How to make a Minecraft Server
[Step-by-step Guide 2020]

While there is plenty of fun to be had playing Minecraft solo, collaborating with friends brings the game to a whole new level. Whether you face the wither or build an enderman farm together, you will need a server that can be updated as you grow. 

How to Make a Minecraft Server 

While there will be minor differences depending on if you are making your Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, or Linux, these are the basic steps you will need to complete:

Step 1: Download latest version of Java

Step 2: Choose file location for Minecraft server folders

Step 3: Download and run Minecraft server software

Step 4: Setup port forwarding on your router

Step 5: Run the Minecraft server

Things to Know Before You Setup a Minecraft Server

Before you build your own Minecraft server, there are a few technical things of which you should have a fundamental understanding. You should be comfortable with the following networking and computer concepts in order to build and manage your server: 

• The configuration of your system
• How to use the command line
• The configuration of your network
• IP, DHP, and port networking
• The configuration of your router 

Running a Server From Home vs Buying Hosting

Hosting your own home-based server means that people can potentially find your IP-address and ultimately be able to hack into your entire system. If you are concerned about exposing your network to anyone out there, you could look into finding a good hosting provider instead. 

Here are some advantages of using a third-party hosting program:

• You don’t have to worry about replacing equipment periodically or managing the hardware
• If something goes wrong, you can check with expert support to help you troubleshoot
• Hosted servers are already set up and are easy to use and manage

What to Look For in a Minecraft Server Host

Here are a few key elements you should look for when signing up for the best Minecraft server hosting:

• Quality server - find a server that is the right balance between the best quality and what you can afford. Many people seek out “the best deal” but will end up experiencing lag or other server issues throughout their gameplay. 
• Simple set up and UI - using a server host can save you a lot of time, especially if that host 
• Good location - the location of your server can have a big impact on the latency and server quality. For the best results, find a host that services your area or a central area for you and your friends. 
• Good reputation - read reviews about the host to find out if people have experienced issues with them. Minecraft takes a lot of time and you want to use that time to have fun progressing in the game, not dealing with server issues.
• RAM, SSD, and CPU - look for decent specs to boost your server’s overall performance. Find a server that balances the importance of all three.

Requirements to Create a Minecraft Server

These are the minimum spec requirements you should have when building your own Minecraft server.

• The latest version of your operating system (such as Windows 10)
• A minimum of 4GB or RAM (8GB is recommended)
• A wired connection 
• Good/Unlimited Bandwidth - each player on Minecraft can use up to 100MB per hour. Make sure to have the coverage you need. 

Best Minecraft Server Setup 

Here are a few idea on how you can improve your overall Minecraft server experience:

• Unless you have a powerful system, try to avoid playing Minecraft on the same machine you are using as your hosting machine. Otherwise, you could experience issues with your gameplay. 
• Use an ethernet cable to wire your server’s connection to avoid wireless. Wired connections are always more reliable. 
• Using a desktop computer will give you your best results.

Make a Minecraft Server on Windows PC

Once you have the hardware you need in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Windows PC. Complete the following:

Step 1. Download or update the latest version of Java

If you don’t have the latest version of Java on your system, you will need to download it or upgrade it. To update it, complete the following:

• Open Windows Control Panel
• Find Java under the Programs section 
• Click the “Update Now” button. 

You can also use the command prompt “java -version” to see a version number to determine if it needs to be updated. 

Step 2: Choose file location for Minecraft server folders

Create a dedicated folder for your server files on your computer. It can be anywhere that has enough RAM, whether it be your Documents folder or on your Desktop. Creating a folder ahead of time will make it easier for you to save all the configuration files in the same place. 

Step 3: Download and run Minecraft server software

After you have set up your file, it is time to download the server software from Minecraft’s webpage. Download the Java.jar file to your chosen folder. When it finishes, double-click the file to create the configuration files and start the server. To modify the configuration files, complete the following:

• Accept the EULA - If you don’t accept the RULA, your Minecraft server won’t run. To accept it, you must open the text file called eula.txt, locate the text “eula=false” and change it to “eula=true.” 
• Run the server as an admin - occasionally, you may encounter the error “Can’t save server properties.” To avoid this, you will need to run the server as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the file and choose “Run as Administrator.”

Step 4: Setup port forwarding on your router

You will only need to perform this step if you want to play with people throughout the world. The step can be skipped if you are playing with friends on a local network. To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps:

• For specific step-by-step instructions, you should refer to the manual that came with your router. If you no longer have it in your possession, you can generally find a PDF copy online. When running a Minecraft server, the RCO port you need to forward your device to is the following: 25565.
• Locate your local IP address so that you can enter it as the Output IP or Server IP for the port you are forwarding. You can find your local IP address by entering “ipconfig” as a command prompt. This action will let your router know which device to forward to. 

Warning: there is a potential security risk when port forwarding.

Step 5: Run the Minecraft server

You will need to open the Windows command prompt to start up the Minecraft server. Find the Minecraft server .jar file in your designated folder, then enter the following command (make sure to replace the server section with the actual file name of your server):

• java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar {server file name} nogui

 You can also use the following command if you would prefer to use the server’s UI

• java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar {server file name} 

If you want to batch the commands together, you can create a .bat file. 

Setup a Minecraft Server on Mac

With your hardware in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Mac. Complete the following steps: 

Step 1: Download Legacy Version of Java is Using Older MacOS

If you are running an older version of MacOS, you may need to download the legacy version of Java on your computer. Newer versions of MacOS include the program automatically.

Step 2: Choose File Location for Minecraft Server Folders

Create a folder on your computer where you will want to store your files. The location of this file is up to you, whether it be within your documents or on your immediate desktop. Name the folder something you will remember in the event that you need to access it later on. Having a designated file allows you to keep things organized.

Step 3: Download and Run Minecraft Server Software

Visit Minecraft’s server software page on their website and download the Java .jar file to the folder you set up in step two. 

Open TextEdit and change the format to “plain text” so that you can input this code (remember to change the file name part to your server’s file name):

#!/bin/bash

cd "$(dirname "$0")"

exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar {server file name} nogui

After the command has been inputted, you will need to save the file as “start.command” in the sake folder as the .jar file. When that is finished, open the Terminal to grant permissions to run the start.command file. Here’s how:

• After opening the terminal, input “chmod a+x” with a space after the x. 
• Drag the start.command file over into the terminal window and drop it after the command, then press enter. 

Step 4: Setup Port Forwarding on Your Router

You will only need to perform this step if you want to play with people throughout the world. The step can be skipped if you are playing with friends on a local network. To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps:

• For specific step-by-step instructions, you should refer to the manual that came with your router. If you no longer have it in your possession, you can generally find a PDF copy online. When running a Minecraft server, the RCO port you need to forward your device to is the following: 25565.
• Locate your local IP address so that you can enter it as the Output IP or Server IP for the port you are forwarding. You can find your local IP address by entering “ipconfig” as a command prompt. This action will let your router know which device to forward to. 

Warning: there is a potential security risk when port forwarding.

Step 5: Run the Minecraft Server

Locate the “start.command” file in your Minecraft Server folder and double-click on it to open the Terminal Window. Users will frequently encounter an error message on their first attempt to run the server. Try again until the Terminal opens. 

How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server

When your server is running properly, it is time to invite your friends to come punch trees with you. If they are on your home network, they should be able to connect through your local IP address. 

If your friends aren’t part of your home network, you will need to send them your external IP address. To find your IP address, all you need to do is search “my ip address” on Google.

You can also check the Minecraft Server Status Checker to make sure your server is live. All you need to do is input your public IP address to see the results.