- 2,643 views, 3 today
15
This is a step by step tutorial on how to make a free single or multi-player Minecraft server and run it on your computer:
Some things to note:
- Works for Windows only. (it's possible I will add at least macOS support in the future but no promises to if or when that will ever happen)
- This can either be for a vanilla server or for a server that you can add plugins to.
- Works for Minecraft versions 1.0.0 - 1.19 (some versions might differentiate slightly during setup but nothing major that you shouldn't be able to figure out on your own)
- for example accepting the EULA in newer versions.
If you have ANY issues or if you think I'm missing ANYTHING please contact me or comment below!
Thank you and I really hope this helps those who need it <3
Some things to note:
- Works for Windows only. (it's possible I will add at least macOS support in the future but no promises to if or when that will ever happen)
- This can either be for a vanilla server or for a server that you can add plugins to.
- Works for Minecraft versions 1.0.0 - 1.19 (some versions might differentiate slightly during setup but nothing major that you shouldn't be able to figure out on your own)
- for example accepting the EULA in newer versions.
Step 1: Initial setup
Create a “New Folder”
- This will be your “Server Folder"
--- You can name this folder however you like, for the rest of this tutorial it will be referred to as “Server Folder"
Create a "New Text Document” inside the “Server Folder”
Paste the following text from the spoiler below into the "New Text Document” you just made.
Rename that same “New Text Document” to "startup.bat"
- "startup.bat" is what you will use to start the server
--- Don't start the server yet as there's still one more step before you can run it for the first time!
- This will be your “Server Folder"
--- You can name this folder however you like, for the rest of this tutorial it will be referred to as “Server Folder"
Create a "New Text Document” inside the “Server Folder”
Paste the following text from the spoiler below into the "New Text Document” you just made.
Windows:
title Minecraft Server
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -XX:+UseG1GC -jar server.jar --nogui PAUSE
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -XX:+UseG1GC -jar server.jar --nogui PAUSE
Additional Information About The Above:
Minecraft Server
- This is what you want to call your server
--- This will change the display name on the top left of your server window (console)
you can change this to whatever you'd like.
1024M | 1024M
- You can change 1024M and 1024M to however much ram you'd like your server to use.
--- I highly suggest not messing with these numbers if you don't know what you're doing!
If you do change these numbers, remember: do NOT use the total amount of ram your computer has.
for example if you have 16gb of RAM on your computer, do NOT give your server 16gb of RAM.
Remember that RAM is still needed for the OS, other programs, software etc...
also remember to change both numbers to be the same unless you're sure you know what you're doing!
again, make sure you know what you're doing!
recommended website for converting GB to MB
https://www.gbmb.org/gb-to-mb
--nogui
- This disables a server GUI that's available in newer Minecraft versions which is used to display some information about your server.
--- I highly suggest leaving this disabled as it can help a lot with server performance!
------ If you want to use the GUI you can safely remove this.
PAUSE
- This will keep the console open after you close the server or after the server crashes. This isn't needed and can be removed if you want the console to close immediately without any action.
If you're new to this I suggest leaving this inside the document as it can help with debugging especially during server setup.
- This is what you want to call your server
--- This will change the display name on the top left of your server window (console)
you can change this to whatever you'd like.
1024M | 1024M
- You can change 1024M and 1024M to however much ram you'd like your server to use.
--- I highly suggest not messing with these numbers if you don't know what you're doing!
If you do change these numbers, remember: do NOT use the total amount of ram your computer has.
for example if you have 16gb of RAM on your computer, do NOT give your server 16gb of RAM.
Remember that RAM is still needed for the OS, other programs, software etc...
also remember to change both numbers to be the same unless you're sure you know what you're doing!
again, make sure you know what you're doing!
recommended website for converting GB to MB
https://www.gbmb.org/gb-to-mb
--nogui
- This disables a server GUI that's available in newer Minecraft versions which is used to display some information about your server.
--- I highly suggest leaving this disabled as it can help a lot with server performance!
------ If you want to use the GUI you can safely remove this.
PAUSE
- This will keep the console open after you close the server or after the server crashes. This isn't needed and can be removed if you want the console to close immediately without any action.
If you're new to this I suggest leaving this inside the document as it can help with debugging especially during server setup.
Rename that same “New Text Document” to "startup.bat"
- "startup.bat" is what you will use to start the server
--- Don't start the server yet as there's still one more step before you can run it for the first time!
Step 2: Downloading the server jar
Chose one of the 4 available server types below.
Vanilla 1.2.5 - 1.19
Recommended for not using any plugins.
Craftbukkit 1.0.0 - 1.19
Not recommended.
Spigot 1.4.6 - 1.19
Not recommended.
Paper 1.8.8 - 1.19
Recommended for using plugins.
(Craftbukkit, Spigot and Paper are all essentially the same however it is highly recommend to use Paper over Craftbukkit and Spigot as it includes major improvements and optimizations for much better server performance)
You can also read a little more about Paper here: https://papermc.io
- also please remember it is HIGHLY recommended to always use the newest version that you can. and NOT older versions, such as 1.8
please only use older versions to play around with and for experimental purposes only. do not use them in production.
- I advise to keep the same in mind for Craftbukkit and Spigot. they should only be used for experimental purposes and not in production.
After you finish downloading the selected server type and version, drag the jar file into your "Server Folder"
RENAME IT to server.jar
Vanilla 1.2.5 - 1.19
Recommended for not using any plugins.
Vanilla - The default Minecraft experience
Craftbukkit 1.0.0 - 1.19
Not recommended.
Craftbukkit - Allows you to add plugins to the server
https://getbukkit.org/download/craftbukkit
- Please note that Craftbukkit is not recommended and is only in this tutorial to allow much older Minecraft versions to be used.
Use Spigot instead
- Please note that Craftbukkit is not recommended and is only in this tutorial to allow much older Minecraft versions to be used.
Use Spigot instead
Spigot 1.4.6 - 1.19
Not recommended.
Spigot - Improved version of Craftbukkit that allows you to add plugins to the server
https://getbukkit.org/download/spigot
- Please note that Spigot is not recommended and is only in this tutorial because of its existence and connection to paper.
Use Paper instead
- Please note that Spigot is not recommended and is only in this tutorial because of its existence and connection to paper.
Use Paper instead
Paper 1.8.8 - 1.19
Recommended for using plugins.
Paper - Improved version of Spigot that allows you to add plugins to the server
https://papermc.io/downloads
- If you want to use a version older than 1.18.2 you need to scroll down and click where it says "LEGACY"
- If you want to use a version older than 1.18.2 you need to scroll down and click where it says "LEGACY"
(Craftbukkit, Spigot and Paper are all essentially the same however it is highly recommend to use Paper over Craftbukkit and Spigot as it includes major improvements and optimizations for much better server performance)
You can also read a little more about Paper here: https://papermc.io
- also please remember it is HIGHLY recommended to always use the newest version that you can. and NOT older versions, such as 1.8
please only use older versions to play around with and for experimental purposes only. do not use them in production.
- I advise to keep the same in mind for Craftbukkit and Spigot. they should only be used for experimental purposes and not in production.
After you finish downloading the selected server type and version, drag the jar file into your "Server Folder"
RENAME IT to server.jar
Step 3: Running and joining the server for the first time
Click and open "startup.bat"
- This will launch the server and create all the files you need inside your "Server Folder"
With all this done you can now go to Minecraft, add and join the server with the IP: 0.0.0.0
- Your server can be accessed locally (family or friends connected to your home network)
--- You can find out how to do this in the spoiler below.
- If you want to use this server for personal and private use only and do not want it open to the public for inviting people and friends to play with, you're done and can stop here, safely skipping step 4 and 5.
- This will launch the server and create all the files you need inside your "Server Folder"
With all this done you can now go to Minecraft, add and join the server with the IP: 0.0.0.0
- Your server can be accessed locally (family or friends connected to your home network)
--- You can find out how to do this in the spoiler below.
- If you want to use this server for personal and private use only and do not want it open to the public for inviting people and friends to play with, you're done and can stop here, safely skipping step 4 and 5.
Allowing people to join while connected to your home network
Open "Command Prompt"
Type "ipconfig" and run the command by pressing enter.
Somewhere towards the top you should see a line that looks like this:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
This is your private IP and anyone can join your server with this IP as long as their connected to your home network.
Notice:
At times. your IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx may change.
If it does, all you need to do is go back to "Command Prompt" get the new I.P
anybody on your home network who was using this ip needs to update it in their minecraft multiplayer settings.
Type "ipconfig" and run the command by pressing enter.
Somewhere towards the top you should see a line that looks like this:
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
This is your private IP and anyone can join your server with this IP as long as their connected to your home network.
Notice:
At times. your IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx may change.
If it does, all you need to do is go back to "Command Prompt" get the new I.P
anybody on your home network who was using this ip needs to update it in their minecraft multiplayer settings.
Important information before continuing with step 4 and 5
You must continue with the 2 steps below to allow your server to be accessed publicly.
Warning:
If you proceeding with the following 2 steps without an understanding of what you're doing you'll likely cause security risks and you may be vulnerable to certain types of attacks from the outside.
It's highly suggested that you know at least some networking basics before continuing.
Although it's not 100% needed as I go into detail about how to make your server public but please keep in mind of the risks listed above.
Warning:
If you proceeding with the following 2 steps without an understanding of what you're doing you'll likely cause security risks and you may be vulnerable to certain types of attacks from the outside.
It's highly suggested that you know at least some networking basics before continuing.
Although it's not 100% needed as I go into detail about how to make your server public but please keep in mind of the risks listed above.
Step 4: Opening the server to the public
Open "Command Prompt"
Type "ipconfig" and run the command by pressing enter.
Somewhere towards the top you should see a line that looks like this:
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Do NOT close "Command Prompt" yet
Open your browser and put the Default Gateway I.P into the search bar
Visit this I.P like you would with any website.
You may see an error telling you that your connection isn't private, this is normal and okay!
there should be an option somewhere to continue to the site anyways (sometimes you'll find this under "advanced")
--- Enter the needed username and password to access your router settings.
---------------
some tips to help you find the username and password if you don't know what they are.
- Most of the time, the default username and password are both admin.
- You may be able to find the username and password printed somewhere on your router.
- You can look up the type of router you have online and you should be able to find the default username and password as long as they have not been changed.
- If you're having trouble don't be afraid to reach out to me and I can help you find the correct username and password as depending on your router or software type the username and password can be different.
I can also add more examples below as well.
--- If all else fails I suggest contacting your parents for the correct username and password as they might know it, or if you know you have someone who manages your home network such as a brother or sister you can ask them.
---------------
notes for the next steps:
No router is exactly the same.
- Your Port Forward settings might have another name such as Virtual Servers.
- Your Port Forward and router settings in general may look a bit different.
--- Navigate to your Port Forward settings.
--- The settings to forward a port should look similar to the examples shown in the spoilers below:
--- Save settings.
--- Make sure you save your settings, once done you can safely Close your Browser and "Command Prompt"
Type "ipconfig" and run the command by pressing enter.
Somewhere towards the top you should see a line that looks like this:
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Do NOT close "Command Prompt" yet
Open your browser and put the Default Gateway I.P into the search bar
Visit this I.P like you would with any website.
You may see an error telling you that your connection isn't private, this is normal and okay!
there should be an option somewhere to continue to the site anyways (sometimes you'll find this under "advanced")
--- Enter the needed username and password to access your router settings.
---------------
some tips to help you find the username and password if you don't know what they are.
- Most of the time, the default username and password are both admin.
- You may be able to find the username and password printed somewhere on your router.
- You can look up the type of router you have online and you should be able to find the default username and password as long as they have not been changed.
- If you're having trouble don't be afraid to reach out to me and I can help you find the correct username and password as depending on your router or software type the username and password can be different.
I can also add more examples below as well.
Current Examples of Other Router/Software Types
Ziggo:
default username: ziggo
default password: draadloos
Ubiquiti:
default username: ubnt
default password: ubnt
DD-WRT (software)
default username: root
default password: admin
default username: ziggo
default password: draadloos
Ubiquiti:
default username: ubnt
default password: ubnt
DD-WRT (software)
default username: root
default password: admin
--- If all else fails I suggest contacting your parents for the correct username and password as they might know it, or if you know you have someone who manages your home network such as a brother or sister you can ask them.
---------------
notes for the next steps:
No router is exactly the same.
- Your Port Forward settings might have another name such as Virtual Servers.
- Your Port Forward and router settings in general may look a bit different.
--- Navigate to your Port Forward settings.
--- The settings to forward a port should look similar to the examples shown in the spoilers below:
Example 1:
Original port: 25565
Protocol: Both
Forward-to address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
--- Get the needed I.P address by going back to "Command Prompt" and looking for where it says
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Forward-to port: 25565
Description: Minecraft
Protocol: Both
Forward-to address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
--- Get the needed I.P address by going back to "Command Prompt" and looking for where it says
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Forward-to port: 25565
Description: Minecraft
Example 2:
Application: Minecraft
Start: 25565
End: 25565
Protocol: Both
IP Address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
--- Get the needed I.P address by going back to "Command Prompt" and looking for where it says
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
Start: 25565
End: 25565
Protocol: Both
IP Address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
--- Get the needed I.P address by going back to "Command Prompt" and looking for where it says
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
--- Save settings.
--- Make sure you save your settings, once done you can safely Close your Browser and "Command Prompt"
Step 5: Joining the server with your public IP
Once again run "startup.bat"
You and anybody you invite can now now join your server with your public I.P
If you're unsure what your public I.P is you can find it here
Notice:
At times. your IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx may change.
If it does. You need to go back to "Command Prompt" get the new I.P then update it in your router settings like you did in step 4.
This I.P might change at times as well, if it does you'll need to connect to your server with the new one.
You and anybody you invite can now now join your server with your public I.P
If you're unsure what your public I.P is you can find it here
Notice:
At times. your IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx may change.
If it does. You need to go back to "Command Prompt" get the new I.P then update it in your router settings like you did in step 4.
This I.P might change at times as well, if it does you'll need to connect to your server with the new one.
Adding plugins to your server
- Open your browser and visit the site where you'd like to download your plugin.
--- Here are 2 reliable, more popular and widely used sites where you can download plugins.
- https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/
- https://dev.bukkit.org/bukkit-plugins
- After choosing and downloading the plugin/s you wanted put them into the folder called "plugins" that is inside of your "Server Folder"
- Restart you server.
- Your plugin/s should now be installed and ready to use.
be sure to check the console for any possible errors or any possible additional set-up that might be needed for that specific plugin.
--- Here are 2 reliable, more popular and widely used sites where you can download plugins.
- https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/
- https://dev.bukkit.org/bukkit-plugins
- After choosing and downloading the plugin/s you wanted put them into the folder called "plugins" that is inside of your "Server Folder"
- Restart you server.
- Your plugin/s should now be installed and ready to use.
be sure to check the console for any possible errors or any possible additional set-up that might be needed for that specific plugin.
Updating and downgrading or changing your server type.
--- Follow the entirety of step 2 to download your chosen server type and version.
Important notes you should keep in mind with each of the following changes.
Updating:
- Updating should always be done whenever possible.
Keep in mind that with updating your server that the same possible issues apply as downgrading your server although they aren't as severe or likely to happen, you should always be prepared for any issues.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
Remember to always make backups and to do the proper testing to make sure nothing went wrong in the process.
Downgrading:
- I DO NOT suggest server downgrades at all as at times can be very risky.
--- If you do want to downgrade your server.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
Remember to always make backups when attempting something like this and to do the proper testing to make sure nothing went wrong in the process.
Changing your server type:
- I do not recommend this but sometimes it may be necessary to do.
All of the same issues as downgrading or updating your server apply to changing your server type as well.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
- for safe keeping of your server, remember to always make constant backups even if you aren't doing any of the above.
Important notes you should keep in mind with each of the following changes.
Updating:
- Updating should always be done whenever possible.
Keep in mind that with updating your server that the same possible issues apply as downgrading your server although they aren't as severe or likely to happen, you should always be prepared for any issues.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
Remember to always make backups and to do the proper testing to make sure nothing went wrong in the process.
Downgrading:
- I DO NOT suggest server downgrades at all as at times can be very risky.
--- If you do want to downgrade your server.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
Remember to always make backups when attempting something like this and to do the proper testing to make sure nothing went wrong in the process.
Changing your server type:
- I do not recommend this but sometimes it may be necessary to do.
All of the same issues as downgrading or updating your server apply to changing your server type as well.
- Your world/s may go corrupt.
- Your plugin/s may no longer work.
- You run the chance of losing a lot of important server information.
- for safe keeping of your server, remember to always make constant backups even if you aren't doing any of the above.
If you have ANY issues or if you think I'm missing ANYTHING please contact me or comment below!
Thank you and I really hope this helps those who need it <3
| Tags |
54 Update Logs
Update #54 : by fiba1 06/13/2022 4:19:23 pmJun 13th, 2022
Updated:
- Fixed a small error.
- Updated a small detail
- Added support for the latest Minecraft versions.
- Fixed a small error.
- Updated a small detail
- Added support for the latest Minecraft versions.
LOAD MORE LOGS
tools/tracking
2868909
6
how-to-make-a-server-2868909
MaximusPrime23
Copterman2596
Aelle
oakar258
hotsuop
CrystalRuby
Olimon7661
sniffercraft34
MistFaller
glitched_assasin
Create an account or sign in to comment.