As of February 2017, Minecraft was the second-most popular video game in the world, with over 121 million copies sold.
Launching your own private Minecraft server is an additional option if you’re interested in getting the full Minecraft experience. You are free to design your own Minecraft world when using a private server.
We’re going to demonstrate how to do that in this article. On this page, we’ll examine how to create a Minecraft server using a Windows computer, a Mac, and a Linux hosting package. Please be aware that the prices in this article are accurate as of publication. Parents, if you’re looking for family-friendly projects, consider making your own family website using
How to Set Up Your Minecraft Server
A video demonstrating how to set up a Minecraft server can be found below, followed by written setup instructions. Good luck!.
PC Setup Instructions:
Since Minecraft is a Java-based game, our first step is to make sure you have the latest version of Java. If you dont, download Java here.
Need Help Troubleshooting? Refer to the Minecraft online server set up Wiki article. PLEASE NOTE: Some solutions to server issues require adjusting critical settings on your computer. If this is done improperly, you can damage your computer.
Next, youll need the server files. You can get these for free from the official Minecraft site: 1. Go to the Minecraft Server Downloads page and download minecraft_server.1.11.jar. 2. Once the download finishes, copy minecraft_server.1.11.jar into a new folder on your desktop and call this folder “Minecraft Server”. 3. Double-click minecraft_server.1.11.jar to run it.
Along with it, you’ll see some new files appear in the folder.
A new version of Minecraft will eventually be released, so “1 11” will be referring to an older download since that is the version that was available when these instructions were first written. The instructions above and below should still be applicable despite this, but just be aware that “1 11” will be changed to the new version number, if one exists.
Save as a Batch File to Run Server
1. Right-click inside the Server folder where you put the Minecraft_Server. 1. 11. jar. 2. Select “New” > “Text Document. ” 3. Name the new document “Run. ” 4. Inside the Notepad document, paste the following line:
1 cmd /k java ‐Xms1G ‐Xmx1G ‐jar minecraft_server.1.11.jar
Change “minecraft_server” if you’re using a different version of the server. 1. 11. jar” to match the name of the version youre using.
Now, “Save As” a batch file, a file that Windows uses to execute commands from the command line.
5. Click “File” > “Save As. ” 6. In the field “Save as Type,” select “All Files. ” 7. Set the file name to “Run. bat”.
Important: Make sure you remove the . txt at the end of the filename.
Agree to the EULA
A license agreement will be presented, and you must accept it before starting a Minecraft server. Youll need to edit the file eula. txt to indicate that you agree.
You can read the EULA here or by copying and pasting the text from the file.
2. Change the line eula=false to eula=true.
Launch Your Server
Now youre ready to launch your server!
Double-click “Run.bat” and your server will launch.
A window will appear with some info about your server. Your server is up and players can connect as long as you leave this window open!
Even when you are not in-game, your server still provides you with some information to keep you informed of what is happening.
1. In the Stats panel, you can see how much memory the server is utilizing. 2. In the Players panel, you can see who is currently logged into the server. 3. The Log and Chat panel displays server messages and player chats. 4. To enter server commands, use the field on the bottom right.
Server Commands allow advanced users more control over their server. You can find a list of all possible commands here.
Join Your Server
Now its time to join your Minecraft server!
1. Run Minecraft. 2. On the main menu, click “Multiplayer. ” 3. Click “Add Server. ” 4. Name your server in the “Server Name” field. 5. Type “localhost” in the “Server Address” field. 6. Click “Done. ” 7. Select your server and click “Join Server. “.
You should be able to access your home server at this point. The internet connection will then be configured so that other players can connect to it.
Forward Your Ports
The process then requires you to modify your router’s settings so that other people can access your computer through it. Everyone’s experience with this process will vary because it depends on the type of router they have.
1. Before you begin, read this page on portforward.com that offers some basic information on port forwarding. 2. Go to this link for a list of port forwarding guides. 3. Select your routers make and model from the list and follow the instructions provided.
If you are unable to locate your router on the list on that website, here are a few things to try:
If you can find your manufacturer but not the model:
For the closest number to your model that you can find, try the directions. Theyre often similar processes.
Go online and type “port forwarding” and the model of your router.
Ask the router’s customer service how to forward ports.
Find Your External IP Address
Finding your external IP is necessary after you have forwarded your ports.
1. Open a browser and go to google. com 2. Press “Enter” or “Return” after entering “external ip” in the search field. ” 3. Google will tell you your external IP address.
You will have an IPv4 or IPv6 external IP address, and it will resemble one of the examples listed below:
- Sample IPv4 address: 12.34.456.789
- Sample IPv6 address: 2001:0db8:0a0b:12f0:0000:0000:0000:0001
When you discover your external IP address, write it down because you’ll require it to allow others to connect to your server.
Connect to Your Server
Since you have port-forwarding enabled, other players can now access your connection by using your external IP address. Have players joining your server follow the steps below: 1. In Minecraft, click “Multiplayer. ” 2. Click “Add Server. ” 3. Enter a server name. 4. Enter the server address.
Your external IP address will be listed here, followed by the port number 25565. This will resemble the address shown to the right.
Put [] characters around your IPv6 address if you have one, like this: [2001:0db8:0a0b:12f0:0000:0000:0000:0001]:25565.
5. Click Done. Minecraft will now try to connect to the server. Once connected, select the server and click Join Server.
You can invite players to join your Minecraft server by providing them with your external IP address. Make sure that you trust whomever you invite to play. Its safest only to invite people you know. Ask your parents before inviting new players to join.
Adjust the server.properties File
Additionally, you can modify some game settings by using the Server file located in the Server folder. properties.
By editing the lines in the file with any text editor, you can modify the properties of your Minecraft world.
The most common properties you might change are:
- Change gamemode=0 to gamemode=1 to activate the creative mode on your server.
- Change this value to increase or decrease the maximum number of players that can simultaneously join your server (20).
You can find a reference for all the options available on the Minecraft Wiki.
Editing Server Properties: Nothing in this file needs to be changed in order for your server to function. Do not alter the file unless you are certain of what you are doing.
You must download the server software from Minecraft and use port forwarding to grant others access to your server. Always ask your parents’ permission before setting up an online server.
Try This! Dont forget that you can double-check steps and get more information on setting up servers here.
For those with a mac, you can find instructions here.
If you follow these instructions, you’ll be able to create your own Minecraft server where you, your children, and their friends can all play together. You can share your connection information with anyone you know and invite them to work together and create in your world.
You’ll be surprised at how much kids can do when they collaborate if you create a server, so be sure to log in occasionally to see what the players are building.
And don’t forget that with our brand-new online private lesson, “Minecraft Server Development,” you can advance your child’s abilities by teaching them how to run a Minecraft server, upload maps, and improve their organization and design skills. And be sure to check out any of our wildly popular Roblox coding classes and Minecraft summer camps offered both online and on-site at esteemed campuses across the nation.
With more than 20 years of experience and a history of outstanding student outcomes, iD Tech is a wise investment for the future of your child. Regardless of their age—7, 19, or somewhere in between—we have developed a system that will take them from complete beginners to college-bound experts.
You Might Also Like:
iD Tech is the #1 tech camp on the planet, and world leader in youth STEM education, with programs held online and at 75+ global locations offering 50+ innovative tech courses:
We staked our reputation on hiring the best teachers in the nation. Our small classes allow for individualized instruction, resulting in “a-ha” moments and fantastic results. Programs include:
How to Make a Minecraft Server
FAQ
How can I create my own server in Minecraft?
the following instructions to have users join your server:open Minecraft and select “Multiplayer “Click “Add Server. “Enter a server name. Enter the server address. Your external IP address will be listed here, followed by the port number 25565. This will resemble the address shown in the right-hand image. Click Done.
How do I make a 1.17 server?
The simplest method for setting up a Minecraft server 17 “Caves and Cliffs” updateStep 1: Download the 1. 17 Minecraft server jar. Step 2: Launch the downloaded Jar file, and accept the End User License Agreement. Step 4: Modify server settings, agree to the EULA, and start the server
Can I create a Minecraft server for free?
If you’d like to make a free Minecraft server, Mojang has provided free server software that you can use to build your own private server for the Java version of the game. You can download this from the Minecraft website, but the setup and server-running instructions could use more explanation.