Running your own Minecraft server lets you play with friends whenever you like, keep a world online 24/7, install plugins or mods, and control who can join. There are three main ways to do it: run a free server on your own computer, rent a server from a hosting company, or use Minecraft Realms, Mojang’s official subscription servers. This guide explains how to make a Minecraft server for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition step by step, how to host it, how to port forward so friends can connect, and how to choose the right option for your group.
Quick answer: your three options
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted server on your PC | Free | Tech-savvy players with a good PC and internet |
| Paid server host | From a few dollars a month | Groups who want 24/7 uptime, mods or plugins |
| Minecraft Realms | Monthly subscription | Small groups and families, especially on Bedrock and consoles |
How to make a Minecraft Java server on your computer
Step 1: Download the server software
Go to the official Minecraft website and download the Minecraft Java server .jar for the version you want. Create a new folder, for example on your desktop called MinecraftServer, and put the file inside. If you want plugins, use Paper, a popular high-performance server software, instead of the vanilla jar. If you want mods, use the server installer for Fabric, Forge or NeoForge.
Step 2: Install Java
The server needs Java installed on your computer. Modern Minecraft versions need Java 21 or newer. Download a free build such as Eclipse Temurin and install it.
Step 3: Run the server for the first time
Create a text file in the folder called start.bat on Windows, or start.sh on macOS and Linux, containing a line like java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar server.jar nogui, using your jar’s file name. The -Xmx value sets how much memory the server can use; 4 GB is good for a few friends. Double-click the file. The server creates several files and then stops.
Step 4: Accept the EULA
Open the new eula.txt file, change eula=false to eula=true, and save it. This confirms you accept Minecraft’s end user license agreement.
Step 5: Start the server and join
Run the start file again. When the console says Done, the server is running. Open Minecraft Java, click Multiplayer, Add Server, and enter localhost to join from the same computer. Friends on your home network can join with your computer’s local IP address, such as 192.168.1.20.
How to let friends join from the internet: port forwarding
To let friends outside your home connect, you need to port forward your router. Minecraft Java uses port 25565 by default, and Bedrock uses 19132 (UDP).
- Find your computer’s local IP address: on Windows, open Command Prompt and type
ipconfig, then note the IPv4 address. - Log in to your router’s admin page, usually by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in a browser. The login details are often on a sticker on the router.
- Find the Port Forwarding section, sometimes under Advanced, NAT or Virtual Servers.
- Create a rule forwarding port 25565 (TCP and UDP for Java) to your computer’s local IP.
- Save the rule and restart the server.
- Find your public IP address by searching “what is my IP”, and give it to friends. They add it as the server address.
If port forwarding is not possible, for example on some apartment or mobile networks, use a tunneling service such as playit.gg, or choose a paid host. Never share your router login, and keep your server software updated for security.
How to make a Bedrock server
Bedrock players on Windows can download the official Bedrock Dedicated Server from the Minecraft website. Unzip it, run bedrock_server.exe, and edit server.properties to set the name, game mode and difficulty. Bedrock players on Windows, Xbox and mobile can join by IP address. PlayStation and Switch players cannot add custom server IPs directly, so for console groups, Bedrock Realms are usually easier. See Minecraft crossplay.
Using a paid server host
Server hosting companies run your server in a data center so it stays online even when your PC is off. Most offer one-click installs for Paper, Fabric, Forge and modpacks, automatic backups, a web control panel, and DDoS protection. Choose a host with servers near you for low ping, and pick a plan by RAM: 2 to 4 GB for a few friends on vanilla, 6 to 10 GB for modpacks or bigger groups. Free hosting exists but usually has queues, ads or limited uptime.
Minecraft Realms as a simple server
Realms are official servers run by Mojang. You pay a monthly subscription, invite friends, and the world stays online all the time. Realms do not support Java mods and have a player limit, but setup takes one minute. Read how much Minecraft Realms costs.
Essential server settings
The server.properties file controls your server. Useful settings include:
- motd: the message shown in the server list.
- gamemode and difficulty: survival, creative, peaceful to hard.
- max-players: the player limit.
- white-list: set to true and add friends with
/whitelist add Nameso only invited players can join. - view-distance: lower it if the server lags.
- online-mode: keep it true, which checks that players own Minecraft.
Give yourself operator powers with op YourName in the server console, which lets you use commands like /tp and /gamemode in game.
Tips for a smooth server
- Back up the world folder regularly, especially before updating versions or adding mods.
- Use the whitelist for private servers to stop griefers.
- Install Paper and performance plugins to reduce lag with more players.
- Pre-generate the world with a plugin like Chunky so exploration does not cause lag spikes.
- Keep your computer awake and plugged in while hosting from home.
Common server problems
- Friends cannot connect: check port forwarding, your firewall and that you gave them the public IP, not localhost.
- Outdated client or server: everyone must use the same Minecraft version.
- Server will not start: wrong Java version, or the EULA is not accepted.
- Lag: allocate more RAM, lower view distance, or switch to Paper.
FAQ
Is making a Minecraft server free?
Yes, hosting on your own PC is free. Paid hosts and Realms cost money.
What port does a Minecraft server use?
25565 for Java and 19132 for Bedrock.
Can console players join my server?
Xbox players can join Bedrock servers by IP; PlayStation and Switch players need Realms or featured servers unless you use workarounds.
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
About 2 to 4 GB for a small vanilla server, more for mods. See allocating RAM.
Can I play with friends without a server?
Yes, with Open to LAN or Bedrock friend worlds. See how to play Minecraft with friends.
Self-hosting vs paid hosting: which should you choose?
Self-hosting is free and gives you full control, but your computer must stay on while friends play, your upload speed limits how many people can join smoothly, and you are responsible for security and backups. Paid hosting costs money but keeps the server online around the clock, handles backups and protects your home network from attacks, since friends connect to the host instead of your house. For two or three friends who play together at the same time, self-hosting is usually fine. For a community or a server that should be online whenever anyone wants to play, a paid host or Realm is the better choice.