How to Host a Server on Minecraft Java Edition

Hello Dev! Are you a Minecraft enthusiast wanting to host your own server and play with your friends? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to host a server on Minecraft Java Edition. Let’s get started!

Part 1: System Requirements

Before we start, let’s make sure your system meets the necessary requirements to host a server. Here are the minimum requirements:

Requirements	Minimum
Operating System	Windows 7 or later
Processor	Intel Core i3-3210 or AMD A8-7600 APU
RAM	4GB
Internet	Broadband Connection

If your system meets these requirements, then you’re good to go!

Part 2: Downloading the Server

The first step in hosting a Minecraft server is to download the server software. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the Server Software

Go to the Minecraft website and download the server software. Make sure to select the correct version for your operating system.

Step 2: Create a New Folder

Create a new folder on your desktop and name it something like “Minecraft Server”. This will be where you store all the server files.

Step 3: Extract the Server Software

Open the downloaded server file and extract the contents to the new folder you just created.

Part 3: Setting up the Server

Now that the server software is downloaded and extracted, it’s time to set it up. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Server Properties File

In the folder where you extracted the server software, locate the file called “server.properties” and open it with a text editor like Notepad.

Step 2: Configure the Server Settings

In the “server.properties” file, you can configure various settings related to the server. Here are some important ones:

Setting	Description
server-ip	The IP address of your server. Leave blank if unsure.
server-port	The port number for your server. The default is 25565.
gamemode	The default game mode for new players.
difficulty	The difficulty level of the server.
max-players	The maximum number of players allowed on the server.

Make sure to save the changes before closing the “server.properties” file.

Part 4: Running the Server

With the server software downloaded, extracted, and configured, it’s time to run the server. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt

Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Navigate to the Server Folder

Type “cd” followed by the path to the server folder. For example: “cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\Minecraft Server”.

Step 3: Start the Server

Type “java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui” and press Enter. This will start the server.

Step 4: Connect to the Server

Open Minecraft Java Edition and click the “Multiplayer” button. Click “Add Server” and enter the server name, IP address, and port number. Click “Done” and double-click the server to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I add mods to my server?

A: To add mods to your server, you will need to install a mod loader like Fabric or Forge. Once installed, you can download and install mods just like you would for the Minecraft Java Edition game.

Q: How do I backup my server?

A: To backup your server, simply copy the entire server folder to a different location on your computer or an external hard drive. You can also automate backups using a plugin like Backup.

Q: Can I host a server on a Raspberry Pi?

A: Yes, you can host a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi. However, performance may be limited depending on the Raspberry Pi model and the number of players on the server.

Q: How many players can my server support?

A: The maximum number of players your server can support depends on your system’s hardware and network bandwidth. Generally, a single Minecraft server can support up to 20-30 players.

Q: Can I run my server 24/7?

A: Yes, you can run your server 24/7 by leaving your computer on or using a dedicated server hosting service.

That’s it! With these steps, you should now be able to host your own Minecraft server and play with your friends. Have fun!