Gaming · Platform not recorded
Set Up a Minecraft Java Edition Server at Home
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Minecraft provides free Java Edition server software, but hosting it yourself is not a free managed-server service. It requires a computer to host it, Java for the server, and careful home-network changes. Minecraft warns that private home-server networking is at your own risk.
Confirm the edition
Use this procedure only for Minecraft: Java Edition. Minecraft says the official Java server software is not compatible with Bedrock Edition.
Decide whether home hosting fits
Read Minecraft's warning before changing a home network. Use Realms instead if you need a managed private server, or stop if you cannot safely manage a private home server.
Download the official server file
Open Minecraft's server download page and download the current Java Edition server file. Do not download a server JAR from a mirror or a video description.
Create a server folder
Create a dedicated folder for the downloaded server file. Keep it separate from your single-player worlds so you can identify server files and backups clearly.
Check Java for the host
On the host computer, use the command Minecraft documents to check whether Java is available before starting the server. This Java requirement is for the self-hosted server, not a reason to modify a normal Minecraft Launcher installation.
Start and accept the server agreement
Run the server from the dedicated folder. After the first run creates the EULA file, read it, change the agreement value only if you accept it, save, and start the server again.
Share access carefully
Minecraft strongly advises against publishing a home public IP. Share access only with people you trust, and consult the router maker's documentation before any port-forwarding change.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If Java is not available on the host, resolve that requirement before changing router settings. A Java Edition server cannot start without a working Java runtime.
- Do not expose the server publicly just to test whether it works. Test locally first, then limit any remote access to trusted players.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
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