A User-Friendly Guide to Create a Free Minecraft Server

PDF download Download Article
An in-depth guide to create a Minecraft: Java Edition server without spending money
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to host a free multiplayer Minecraft server for yourself and your friends? If you have Java, you'll be able to download and edit the server setup needed to customize your own server. To allow friends to join you, you'll need to set up port forwarding and share your IP address. Be sure to only share this information with trusted individuals. This wikiHow will show you how to make a Minecraft: Java Edition server for free using your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.

Things You Should Know

  • Download the server setup for Minecraft. Create a "Server" folder on your desktop.
  • Change "eula.txt" agreement from "false" to "true", then run "sever.jar" again. Customize your settings.
  • You must set up port forwarding on your router to host friends outside of your Wi-Fi network.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Creating the Server

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server in a web browser and download the latest version update. [1]
    • The download will have a file named "server.jar".
    • This method will only work with the Java Edition of Minecraft.
    • Make sure you have Java installed on your computer.
  2. Create a new folder . Name it Server or another name that will help you differentiate it. This folder will be for your Minecraft server. For easy access, create the folder on your desktop. You can always change its location later.
    • On Windows, right-click the desktop → New → Folder .
    • On Mac, click a blank spot on your desktop → File → New Folder .
    Advertisement
  3. Locate your recent downloads on your computer to find the "server.jar" file.
    • Click and drag the file into the Server folder.
  4. This will run the file.
    • As the file runs, you'll see new files appear in the Server folder:
      • logs folder
      • eula.txt
      • server.properties
  5. A text file will open with an agreement.
  6. The end of your text agreement should look like: eula=true .
  7. This will save your agreement.
  8. This will run the file again and open the Minecraft server application window.
    • As the file runs, Windows Defender Firewall may pop-up with a block warning.
      • Check the box to allow Private networks, such as my home or work network .
      • Click Allow access .
  9. You can see the progress in the Log and chat section on the right of the window.
    • It will take some time to prepare the spawn area. Do not close the Minecraft server window.
    • When it's finished, you should see the following files in the Server folder:
      • logs folder
      • world folder
      • banned-ips.json
      • banned-players.json
      • eula.txt
      • ops.json
      • server.jar
      • server.properties
      • usercache.json
      • whitelist.json
    10. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Configuring the Server

PDF download Download Article
  1. Right-click server.properties → click Open with → click More apps → select Notepad → click OK . On Mac, the program will be TextEdit .
    • Make sure the box is checked for Always use this app to open .properties files .
    • The server.properties file will open. This is where you can edit your game settings.
  2. In the server.properties file, you'll see a list of settings you can edit.
    • Change your server name by editing motd=A Minecraft Server into motd=Your Server Name .
    • If you want to turn a setting on, delete false and replace with true .
    • To turn a setting off, delete true and replace with false .
    • For other settings,
    • When finished, click File → Save . Close the server.properties file.
  3. You'll need to restart the server for some of the setting changes to take effect.
    • Click the X in the corner, then double-click server.jar again.
  4. Click the Minecraft Launcher, then Play to open Minecraft.
    • Make sure you run the same version of Minecraft as the server setup.
  5. This will be underneath Singleplayer .
  6. This will be next to Direct Connection .
  7. This will work for yourself and other people on your Wi-Fi network.
    • If desired, you can enter a name under Server Name .
  8. The server will be added underneath the Play Multiplayer header. If you have other servers added, you may need to scroll down to find yours.
  9. You'll begin to connect to your server.
    • You can now start building and exploring.
  10. Once you're loaded into your server's world, you can set your character as the admin.
    • Switch to the "Minecraft server" application window. This should always be running in the background as you host your server.
    • In the "Log and chat" field, enter op [username] and press Enter .
      • If your username is "player_one", the command should look like op player_one .
    • You'll see the success prompt: "Made player_one a server operator".
  11. Invite other players (optional). To play with others, you must set up port forwarding on your router. Once this is completed, you'll be able to find and share the server address.
    • Find your IP address.
      • If you don't know your IP address, open Google and search "what is my ipv4 address".
      • You'll see your public IP address in the search results.
    • Find your server port number.
      • Open the "server.properties" file.
      • Locate server-port . In most cases, the number will be 25565 .
    • Find your complete server address. This will be your IP address and server port number separated by a colon (:).
      • For example, this will look like 77.232.22.133:25565 .
    • Friends will need to launch Minecraft, click Multiplayer → Direct Connection → input 77.232.22.133:25565 .
    • You'll now be able to play Minecraft with your friends.
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do I need to pay if I create a server with these methods?
    Community Answer
    No. These methods are free. However, if you want simpler, easier to work with servers, then you will have to pay on a different website.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 35 Helpful 85
  • Question
    How do I make it creative?
    Community Answer
    You can go into the "Server Command" section on Home in your Dashboard, and type /gamemode c@p.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 70
  • Question
    What happens if I don't port forward?
    Community Answer
    Nothing. It will simply give a request refused error as if you didn't have a Minecraft Server at all.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 62
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      14 Ways to Troubleshoot Server Connection Error in Minecraft
      How to
      Host a Minecraft Server
      How to
      Portforward Minecraft
      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server With Hamachi
      How to
      Update a Minecraft Server
      How to
      Create a Minecraft PE Server
      How to
      Make a Cracked Minecraft Server
      How to
      Play Minecraft Multiplayer
      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server on a Mac
      How to
      Connect to the Mineplex Server on Minecraft
      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server for Your Friends and You
      How to
      Make a Personal Minecraft Server
      How to
      Join a Minecraft Server
      How to
      Set Up a Tekkit Server
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to https://www.minehut.com .
      2. Create an account.
      3. Enter a name for the server.
      4. Select a server type and click Create .
      5. Click Dashboard .
      6. Click Activate Server .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 963,404 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement