If you’ve ever wanted to take your Minecraft experience to the next level, hosting your own Minecraft server is the way to go. By hosting a Minecraft server, you can create a custom world where you control everything, whether it’s inviting friends, adding mods, or managing a community. No more waiting for public servers or dealing with overcrowded lobbies; with your own server, the possibilities are endless. The best part? It’s easier than you think to get started.
In this easy step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to host a Minecraft server, whether you’re doing it on your own computer or through a hosting provider.
Ready to bring your Minecraft world to life? Let’s dive in!
TL;DR
- Minecraft Server Hosting Requirements: Ensure your PC has enough CPU, RAM, and storage to run the server smoothly.
- Download and Install Java: Install the correct version of Java to run the Minecraft server software.
- Set Up the Server on Your Computer: Download the server software & set it up on your PC.
- Move the .jar File to Your Server Folder: Place the downloaded .jar file in a dedicated folder for your server.
- Check for EULA Agreement: Agree to Minecraft’s End User License Agreement by editing the eula.txt file.
- Launch the Server: Start the server by running the .jar file and monitoring the console.
- Connect to the Server: Join the server locally or share the public IP for external players to connect.
- Consider Using a Minecraft Hosting Provider: Opt for a reliable hosting provider like Dathost for better performance, support, and easier management.
1. Minecraft Server Hosting Requirements
Before you start, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to host a Minecraft server smoothly.
1.1 Hardware (Servers with less than 10 players)
- Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux (Java is required, so the OS must support it).
- CPU: At least a 2.0 GHz processor (multi-core is preferable).
- RAM: 4GB of RAM minimum (more is better, especially with more players).
- Storage: At least 10GB of free disk space. Minecraft servers can grow in size depending on the world and plugins.
1.2 Hardware (Servers with more than 10 players)
- CPU: Stronger, multi-core processor (ideally 4.0 GHz or faster).
- RAM: 8GB of RAM or more.
- Storage: SSD is preferable for faster world loading and chunk generation.
1.3 Ethernet / Internet
- Stable Internet: A consistent and fast connection is essential for smooth gameplay and reduced lag.
- Upload Speed: 5 Mbps or higher (10+ Mbps for more players).
2. Download and Install Java
Minecraft servers run on Java, so you’ll need to install the correct version. You can download the latest version from the official Java website. Minecraft servers generally recommend Java 17 or newer so you need to download the official server software from Minecraft’s website.
3. Set Up the Server on Your Computer
3.1 Visit the Official Minecraft Website
Go to the Official Minecraft download page for servers directly. This is where Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, provide the official server .jar file.
Be cautious about downloading the server software only from trusted sources, as there are unofficial versions of the server that may contain malware or modifications you don’t want.
3.2 What is a .jar file?:
A .jar (Java Archive) file is essentially a package that contains all the Java code needed to run the server. The Minecraft server is written in Java, so this file is essential for running the server.
3.3 Download the Server File
Make sure to download the version that corresponds to the version of Minecraft you want to host. If you’re running a newer version of Minecraft, ensure you’re downloading the appropriate .jar file for that version.
On the download page, you’ll find the most recent version of the Minecraft server software.
The server file will be listed as a .jar file (e.g., minecraft_server.1.21.3.jar).
Click the Download button to save the .jar file to your computer.
4. Move the .jar File to Your Server Folder
- After the download is complete, move the .jar file into the folder where you want to run the Minecraft server. This will be the main folder you use to manage the server.
- If you haven’t created a server folder yet, go ahead and do that now.
- For example, create a folder named Minecraft_Server and place the .jar file in it.
5. Check for EULA Agreement
The first time you try to run the server, Minecraft will generate some files, including a file named eula.txt. This file contains the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Minecraft.
Important: You must agree to the EULA in order to run the server.
To generate the eula.txt file, follow these steps:
Run the Server: Open a command window (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on macOS/Linux). Go to the folder with the server file, and type this command to start the server:
- Windows: java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar minecraft_server.1.20.x.jar nogui
- macOS/Linux: java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar minecraft_server.1.20.x.jar nogui
In this case, minecraft_server.1.20.x.jar should be replaced with the exact name of the file you downloaded. So, if you downloaded version 1.20.4, the command would look like this: java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.20.4.jar nogui
Make sure the .jar file is in the same directory as where you are running the command from, or specify the correct path to it.
Find the eula.txt file: After running the server once, a file called eula.txt will appear in the same folder.
Agree to the EULA: Open the eula.txt file in Notepad or any text editor. Change eula=false to eula=true (this means you agree to Mojang’s terms).
Save and Run Again: Save the file, then run the server command again. Your server will now start properly.
Your server is now ready!
6. Configure Server Settings (Optional)
After running the server for the first time, the server will generate several configuration files, including the server.properties file. This file controls various settings for your Minecraft world and server. You can customize this file to fit your preferences for gameplay.
7. Port Forwarding (Optional)
To allow players outside your home network to join your Minecraft server, you need to port forward port 25565 on your router.
First, log into your router’s settings. Find the Port Forwarding section and create a new rule, naming it “Minecraft Server.” Set both the start and end port to 25565, enter your computer’s local IP address (find it using ipconfig on Windows or in Network settings on macOS), and choose TCP as the protocol.
Save the settings, then test if the port is open using your public IP. Remember, port forwarding exposes your network to the internet, so ensure you use strong passwords, firewalls, and keep everything updated for security.
8. Launch the Server
Once everything is set up, it’s time to launch the server again to start hosting. Double-click the .jar file again or use a batch file to launch the server. You should see the server running with a series of log messages in the console. The server is now live!
9. Connect to the Server
To join your Minecraft server, you can do the following:
Local Network: If you’re on the same network, launch Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, and select Direct Connect. Enter localhost or your computer’s local IP.
External Players: If you’ve set up port forwarding, external players can join using your public IP address. Give them the IP.
10. Consider Using a Minecraft Hosting Provider
Using a Minecraft hosting provider offers several key benefits, especially for those who want a simple experience and reliable performance.
You can enjoy Dathost server hosting, which offers optimal performance and reliability with dedicated resources, ensuring smooth gameplay and minimal downtime. We also provide easy setup with one-click installations and control panels, making server management straightforward, even for beginners. Additionally, security features like DDoS protection and automated backups keep your server safe and protected. With 24/7 support, we ensure that you have expert assistance whenever you need it.
Overall, using a hosting service is ideal for those who want a stable, high-performance Minecraft server without the technical challenges of self-hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run a Minecraft server 24/7?
Yes, it’s possible, but your computer needs to remain on and connected to the internet.
What do I do if my Minecraft server is lagging or running slowly?
Lag can occur if your server’s hardware isn’t powerful enough, or if you have too many players or plugins running. Try allocating more RAM to the server, limiting the number of players, or optimizing your settings. You can also consider using our reliable server hosting provider services for better performance.
What should I do if my server is running out of disk space?
Regularly clear unused world files, backups, and logs. You can also compress older backups to save space. If needed, consider upgrading your storage or moving to a hosting provider with larger storage options.
How can I change the name of my Minecraft server?
You can change your Minecraft server’s name by editing the server.properties file. Look for the server-name field and enter your desired name. This name will appear in the server list when players are looking to join.
