A Guide to Installing Minecraft Server on Windows

By Heidy RamirezJune 4th 2021

Written by: Suparna Ganguly

Are you a Minecraft buff?

So, why not get your gaming friends to connect with your own Minecraft server on your Windows PC?

With a Minecraft server, you can host the game software for all of your friends. You don’t have to look around to play your favorite game and you can build blocks at your own machine.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn the steps to install Minecraft Server on Windows, what are the requirements and will be able to get Minecraft. Now, let’s start.

Minecraft Server Prerequisites

You’ll need the system requirements given below:

A Windows 10 server or desktop
4GB RAM
An active network connection with an unlimited bandwidth plan

To boost your server performance, you need a hulking and faster CPU to meet the multiplayer server demands.

Installing Minecraft Server on Windows

#1: Download Java on Windows 10

Download the latest Java from this site on your Windows 10 desktop.

Open the .exe file. Press the Install button.

Then, restart your PC after the installation is finished.

Best Tip: Use the latest version of Java to get the best out of your Java. And always update the java you’re using.

#2: Download Minecraft Server

Download Minecraft Server from their official website.

Minecraft Vanilla JAR file will be downloaded to your computer. And it’ll be saved to your Downloads folder.

Alternately, you can download Minecraft Server from the Bukkit or Forge project. However, in that case, the installation steps and running JARs might be different.

Now, navigate to the Downloads folder. Transfer the Minecraft folder to a suitable location of your choice. We recommend having a dedicated folder on your Windows 10 desktop computer for the Minecraft server.

#3: Extract Files from Minecraft JAR

To extract files on your Windows 10 PC from the Minecraft JAR file, double click on it.

It’ll extract files that we require before going ahead with the server.

#4: Set Up the Server Properties

Once the files are extracted, start configuring the files.

Open Minecraft EULA, at first. You need to agree to the EULA document before running Minecraft. So, open eula.txt file and Accept the user license agreement. Change eula=false to eula=true and save the file.

Adjust server settings from server.properties file. Make all the changes required. Then, save the file.

Want to know the process of adjusting the server settings?

Well, server.properties file determines all the essential settings, such as memory, server port, and game settings. Port 25565 is the pre-determined server port.

#5: Run the Minecraft Java File

To run the Minecraft java file, open the Minecraft file on your Windows 10 computer.

This file is the same as the one we opened for extracting files earlier in step 3.

#6: Allow Access

Then, hit the “Allow access” button to allow the Minecraft Server to operate in the firewall.

#7: Review and Connect with Minecraft Server

When your Minecraft server install becomes successful, a Minecraft stats window appears as shown below.

If your local PC is unable to keep up with the details needed for running a multiplayer server, you need a cloud server for a better experience.

Once your cloud server is installed, connect to it from your Minecraft server.

Always choose “Multiplayer” and click “Add Server”.

You need to enter the info required and you’re “Done”.

Want to know your Minecraft server IP address? Google is where you need to go and type “what’s my IP” in the search.

If your friends are unable to reach out, give access to port 25565 from the router. Your home IP address keeps on changing, so provide the updated connection info to your gaming partners. However, if you’re on a cloud server you can keep the same IP always.

Hit that Play button, now, and start playing!