Minecraft How to Host a Server on Your PC

Hello Dev! Are you tired of playing Minecraft alone? Do you want to play with friends or join public servers with other players? The solution is to host your own Minecraft server on your PC! In this article, we will guide you on how to host a server step by step.

System Requirements

The first thing you need to do is to check your PC’s system requirements. Minecraft is a resource-intensive game, and hosting a server will require additional resources. Here are the minimum system requirements:

Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks or later, Linux
CPU: Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz or AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz or equivalent
RAM: 2GB
GPU: Integrated: Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Ivy Bridge) or AMD Radeon R5 series (Kaveri line) with OpenGL 4.4
Dedicated: Nvidia GeForce 400 Series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series with OpenGL 4.4

Operating System

The first thing you need to consider is the operating system of your PC. Minecraft server software can be run on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The process for setting up the server will vary slightly depending on which operating system you are using.

If you are using Windows, make sure you have Windows 7 or later installed. If you are using a Mac, you need to have Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks or later. If you are using Linux, you can use any distribution that supports Java.

CPU

Your PC’s CPU is also important when it comes to hosting a Minecraft server. The server will need to constantly process data and communicate with other players. A CPU with multiple cores is recommended to handle the load.

We recommend using an Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz or AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz or equivalent CPU to run a Minecraft server.

RAM

The server’s RAM is another important factor. The server will need a minimum of 2GB of RAM to run properly. However, if you plan on hosting a large server with multiple players, you will need more RAM.

We recommend using at least 4GB of RAM for a server with 10 or more players.

GPU

The server does not require a dedicated GPU as it will not be rendering any graphics. However, it will be using your PC’s integrated GPU to run the server software. Therefore, it is important to make sure your integrated GPU meets the minimum requirements.

We recommend having an Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Ivy Bridge) or AMD Radeon R5 series (Kaveri line) with OpenGL 4.4 or higher for integrated GPUs. If you have a dedicated GPU, we recommend using a Nvidia GeForce 400 Series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series with OpenGL 4.4 or higher.

Setting Up the Server

Now that you have checked your PC’s system requirements, it’s time to set up the Minecraft server. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Server Software

The first thing you need to do is to download the server software. You can download it directly from the official Minecraft website. Make sure to download the correct version for your PC’s operating system.

Step 2: Create a New Folder

After downloading the server software, create a new folder on your PC where you want to store the server files. Name the folder whatever you like.

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Step 3: Move the Server Software to the New Folder

Move the server software file to the new folder you just created.

Step 4: Run the Server Software

Double-click the server software file to run it. A command prompt window will open and start running the server software.

Step 5: Agree to the EULA

Before you can start using the server software, you need to agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA). Open the eula.txt file in the server folder and change the line “eula=false” to “eula=true”.

Step 6: Configure the Server Settings

Next, you need to configure the server settings. Open the server.properties file in the server folder. Here are some important settings to configure:

  • level-name: The name of the world the server will generate. You can change this to whatever you like.
  • max-players: The maximum number of players that can join the server. Change this to the number of players you want.
  • server-port: The port number the server will run on. The default is 25565. You can change this to any unused port.
  • enable-command-block: Set this to true if you want to use command blocks in your server.

Step 7: Port Forwarding

If you want other players to join your server, you need to port forward your router. Port forwarding allows players to connect to your server through the internet. The process for port forwarding varies depending on your router model. You can check your router’s manual or search for instructions online.

FAQ

Can I run a Minecraft server on a low-end PC?

If your PC meets the minimum system requirements, you can run a Minecraft server. However, a low-end PC may struggle to handle multiple players and large worlds.

How many players can join my server?

The number of players that can join your server depends on your PC’s specifications and the server settings. If you have a high-end PC, you can host a server with dozens of players.

Can I run a server and play Minecraft on the same PC?

Yes, you can run a server and play Minecraft on the same PC. However, the server software will use additional resources, so you may experience lag if you have other programs running at the same time.

Do I need to port forward my router?

If you only want to play Minecraft with friends over a LAN connection, you do not need to port forward your router. However, if you want to make your server accessible to players over the internet, you need to port forward your router.

Can I use mods on my server?

Yes, you can use mods on your server. You need to install the mods on both the server and client sides. There are also modded server software available that allow you to host servers with specific mods.

That’s it, Dev! Now you know how to host your own Minecraft server on your PC. Have fun playing with your friends or other players online!