How to make a Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, or Linux
Minecraft: Beyond the GameMinecraft isn’t just a game—it’s a global
phenomenon. With over 300 million copies sold, it’s the second most popular game worldwide.
But Minecraft is much more than that:
| Educational Tool | Helps kids learn coding. |
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| Modding Platform | Offers endless possibilities for customization. |
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| Creative Community | Connects creators from all around the world. |
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Want to take your Minecraft experience to the next level? Setting up
your Minecraft server can give you a private space to explore and build. This guide will
show you how to set up a Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Let’s get started and
make your Minecraft world!
Setting Up a MinecraftServer
Creating a Minecraft server on Windows involves just a few
key steps:1
Download the Server Software
5
Adjust Settings as Needed
What You Need to Know Before Setting Up Your
Minecraft Server
Setting up a Minecraft server requires a bit of technical knowledge.
Here’s what you should be familiar with before you begin:
| Command Line | Basic skills for navigating and executing commands.
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| Networking Basics | Understanding IP addresses, DHCP, and ports. |
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| System Configuration | Knowing how your computer is set up. |
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| Network Configuration | Familiarity with how your network operates. |
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| Router Settings | For home setups, knowing how to configure your router.
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Make sure you’re comfortable with these concepts to ensure a smooth
server setup process.
Hosting a Minecraft Server from Home
You don’t need an ultra-powerful computer to host a Minecraft server. A
regular desktop PC will do just fine.
Minecraft:
Beyond the Game| Separate Systems | Although you can run the server and play on the same
computer, having a more powerful machine will provide a better experience. |
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| Wired Connection | Use a wired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi. It’s
more stable and reliable for running your server. |
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These simple steps will help you set up and manage your Minecraft server
effectively.
Prefer Not to Host Your Server at Home?
Hosting a Minecraft server from home exposes your network to the outside
world. If you'd rather avoid this, consider using a hosting provider.
Here’s how it works:| Hosting Providers | ServerMOhandle server
management and hardware, so you don’t have to worry about the technical details.
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| Costs | You’ll pay a monthly or annual fee, but gain the
benefit of professional management and security. |
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| Dedicated Servers | For increased performance and the capacity to support a
large number of players, consider a dedicated server from ServerMO for a
powerful and reliable solution. |
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These simple steps will help you set up and manage your Minecraft server
effectively.
Create a Minecraft Server on Your Windows PC
Select a Folder for Your Server Files
Before downloading the Minecraft server software, choose a location on
your PC to store your server files. Create a dedicated folder for these files, as the server
will generate several configuration files when you first run it. You can place this folder
on your Desktop, in Documents, or any other location you prefer—it's entirely up to you.
Download and Start the
Minecraft Server Software
| Download the Software | Visit the Minecraft website to download
the server software, which is a Java .jar file. Save this file in the folder you
set up earlier. |
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| Launch the Server | Double-click the .jar file to start the server. This
will create several configuration files. |
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| Accept the EULA | Open the `eula.txt`file in a text editor and
change `eula=false`to `eua=true`to agree to the EULA. Without this
step, the server won’t start. |
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| Troubleshooting | If you see a “Can’t save server
properties”error, right-click the .jar file and select “Run as
administrator”to fix the issue. |
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Port Forwarding: Making Your Minecraft
Server Accessible
To let people from outside your local network join your Minecraft
server, you’ll need to enable port forwarding on your router. This allows others to connect
to your server online but comes with some security risks. First, consult your router’s
manual for details on setting up port forwarding. For Minecraft, forward TCP port 25565.
You’ll also need to enter your server’s local IP address to direct traffic properly. To find
this IP, open the command prompt on your computer and type `ipconfig`.
Starting Your Minecraft Server
To get your Minecraft server up and running, follow these
steps:- Open the Windows Command Prompt.
- Navigate to the folder where your Minecraft server file (like
"minecraft_server.1.12.2.jar") is located.
- Start the server by entering the following command:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar <server_file_name>.jar nogui
(Replace <server_file_name> with the actual name of your server
file.)
If you prefer to use the server’s
interface, omit the “nogui” part:java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar <server_file_name<.jar
You can also create a .bat file to automate these commands.
- Once the server is up, players on your local network can connect using your local IP
address, while others can connect using your external/public IP address.
Connecting to Your Server
To join your Minecraft server, follow these steps:- Open Minecraft and go to the “Multiplayer” menu.
- Click “Add Server.”
- Enter a name for your server.
- Input your server address. This is your public IP address followed by :25565. To find
your public IP, search “my IP address” on Google. If using an IPv6 address, put it in
square brackets `[ ]`.
- Click “Done.”
Minecraft will now connect to your server, and you can click “Join
Server” to start playing. If you have issues, check your server’s status with a Minecraft
Server Status Checker using your public IP address.
Running a Minecraft Server on Your Mac
Ensure Java is Installed
Recent versions of macOS come with Java pre-installed. However, if
you’re using an older version of macOS (OS X), you might need to download Java separately
from the Apple website.
Select a Location for Your Server Files
Create a folder to store your Minecraft server files. You can place this
folder anywhere you prefer, such as on your desktop or in another location of your choice.
Download and Set Up the Minecraft Server
Software
- Download the Server Software: Get the Minecraft server .jar file from the Minecraft
website and save it to your chosen folder.
- Create a Startup Script:
- Open TextEdit and switch to plain text mode.
- Enter the following script, replacing minecraft_server.jar with your actual file
name:
#!/bin/bash cd "$(dirname "$0")" exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
- Save this file as start.command in the same folder as the server .jar file.
- Make the Script Executable:
- Open Terminal.
- Type `chmod a+x`followed by a space.
- Drag and drop the `start.command` file into the Terminal window and press Enter.
Set Up Port Forwarding on
Your Router
| Determine Need for Port Forwarding
| If you only want local players to connect, you can skip
this step. To allow players from outside your network, you’ll need to enable
port forwarding. |
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| Find Instructions | Check your router’s documentation for how to set up
port forwarding or visit PortForward.com for guides. |
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| Configure Port Forwarding: | - Log in to your router’s admin interface.
- Forward TCP port 25565 to your server’s local IP address.
- To find your server’s IP, open Terminal and type `ifconfig`.
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| Security Note | Be aware that opening ports can expose your network to
risks, so proceed with caution. |
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Start the Minecraft Server
To get your Minecraft server up and running, double-click the `start.
command`file you created. This action will open a Terminal window where you might
see some initial error messages—don't worry, that's normal. Once the server is active, you
can invite others to join by sharing your IP address. Local players can connect using your
local IP address, while players outside your network will need your public IP address. To
connect, players should navigate to "Multiplayer" in Minecraft, click "Add Server," enter a
server name and IP address (with port 25565), and then click "Done" to join your server.
Set Up a Minecraft Server on a Linux Host
If you prefer not to host a Minecraft server from home, using a Linux
hosting plan is a great alternative. This way, you avoid the hassle of managing hardware and
keep your home network private. For lighter use or testing, a Linux VPS from ServerMO is an
excellent option. However, if you anticipate high traffic or a large number of players, you
might want to opt for a dedicated Linux server from ServerMO. To get started, you’ll need to
connect to your Linux host via SSH.
Install Java on Your Linux Server
Once you’re logged into your Linux server as the root user via SSH,
follow these steps to install Java:
| List Available Java Packages: | apt-cache search openjdk
| This command will display available OpenJDK packages.
For this example, we'll use `openjdk-7-jdk`, the OpenJDK 7 Development
Kit. |
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| Update Package List: | apt-get update
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| Install Java: | apt-get install openjdk-7-jdk
| Confirm the installation by pressing “Y”when
prompted. |
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| Verify Installation: | java -version
| This command will show the installed Java version. |
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Create a Directory for Minecraft Server
Files
| Create the Directory: | mkdir minecraft
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| Change to the Directory: | cd minecraft
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This will create and navigate to a directory named
`minecraft`, where you can store your server files.
Install and Use Screen:
To set up your Minecraft server on a Linux host, first download the
server files to your designated directory using `wget`. Use the following command to
get the server software:
wget -O minecraft_server.jar https://s3.amazonaws.com/Minecraft.Download/versions/1.12.2/minecraft_server.1.12.2.jar
For the latest version, check the official Minecraft download page.
Next, install screen to ensure your server runs smoothly in the background even when you're
not connected. Install screen with:
yum install screen
After installing, start a new `screen`session by typing screen
and press Enter. This setup allows you to manage the Minecraft server without needing to
stay connected to your SSH session.
Launching and Configuring Your Minecraft
Server on Linux
To start your Minecraft server on
Linux, run the following command in your terminal:java -Xmx512M -Xms512M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
You can adjust the memory allocation by changing `-Xmx`and
`-Xmx`parameters. For example, use -Xmx1G -Xms1Gto allocate 1GB of RAM. Ensure
the settings fit your hosting plan's resources. Once the server starts, stop it by typing
`stop`. Edit the `server.properties`file to include
`enable-query=true`, save the file, and restart your server. Finally, use a Minecraft
Server Status Checker to verify that your server is publicly accessible.
Connect a Domain to Your Minecraft Server
Make it easier for players to join your Minecraft server by using a
domain name instead of an IP address. To do this, update your domain’s DNS settings with an
“A” record that points to your server’s IP address. You can set this up for the main domain
or a subdomain like "mc." Remember, DNS changes may take up to 24 hours to be updated
everywhere.
