How to Host a Minecraft Server on Your PC

spunkyinsaanJune 15, 2025

0 8 6 minutes read

Before we get to the steps, let me share why I decided to host my own Minecraft server. I got tired of laggy public servers and random players griefing my builds. Running my own server gave me full control, I could invite only my friends, add cool mods, and set rules that made the game more fun. Plus, it’s super rewarding to see your server come to life! You’ll need a decent PC, a stable internet connection, and some patience, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 1: Check Your PC and Internet Requirements

When I first decided to host a Minecraft server, I had to make sure my PC could handle it. A Minecraft server needs a decent computer and a reliable internet connection, especially if you want multiple players. Your PC should have at least 4GB of RAM (8GB is better), a modern processor like an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and enough storage for the game files about 2GB to start, more if you add mods. I learned the hard way that my old laptop with 2GB of RAM couldn’t keep up, so I upgraded to a desktop with 16GB, and it runs smoothly now.

Your internet speed is just as important. For a server with 5–10 players, you need at least 10 Mbps upload and download speeds. I tested mine using a site like Speedtest.net, and my 50 Mbps connection works great. If you’re in the US or other English-speaking countries, most home internet plans are fast enough, but double-check with your provider. You’ll also need Java installed, as Minecraft servers run on it. I downloaded the latest Java version from java.com, which is free and easy to install. Make sure your firewall allows Java to run, or you might hit connection issues later. If your PC or internet isn’t up to par, consider upgrading or using a hosting service instead, but hosting at home is free and super fun!

Step 2: Download and Install the Minecraft Server Software

Once I knew my PC could handle the server, I needed the right software. Minecraft offers an official server file that’s free to download from minecraft.net. Go to the “Minecraft Server” section, and you’ll find a file called server.jar. I downloaded it to a new folder on my desktop called “Minecraft Server” to keep things organized. This file is the heart of your server, so don’t skip this step!

Download Java – https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/
Download PaperMC – https://papermc.io/downloads/paper

@echo off
title Minecraft Server
java -jar server.jar nogui
pause

After downloading, I double-clicked the server.jar file, but it didn’t run at first because I needed Java. If you haven’t installed Java yet, go back to Step 1. Once Java was set up, I ran the file, and it created several new files in the folder, like eula.txt and server.properties. The EULA (End User License Agreement) file needs to be edited open it in a text editor like Notepad and change eula=false to eula=true to agree to Minecraft’s terms. I almost skipped this, and my server wouldn’t start until I fixed it! This step is straightforward but crucial, and it sets the foundation for your server. If you’re worried about picking the right version, stick with the latest stable release for 2025, as it’s optimized for performance and supports the newest Minecraft features.

Step 3: Configure Your Server Settings

Configuring the server was where I got to make it my own. The server.properties file, created after running server.jar, controls everything from game mode to player limits. I opened it with Notepad and spent some time tweaking settings. For example, I set gamemode=survival for a classic Minecraft experience, but you can choose creative or adventure depending on what you want. I also set max-players=10 since I only wanted a few friends to join.

One key setting is difficulty, which I set to normal for a balanced challenge. If you’re playing with younger players, you might want peaceful to avoid monsters. I also enabled pvp=true because my friends love battling, but you can turn it off if you prefer teamwork. Another tip: set a unique motd (message of the day) to welcome players mine says, Welcome to Harsh’s World It’s also worth checking online-mode=true to ensure only players with legit Minecraft accounts can join. This step took me about 20 minutes, but it’s fun to customize. Save the file after editing, and you’re ready to move on. If you mess up, don’t worry you can always reset the file and start over.

Step 4: Set Up Port Forwarding for Online Play

This step was the trickiest for me, but it’s essential if you want friends outside your home network to join. Minecraft servers use port 25565 by default, and you need to tell your router to allow connections to this port. I logged into my router by typing 192.168.1.1 into my browser (check your router’s manual for the exact address). Once logged in, I found the “Port Forwarding” section and added a new rule for port 25565, directing it to my PC’s local IP address. You can find your PC’s IP by typing ipconfig in the Command Prompt (Windows) and looking for the IPv4 address.

After setting this up, I tested it by asking a friend to join using my public IP address, which I found by Googling “what is my IP.” It worked, but I had to adjust my firewall to allow port 25565, too. If this sounds complicated, don’t stress most routers have guides online, and sites like portforward.com have step-by-step instructions for specific models. This step ensures your server is accessible, so take your time to get it right. Once it’s done, your friends can join from anywhere!

Step 5: Launch and Test Your Server

Now for the fun part starting the server! I double-clicked the server.jar file again, and a console window popped up showing the server loading. It took a minute, but once it said “Done,” I knew it was ready. I opened Minecraft, clicked “Multiplayer,” then “Add Server,” and typed localhost as the address since I was hosting on my PC. The server appeared, and I joined without issues!

To make sure everything worked, I invited a couple of friends to connect using my public IP address. They joined, and we started building right away. I also checked the console for errors sometimes, if settings are wrong, it’ll show warnings. If you see errors, double-check your server.properties file or port forwarding. I also recommend installing a simple mod like CraftBukkit if you want extra features, but the vanilla server is great for beginners. This step felt amazing because my server was finally live! Keep the console window open while playing, or your server will shut down.

Step 6: Maintain and Enhance Your Server

Once my server was running, I focused on keeping it fun and stable. I back up the server folder weekly to avoid losing our builds trust me, you don’t want to lose hours of work! I also added mods like WorldEdit to make building easier, but be careful mods need compatible versions, and you’ll need to update them for Minecraft 1.21 or later in 2025. I check minecraft.net for updates regularly.

To keep players engaged, I set up events like building contests or PvP tournaments. You can also install plugins for economy systems or minigames if you use a server type like Spigot. I learned to monitor RAM usage, too more players or mods can slow things down, so consider closing other programs on your PC. Finally, be patient with troubleshooting. When my server lagged, I found help on forums like Reddit and Minecraft’s official wiki. With these tips, my server’s been running smoothly for months, and my friends love it!

Minecraft Server Requirements Table

Requirement	Details
PC Specs	4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended), Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 2GB free storage
Internet Speed	10 Mbps upload/download for 5–10 players
Software	Latest Java version, Minecraft server file (`server.jar`)
Port Forwarding	Port 25565 opened on router and firewall
Minecraft Version	Use the latest stable release (e.g., 1.21 in 2025)

Summary

Hosting a Minecraft server on my PC was one of the coolest projects I’ve tackled. It’s not just about playing it’s about creating a world where you set the rules. By following these steps, you’ll have your server up in no time.