of citizens or weather effects) can occur. You can change the entry to a number between “4” and “12”.
• ” player-idle-timeout=30 ”: Change "30" to the duration (in minutes) the player is allowed to be idle (not playing) until he is removed from the server. Set the entry to "0" to disable the player's timeout.
• ” level-name=Bedrock level ”: Change "Bedrock level" to any world name you want.
• ” level-seed= ”: If you specifically have the number of seeds or seeds you need to use to create the world, enter the number after the "=".
• ” default-player-permission-level=member ”: Change " member " to the permission level you want to assign to players joining for the first time. Permission levels that can be used include " visitor " (guest), " member " (member), and " operator " (operator).
• ” texturepack-required=false ”: Change " false " to " true " if you want the program to use a custom texture pack.
• Leave all other settings as they are, unless you are an advanced user.

Step 7. Save the file " server.properties"

When you are done adjusting server settings, follow these steps to save the file.

• Click " File ”.
• Click " Save ”.

Step 8. Get the primary IP address and IPv4 address

You will need to enter this address into your router's settings for the computer to act as a server. Use the following steps to find out the IPv4 address:

• Click the Windows “Start” menu.
• Type in "CMD".
• Click " Command Prompt ”.
• Type in "ipconfig" and press the "Enter" key.
• Note the numbers next to "IPv4 address" and "Default Gateway"

Step 9. Enter the primary IP address into the web browser

The primary IP address is displayed next to "Default Gateway" in the Command Prompt window. The router's user interface will be displayed. Usually, the primary IP address is "192.168.0.1", "10.0.0.1", or something similar.

Step 10. Enter the router's user interface

You will need to know the username and password to log in to the router. If both information has not been changed, you can find the username and password by reading the user manual or the router manufacturer's web page. The router's default username and password may also appear on a label next to the router. Enter the username and password to enter the router's user interface.

Step 11. Look for port forwarding settings

Every router's user interface is different. The port forwarding settings might appear in the "Advanced Settings" section or something.

Step 12. Create a new port forwarding rule

Click the option to create a new rule. You may be asked to enter a server name. You can call it "MinecraftMC" or something. Enter the IPv4 address as the internal IP address. Use the Minecraft server port number as the start, end, internal, and external port number. By default, the port number is "19132". Select the option to use TCP and UDP. Click the option to apply the new port forwarding settings. Save the router configuration if necessary.

Step 13. Open the file " Bedrock_server.exe"

This file is located in the Minecraft server folder that has been created and is where all files are extracted. Double-click the file to open it. The Minecraft server will start with the settings you have set.

If you receive the message " Windows protected your PC ", it is because the Minecraft server program is still in alpha mode. To bypass the warning, click “ More Info " and select " Run anyway " Do not worry! This program is made by Microsoft and is completely safe.

Step 14. Get the external IP address

In order for your friends to connect to the Minecraft server, you will need to provide them with an external IP address. Follow these steps to get the external IP address:

• open https://www.whatismyip.com/.
• Note the number next to " My Public IPv4 is: ", at the top of the page.

Part 5 of 5: Connecting the Game to the Minecraft Server: Bedrock Edition

Step 1. Open Minecraft

The game is marked by a patch of grassy land icon. Click the icon on the desktop or the “Start” menu to run the game.

Step 2. Click Play

This option is the first button on the Minecraft startup page.

Step 3. Click Servers

This option is the third tab at the top of the “Play” menu.

Step 4. Enter the server name at the top of the window

This name is the name you gave to the server and is added at the top of the “server.properties” file.

Step 5. Enter the external IP address

You can find the external IP address by going to https://www.whatismyip.com/ in a browser. Anyone who wants to connect to your server can use that external IPv4 address.

Step 6. Enter the port number

The primary port number for most Minecraft servers is “19132”. If you use port forwarding, you may have a different IP address.

Step 7. Click Save

The server will be added to the server list.

Step 8. Click your server

Servers will be displayed in the "More Servers" section, at the bottom of the list of loaded servers on the "Servers" tab. Click the server to access it.

It may take a while when you access the server for the first time

Tips

• If you want to use mod, you will need to install the Minecraft Forge server files. Anyone who connects to the server must use Forge with the same mods as those available on the server.
• If you want to host a large number of players or are planning to set up a Minecraft server in the game arena at a sci-fi meet/event, you may need to rent a server instead of configuring it yourself. Search the internet for information to find a suitable host. You can also look for it in the hosts section of Minecraft-specific forums.
• If you are interested in building a server with plug-ins, you will need to use Bukkit or Spigot. This method is easier for public servers because the plug-in only needs to be installed or available on the server, and players using the “standard” Minecraft program can still connect to the server.
• Use a desktop computer as a Minecraft server if you don't have access to a dedicated server. While they're great for playing video games, high-end laptops don't usually have the same caliber of hardware as desktop computers or dedicated servers.
• You can also use the.jar version of the Minecraft server program on a Windows computer, but for the program to work, you'll need to create a batch file in the same folder as the.jar file. You can create a batch file in Notepad and paste this command line (without the quotes):" java -Xms512M -Xmx1G -jar minecraft_server.jar". Save the batch file with a clear extension and name (eg "startserver"). This batch file is similar to the.command file on a Mac computer.
• To change the amount of RAM available for Minecraft in the first place, change the "1G" (1 gigabyte) in the batch or.command file to a larger number (eg "2G").
• If you only have a small number of players, you can set up a virtual private network (VPN) instead of using the server creation method described above. However, this network requires all players who want to access the server to install a VPN program on their respective computers.