Fix Minecraft Java LAN World Not Showing on Windows
Source-checked · About 10 minutes
Answer
Put both Java Edition players on the same trusted home network and use the same current Minecraft version. The host opens Singleplayer > world > Esc > Open to LAN > Start LAN World. If a guest times out against a Windows host, close Minecraft and set only that trusted home connection to Private in Windows Network & Internet settings, then reopen the LAN world.
Use Java Edition on both computers, connect both to the same local network, and use the same current Minecraft version. A guest network or device-isolation feature may prevent local devices from seeing each other.
2
Open the host world to LAN
On the host, open Java Edition > Singleplayer, load the world, press Esc, select Open to LAN, choose the settings, and select Start LAN World.
3
Confirm the host port
Keep the host in the world and confirm that chat says Local game hosted on port followed by a number. The LAN session ends when the host leaves the world.
4
Join from Multiplayer
On the guest computer, open Java Edition > Multiplayer and select the LAN game when it appears. Success means the guest reaches the host's world.
5
Use Private only on a trusted home network
If the guest times out against a Windows host, close Minecraft on the host. Open Network & Internet settings > the home network's Properties > Network profile type, choose Private, then reopen the world to LAN. Do not do this on public Wi-Fi.
6
Check a remaining local block
If the game still does not appear, confirm the firewall or VPN is not blocking the recognized Minecraft or Java app. Allow the app on the trusted Private network instead of disabling the firewall or enabling Public-network access.
If it does not work
If the host never shows a port confirmation, reopen the world and select Start LAN World again.
If the devices are on different Wi-Fi networks, guest isolation, or a work or school network, automatic LAN discovery may be unavailable.
This workflow is for Java LAN play. Bedrock friend worlds use Microsoft accounts, Friends, and different multiplayer controls.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows PC, Minecraft Java Edition.
Source-checked against Minecraft's current Java LAN host/join and Windows network-profile guidance.
