A guide on how to host a Minecraft server on your PC

One of the best ways to enjoy Minecraft is playing with your friends and other players online, but creating your own server takes the experience to another level for your community to build, explore, and play together. You can do this by hosting a Minecraft server, which is a game server made specifically to host online multiplayer lobbies of Minecraft, either on your PC by using software from Mojang Studios or by setting up a dedicated gaming server for their Minecraft world through a hosting service.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to set up your Minecraft server using both methods and explore factors to help you choose between them.

Why create your own Minecraft server?

• Control: You have the opportunity to make the rules and set the parameters, and your Minecraft server becomes your world. This especially appeals to tech-savvy individuals who want to create their own adventures or parents looking to create a safe space for their children to play.
• Community: Whether you’re building a growing network of new players or already have a trusted circle of friends, a Minecraft server enables you to become a part of a growing community. 
• Monetization: Users can monetize their servers via donations and selling cosmetic features. The more users enjoy the server, the more they will want to donate to or buy from you.

How to host a Minecraft server on your PC

1. Check hardware and internet requirements

First, you need to check if your computer meets these minimum requirements to host one to three players.

• RAM: 
  • Windows 2000/2003/NT/2K/XP: 1 GB
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10/11: 2 GB
  • Linux and macOS: 512 MB
• CPU: 
  • Windows 2000/2003/NT/2K/XP: Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 2000+
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10/11: Intel Core-Based or AMD K8-Based
  • macOS/Linux: Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz, AMD Athlon XP 1600+, or G4/Freescale 7xxx 1.8 Hz
• Storage/HDD: 
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10/11: 10 GB
  • Other operating systems: 2 GB
• Internet connection: 
  • Windows Vista/7/8/10/11: 3 Mbps download speed and 6 Mbps upload speed
  • Other operating systems: 2 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed

For optimal performance, use a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi. A wired connection provides more stable speeds and lower latency, which is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Remember: These requirements cover server hosting only. You will need additional resources if you plan to play on the same machine.

2. Install/update Minecraft and Java

The Minecraft: Java Edition allows you to create your own server, which you need to first install:

• Download this from the official website
• Once the download is complete, click on the MinecraftInstaller.exe file to start the launcher
• Sign in using your Microsoft account.
• In the Minecraft Launcher, select Minecraft: Java Edition and ensure you launch the latest version.

You also need to have installed the latest version of Java:

• Download Java from Oracle. 
• Run the Java installer and follow the instructions to finish the installation. The official website has more detailed instructions for each operating system.
• Use the Java Control Panel on Windows and macOS to verify installation by opening Command Prompt and typing: java -version. This guide has detailed steps if you need more help.

3. Setting up the Minecraft server file

Once you’ve set up the game and Java, you need the right server software:

• Head over to the official website.
• On that page, click the green link that says minecraft_server.1.21.jar to start downloading.
• Save the JAR file in an easy-to-access location like your Desktop or the default Downloads folder. For convenience during the setup process, you can name the JAR file “server.jar” and the folder as “Minecraft Server”.

Ensure that you download the correct server version and that it matches the version of Minecraft you have installed. If your browser issues the “This file may be harmful to your computer” warning, click the Keep option. This is a typical warning for any JAR file.

4. First-time Microsoft server startup

• Open the Minecraft Server folder
• Open Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on macOS
• Use the change directory command to lead Command Prompt or Terminal to the correct location of the server.jar file. For example, if you have saved the “server.jar” file in a folder called “Minecraft Server” on the desktop, you can use this command:

cd C:\Users\YOUR USERNAME\Desktop\Minecraft Server

• Once it identifies the correct file location, run the command to generate the required files:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar –nogui

• This will generate the required files
• Close the Command Prompt or Terminal window

The server software won’t open until you accept the end-user license agreement (EULA):

• Open the Minecraft Server folder
• Open the eula.txt file
• At the bottom line, change eula=false to eula=true
• Save the document and close it

Run the server again by using the following command:

java -jar server.jar. 

At this point, you officially have a Minecraft server up and running. 

If you’re using the same machine to run the server and the game, you can test your server by launching Minecraft, selecting the Multiplayer option, and then Direct Connect. Enter localhost in the server address box, and click Join Server.

If you’ve successfully connected to the server, your username should appear in the Players tab in the server’s graphical user interface. From here, you can start configuring the server by editing the server properties.

5. Creating startup scripts

Players don’t need to use Command Prompt or Terminal whenever they want to run their server. You can automate the process by creating a batch file that launches the server with one click.

Windows

• Right-click inside the Minecraft Server folder.
• Click New and select Text Document.
• Name this document Start.
• Change the file extension from .txt to .bat to make it a batch file.
• Windows will show a warning about changing the file extension. Click Yes.

• Right-click Start.bat and click Edit.
• A Notepad window will open.
• Type the server launch command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar –nogui
pause

• Save the Notepad document and close it.
• Double-click this file to start your server.

When you run the batch file, Windows Firewall will try to block network access for security purposes. Click the Allow Access option to start your server.

macOS 

• Create a new text file inside the Minecraft Server folder.
• Rename this file to start.sh.
• Type the following command:

#!/bin/sh
cd "$(dirname "$0″)"
exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar server.jar –nogui

• Save the file and open a Terminal window.
• Use a change directory command to indicate the correct folder, then run this command:

chmod a+x start.sh

• This will make start.sh an executable file.

Now, you can start your server by double-clicking this file.

6. Port forwarding

Port forwarding allows other players to connect to your server through your router. It opens specific ports so that users can connect to the servers on your network.

It’s important to note that port forwarding comes with security risks as it provides access to your Wi-Fi router. You should only use this method when running a small personal multiplayer server for your family and friends. The process for setting up port forwarding can vary depending on your router, but you can follow these general steps:

Find your IP addresses:

• Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac)
• Type ipconfig (Windows) or /sbin/ifconfig (Mac)
• Note your Default Gateway and IPv4 address from the list of IP addresses

Configure your router:

• Enter the Default Gateway address in your browser
• Log into router settings
• Locate Port Forwarding (usually under Advanced Settings)
• Add a new rule named “Minecraft”
• Enter your IPv4 as the internal IP
• Use the Minecraft default port number 25565 as the internal (TCP) and external (UDP) port numbers
• Save your port forwarding configuration

Once the ports are open, provide other friends with your IP address so they can connect to your server with the following steps:

• Open Minecraft and select “Multiplayer”, then click “Add Server”
• Enter a name for the server (this can be anything)
• For the server address, use:
  • Local network players: Your local IP address + port (e.g., 192.168.1.2:25565)
  • External players: Your public IP address + port (e.g., 55.55.55.55:25565)
• Click “done” to save
• Select the server from your list and click “Join Server”

Renting a Minecraft server vs. building a home server

Users must decide whether to host the Minecraft server on their computer for free or pay a hosted provider to host it, thereby renting the server space and hardware.

Your choice depends on your server’s purpose and growth plans. Self-hosting works well for small groups of friends if you have the technical expertise and can manage the ongoing maintenance and power costs. However, for public servers or if you want to create monetized communities, server leasing offers crucial advantages: guaranteed uptime, DDoS protection, technical support, and the ability to scale without major hardware investments. This professional infrastructure helps protect your server’s performance, security from malicious attacks, and reputation—especially important if you’re building a community or running a revenue-generating server.

Minecraft servers: paid vs. free

You can use free and paid Minecraft servers if you opt for an external hosting service. Let’s take a deeper look at both options.

While free servers might seem attractive for testing or casual play, they often compromise on essential features that affect gameplay quality. Paid servers provide the reliability, performance, and security needed for a proper gaming experience. For serious communities or long-term projects, investing in a premium server through providers like Liquid Web ensures your Minecraft world remains stable, secure, and enjoyable for all players. The professional infrastructure and support justify the cost, especially when building a lasting community.

Create a Minecraft server your community will love

Setting up a Minecraft server gives you the freedom to shape your gaming experience. Whether you choose to self-host or use a hosting service depends on your goals and technical comfort level.

For small groups of friends, setting up a server on your PC can work well if you’re comfortable with technical setup and maintenance. But as your community grows, managing security, performance, and stability becomes increasingly challenging.

Liquid Web’s managed dedicated hosting offers a simpler path forward. Our managed solution handles all technical aspects—from initial setup to ongoing maintenance and security—letting you focus on building your Minecraft community. With features like DDoS protection and scalable resources, your server can grow seamlessly alongside your player base.