How to Host a Minecraft Server from Your PC

Hello Dev, are you tired of playing on other people’s servers? Do you want to create your own Minecraft server to play with your friends? In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to host a Minecraft server from your PC. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow this guide. Let’s get started!

Part 1: Preparation

Before hosting your Minecraft server, you need to prepare your PC by following these steps:

Step 1: Check Your PC Requirements

The first thing you need to do is to check if your PC meets the minimum requirements to host a Minecraft server. The minimum requirements are:

Requirement	Minimum
CPU	Intel Core i3 or equivalent
RAM	4GB
Storage	At least 1GB free space
Internet	Unlimited bandwidth

If your PC meets the minimum requirements, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Download Minecraft Server Software

You need to download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website. Follow these steps:

1. Go to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/ and download the server software for your operating system.
2. Save the server software to a new folder on your PC. This will be your server folder.

Step 3: Create a Static IP Address

You need to create a static IP address for your PC to ensure that your server doesn’t change IP address every time you connect to the internet. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key and type “cmd”.
2. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator”.
3. Type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
4. Look for “IPv4 Address” and write it down. This is your PC’s current IP address.
5. Open your router’s settings by typing your router’s IP address in a web browser. This varies depending on your router model. Look for the router’s manual or contact your internet service provider for help.
6. Look for “DHCP” or “LAN” settings and select “Static IP Address”.
7. Enter your PC’s current IP address and save the settings.

You have now created a static IP address for your PC. You can now proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Forward Your Ports

You need to forward your ports to allow external players to connect to your server. Follow these steps:

1. Open your router’s settings by typing your router’s IP address in a web browser.
2. Look for “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” settings.
3. Enter the following information:
   • Service Name: Minecraft
   • Service Type: TCP/UDP
   • External Port: 25565
   • Internal IP Address: Your PC’s static IP address
   • Internal Port: 25565
4. Save the settings.

You have now forwarded your ports. You can now proceed to the next step.

Part 2: Setting Up Your Server

Now that you have prepared your PC, you can start setting up your Minecraft server by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Your Server Folder

Open the folder where you saved the Minecraft server software in Step 2 of Part 1.

Step 2: Start Your Server

Double-click “minecraft_server.{version}.jar” to start your server. Replace “{version}” with the version of your Minecraft server software.

Step 3: Agree to the EULA

Open the “eula.txt” file and change “eula=false” to “eula=true” to agree to the Minecraft End User License Agreement.

Step 4: Customize Your Server Settings

You can customize your server settings by opening the “server.properties” file in a text editor. Here are some settings you might want to change:

Setting	Description	Default Value
server-port	The port number used by your server.	25565
max-players	The maximum number of players allowed on your server.	20
motd	The message of the day displayed in the server list.	A Minecraft Server

Part 3: Connecting to Your Server

You can connect to your Minecraft server using your PC or any other device connected to the same network. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Find Your Server IP Address

Go to https://www.whatismyip.com/ to find your external IP address. This is the IP address players need to connect to your server.

Step 2: Start Minecraft

Start Minecraft and click “Multiplayer”.

Step 3: Add Server

Click “Add Server” and enter your server name and IP address.

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

Click “Join Server” to connect to your Minecraft server.

FAQ

What is a Minecraft server?

A Minecraft server is a game server that allows players to play Minecraft together in a multiplayer environment.

Can I host a Minecraft server for free?

Yes, you can host a Minecraft server for free using a program like Hamachi or LAN games. However, these methods have limitations and may not be suitable for large-scale servers.

Can I run a Minecraft server on a laptop?

Yes, you can run a Minecraft server on a laptop as long as it meets the minimum requirements.

How many players can join my Minecraft server?

The number of players that can join your Minecraft server depends on your server settings and your PC’s hardware. The default maximum number of players is 20.

How do I change my Minecraft server settings?

You can change your Minecraft server settings by editing the “server.properties” file in your server folder.

What should I do if I can’t connect to my Minecraft server?

If you can’t connect to your Minecraft server, make sure that your ports are forwarded correctly and that your firewall is not blocking the connection.

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully learned how to host a Minecraft server from your PC. Now, go and have fun playing Minecraft with your friends!