How to Make a Local Minecraft Server: Java Edition
In order to make a Minecraft server on your PC, there are some rules you have to follow. Here are the requirements for making a local Minecraft PC server:
- Great PC and a good router alongside an Internet connection
- The latest patch of Minecraft
- Java Version 17
- Jarfix - the Java file fixer
This is one of the harder methods to make a Minecraft server since you'll need a powerful PC with a good amount of RAM. That's because the players will be directly connecting to your PC to play together! You'll also need to change the port forwarding configuration of your router, so make a server with this method if you know what you're doing.
Keep in mind that you should only make your own Minecraft server using this method if you're planning to play with a small hand of people like your family or friends. It's best to add your Minecraft friends to play securely. If you share the server's IP with other people you don't know, they can hack your device!
Of course, you'll also need to have a legit copy of Minecraft, version 17 of Java, and Jarfix installed as well to set up the server. With that said, next up you can see how to set up and make a Minecraft server locally on your PC step-by-step!
Download the Minecraft Server Java File
First thing first, to make your own server, you have to download the Minecraft Java server file. The server file's name may be formatted like "minecraft.server.1.20.1.jar" with the numbers presenting the Minecraft patch you should be playing on. The server Java file can be downloaded here.
Make sure you play on the Minecraft patch which numbers are on the server file. You won't be able to open up the server at all if the patch on the file and your installed one just don't match.
Move the Server File to Another Folder and Open It
After you download the Minecraft server software, create a Minecraft server folder wherever you want. For the sake of this tutorial, we'll make a folder on the Desktop and name it "Minecraft Server". Then get the "server.jar" file from the Downloads folder of your PC, move it to the newly created Minecraft server folder on your Desktop, and double-click it to open the "server.jar" file.
If you have Jarfix and Java Version 17 installed, new Minecraft server files should appear in the folder. If not, make sure to install Java and Jarfix from above!
Accept the Server EULA File
To accept Minecraft's server EULA rules, you'll want to open the "eula" text file that appeared in the folder where you're setting up the server. Then where it says "eula=false", set it to true by typing "eula=true".
You'll have to do this to accept Minecraft's rules and continue on with the server software. If it's set to "false", you won't be able to proceed to make the server!
Open the Minecraft File to Test the Start of the Server
Now if you open the server ".jar" file, you'll have a local functional Minecraft server! You can open Minecraft, add a server with a server IP address of "localhost", and you'll enter your own Minecraft server.
On the bottom right corner of the server Java ".jar" file you just opened, type in "stop" to stop the server. You can also type "op [YOUR MINECRAFT USERNAME]" to use commands on the server.
But if you open the server ".jar" file, only you can enter and play on the server. To allow your friends to join in, you'll have to do some port forwarding on your router.
Find your IPv4 and Default Gateway for Port Forwarding
Before you port forward, you'll need your router's Default Gateway to log into your router. To get it, go into your PC's search box below, type in "Command Prompt", and open the Command Prompt app. In the Command Prompt, type in "ipconfig" and hit Enter.
A lot of information will pop up here, but you'll want to find your way of connecting to your Internet router and copy the Default Gateway number which should look something like "192.168.1.1". Since I'm connected to my router through WiFi, the numbers would be under the "Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi" section. You'll also want to copy and get the IPv4 address number because you'll need it for later.
Open your Browser to Log Into Your Router
To log into your router, paste the Default Gateway number in your browser in the address bar on the top. Use a browser like Chrome, where after you paste in the Default gateway and hit enter, a login screen for your router should appear.
If you can't find the login credentials on a sticker on the router, or if you can't remember them, contact your Internet provider to find the username and password.
Add the Port Forwarding for Minecraft Server in your Router
Because every router is different, the Port Forwarding section's location is different as well. Usually, the Port Forwarding option will be located under the "Security", "Administration", or "Advanced" tabs.
Once you're there, click on something that would suggest adding a new port forward. It can be "Add new", it can be "Add new service", it just all depends on your router really! Then once you're in the section of adding a new port forward, here's what you'll have to enter:
- Where it says "External Port" or "Internal Port", you'll want to enter the number "25565"
- Where it says to enter your IP address like "Internal IP address" or "Local IP", enter in the IPv4 address we saved above
- Where it says "Protocol", make sure to select both TCP/UDP
In case it doesn't allow you to select both TCP and UDP, repeat the process 2 times. Make it once with TCP and secondly with UDP. Then just click on "Save" or "Add" to save the changes!
Start and Enter the Minecraft Server
Now you can start the Minecraft server by opening the "server.jar" file we saw above. Then get your PC's IP address here as it will serve as the Minecraft server's IP address.
Send the IP server address to your friends, and they'll be able to join in with it! If you're experiencing issues with the server, you can try allowing Java through Windows Defender Firewall, and check if you made the proper port forwarding.
There's also the chance you or your friends and family don't have bought and installed Minecraft legit. In this case, you'll have to go into the "server.properties" file, open it with Notepad, and set the "online-mode=true" to "online-mode=false".
Minecraft Realms: Host Server for Java & Bedrock Edition
Minecraft also has its own way of letting people play together, and that's with Minecraft Realms. The Minecraft Realms is a monthly subscription where 2 up to 10 people can play at a time! It's easy to set up a world in Minecraft Realms and play with your Minecraft friends.
The pricing is different depending on the Minecraft edition and if you want up to 2, or up to 10 people to be able to join in your Minecraft server realm. But it's easy to set up, and if you don't like it, you can cancel the Minecraft Realms subscription at any time!
How to Make a Minecraft Server Using a Host: Free and Paid
Making a Minecraft server doesn't have to be hard, so there are hosts that will do the job for you. But it all comes down to the Minecraft server's hosting prices.
One such popular Minecraft host is Apex, but it does come at a hefty price depending on how many players you want to allow on the server. If you want more players, then the price will go up too.
There are free hosts like Aternos as well, where you can easily set up a server for absolutely free. But free hosted servers are recommended only to play with a small hand of friends!
The hosts themselves will have a guide on how you can set up their Minecraft servers and invite people to join in as the process varies from host to host. Then you can make the best Minecraft Redstone builds with other players and friends on your very own Minecraft server!