How to Make a Minecraft Server—Complete Guide [2026]

How to create Minecraft Server

Creating your own Minecraft server allows you to play with friends, customize the gameplay, install mods or plugins, and have complete control over your Minecraft world. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a private survival server, a creative build server, or a public multiplayer server.

What is a Minecraft Server?

A Minecraft server is a multiplayer environment where multiple players can connect and play in the same world.  You can play with family, friends, or other players to keep your world active. Anyone can join the game from any location. Servers can be hosted on your own computer, on a hosting service, or on a local network (LAN). Running your own server allows you complete control over the rules, players, mods, and game modes. In terms of Minecraft servers, Minecraft Java has more features than any other Minecraft edition.

Requirements to Make a Minecraft Server

Before starting, make sure you have:

Requirement

Details

Minecraft Java Edition

Required for custom servers

Computer

Windows, macOS, or Linux

Java Installed

Java 17+ recommended

Stable Internet

For online multiplayer

RAM

Minimum 2GB (4GB recommended)

Basic knowledge

command prompt (CMD)

How to Create a Minecraft Server?

Step 1: Install Java on Your Computer

  • Minecraft servers require Java to function properly. Make sure you have the most recent version of Java installed.
  • To check the installation of Java, use the CMD command “Java -version.”
  • If Java is not installed, download the most recent version first and restart your PC.

Step 2: Download the Minecraft Server File

  • Create a new folder (e.g., MinecraftServer).
  • Go to the page of Minecraft’s official servers and download the official Minecraft server.jar file.
  • Move the server. jar file into your server folder.
  • This file is used to run the entire server.
  • Open the command prompt with Java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server. jar nogui by typing CMD in the address bar.

Step 3: Run the Server for the First Time

  • Double-click the server.jar.
  • The server will automatically generate files.
  • After it has finished loading, close the server.
  • New files will appear, such as eula.txt, server.properties, logs, and world.

Step 4: Accept the Minecraft EULA

  • Open eula.txt file and search for “eula=false.”
  • Now change the “eula=false” to “eula=true” and save the file.

Step 5: Run Server Again

  • After changing the EULA file, run the server again by using the same command: Java -Xmx2048M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui.
  • This will create the necessary files for the smooth functioning of the server.

Step 6: Configure Server Settings (server.properties)

  • Open the ‘server.properties’ file to customize your server settings.
  • Adjust the server settings as desired by following the table.

Setting Lines

Description

gamemode=survival

survival/creative or adventure

difficulty=normal

peaceful/easy/normal/hard

max-players=10

Maximum players allowed

online-mode=true

true

level-name=world

Any name, according to your choice

pvp=true

false to disable.

motd= Welcome to my server

Write the welcome message you want.

Firewall Access

  • If a prompt appears requesting permissions for the Java Firewall, allow access so that players can join your server.

Port Forwarding Settings

Port forwarding configurations enable players from other networks (not LAN) to join your server. If you do not enable port forwarding, only players who share the same WiFi network with you will be able to join your server.

  • Check the IP address of your device.
  • Once you find the IP address, access the router with that IP.
  • Locate the port forwarding option and configure the settings specified in the table.

Port forwarding settings can be set using the following commands:

Field

Recommended Entry

Service Name

Minecraft Server

Port Range

25565

Local IP Address

Your IPv4 address

Local Port

25565

Protocol

TCP/UDP

Status

enabled

How to Join a Server in Minecraft?

  • Open the Minecraft APK on your PC.
  • Select Direct Connect from the multiplayer options. Enter “localhost” into the provided field.
  • Players connected to the same wifi network can enter their local IP address. You can easily find it by typing ipconfig into the command prompt.
  • Players on different networks can share their public IP address. Players can find it easily on https://whatismyipaddress.com/ 

Common Problems & Fixes

  • Server Won’t Start: Check Java installation, or re-download server.jar, or verify EULA is accepted.
  • Friends Can’t Join: Check firewall settings, enable port forwarding, or share the correct IP address.
  • Server Lag: Allocate more RAM, reduce player count, and remove heavy mods.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to enjoy multiplayer gameplay with complete control is to set up a Minecraft server. With the proper setup, you can host a stable server, invite friends, customize settings, and even add mods or plugins. While it may appear complicated at first, following this step-by-step guide makes the process simple—even for beginners.

FAQs-Frequently Ask Question

Yes, you can change the game mode while setting up the server.

The player limit can be set in the server file, but joining the server with 5-10 players is recommended.

Yes, hosting a server on your own PC is completely free.

If you have port forwarding enabled on your router, your friends will be able to join your server from other networks.

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