1. System Requirements#

• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64‑bit)
• RAM: At least 8 GB total (system + server usage)
• Storage: Minimum 10 GB free space
• Network: Stable internet connection

2. Software You’ll Need#

• Java Runtime Environment (JRE / JDK)
• Minecraft server core file (jar)
• Text editor (Notepad++ or VS Code recommended, but regular Notepad works too)

Option A: Official JDK (Recommended)#

1. Visit the Oracle download page

   • https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/
   • Alternatively, use the open‑source OpenJDK: https://adoptium.net/

2. Pick the right version

   • Minecraft 1.17 and below → Java 8 or Java 11
   • Minecraft 1.18 – 1.20.4 → Java 17
   • Minecraft 1.20.5 and above → Java 21

   Recommendation: If you’re unsure, download Java 17 – it’s the most compatible across versions.

3. Download the installer

   • Choose Windows x64 Installer (.exe) and download it.

4. Run the installer

   • Double‑click the .exe, click “Next”, and keep the default installation path.

5. Verify the installation

   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
   • Run this command:

     1
     java -version
     

   • You should see something like:

     1
     java version "17.0.x" 202x-xx-xx LTS
     2
     Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 17.0.x+x-LTS-x)
     3
     Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 17.0.x+x-LTS-x, mixed mode, sharing)
     

     If you see that, Java is installed correctly.

Option B: Microsoft Store (Simpler)#

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for “Java” or “OpenJDK”.
3. Pick a version and install it.
4. Verify with java -version as above.

1. Choose Your Game Version#

Decide which Minecraft version you want to run. Popular choices:

• 1.20.1 – Stable, lots of mod support
• 1.19.4 – Relatively new
• 1.16.5 – Classic, well‑optimised
• 1.12.2 – Old but with a huge mod ecosystem

For beginners: Go with 1.20.1 – it has new features and is rock‑solid.

2. Download the Server Core File#

1. Create a Startup Script#

Inside your server folder (e.g., D:\MC_Server):

1. Right‑click in an empty space → New → Text Document.

2. Rename it to start.bat (make sure the extension is .bat, not .txt).
   If you don’t see file extensions, go to the folder’s View tab and check “File name extensions”.

3. Right‑click start.bat and open it with Notepad.

4. Paste the appropriate content based on your server type:

For Vanilla server:

1
@echo off
2
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar minecraft_server.1.20.1.jar nogui
3
pause

For Paper server:

1
@echo off
2
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar paper-1.20.1-xxx.jar nogui
3
pause

What these parameters mean:

• -Xms2G – initial RAM allocation (2 GB)
• -Xmx4G – maximum RAM (4 GB) – adjust based on your system
• -jar – the jar file to run
• nogui – disables the graphical interface (saves resources)
• pause – keeps the window open so you can see any errors

Memory allocation tips:

• 8 GB RAM total → -Xms2G -Xmx4G
• 16 GB RAM total → -Xms4G -Xmx8G
• 32 GB RAM total → -Xms8G -Xmx16G

Don’t allocate more than 70% of your physical RAM – otherwise your system will slow down.

2. Accept the EULA#

1. Double‑click start.bat to run it.
2. The server will start and then immediately close – that’s normal.
3. A new file called eula.txt will appear in the folder.
4. Open eula.txt in Notepad.
5. Find this line:

   1
   eula=false
   

6. Change it to:

   1
   eula=true
   

7. Save and close the file.

3. Launch the Server Properly#

1. Double‑click start.bat again.
2. This time the server will start normally and stay running.
3. Wait until you see a message like:

   1
   [Server thread/INFO]: Done (xx.xxxs)! For help, type "help"
   

4. That means your server is up and running!

Note: The first launch generates the world files – this may take a few minutes. Please be patient.

1. Edit server.properties#

1. Shut down the server (press Ctrl + C in the command window, or type stop and press Enter).
2. Open server.properties with Notepad or any text editor.
3. Here are the key settings and what they do:

1
# ===== Basic Settings =====
2
# Server port (default 25565 – usually leave as is)
3
server-port=25565
4

5
# Server name (shown in the server list)
6
motd=A Minecraft Server
7

8
# Maximum number of players
9
max-players=20
10

11
# Game mode: survival, creative, adventure, spectator
12
gamemode=survival
13

14
# Difficulty: peaceful, easy, normal, hard
15
difficulty=normal
16

17
# Enable PvP (player vs player)
18
pvp=true
19

20
# Allow flying (creative mode always allows it)
21
allow-flight=false
22

23
# World folder name
24
level-name=world
25

26
# World seed (leave blank for random)
27
level-seed=
28

29
# ===== Advanced Settings =====
30
# View distance (in chunks – higher = more lag)
31
view-distance=10
32

33
# Simulation distance
34
simulation-distance=10
35

36
# Generate structures (villages, fortresses, etc.)
37
generate-structures=true
38

39
# Enable command blocks
40
enable-command-block=false
41

42
# OP permission level (1–4)
43
op-permission-level=4
44

45
# Enable whitelist
46
white-list=false
47

48
# Online mode (authentication)
49
# true = only premium accounts can join
50
# false = offline / cracked accounts allowed
51
online-mode=true
52

53
# Max build height
54
max-build-height=256
55

56
# Allow the Nether
57
allow-nether=true
58

59
# Allow the End
60
allow-end=true
61

62
# Spawn animals
63
spawn-animals=true
64

65
# Spawn monsters
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spawn-monsters=true
67

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# Spawn NPC villagers
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spawn-npcs=true
70

71
# Spawn protection radius
72
spawn-protection=16
73

74
# Player idle timeout (minutes, 0 = disabled)
75
player-idle-timeout=0
76

77
# Network compression threshold
78
network-compression-threshold=256
79

80
# Enable query (for server status tools)
81
enable-query=false
82

83
# RCON remote console password (if you need remote control)
84
rcon.password=
85
rcon.port=25575

2. Important Settings Explained#

1
gamemode=survival          # Survival
2
gamemode=creative          # Creative
3
gamemode=adventure         # Adventure
4
gamemode=spectator         # Spectator

1
# Max players (adjust based on your PC and internet)
2
max-players=10
3

4
# Whitelist mode (only allowed players can join)
5
white-list=true
6

7
# After enabling whitelist, add players via console or in‑game:
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# /whitelist add PlayerName

1
# If all players have premium accounts, keep this on
2
online-mode=true
3

4
# If some friends use cracked launchers, turn this off
5
online-mode=false

1
# Custom seed (you can find nice ones online)
2
level-seed=123456789
3

4
# Or use a text seed
5
level-seed=village_at_spawn
6

7
# View distance (affects performance and visibility)
8
# Low‑end PC: 6–8
9
# Mid‑range: 10–12
10
# High‑end: 15–20
11
view-distance=10

3. Save and Apply Changes#

1. Save server.properties (Ctrl + S).
2. Restart your server by double‑clicking start.bat.
3. The new settings will take effect.

Local Connection (Same PC)#

1. Launch the Minecraft Java client.
2. Click Multiplayer.
3. Click Add Server or Direct Connect.
4. Enter localhost or 127.0.0.1 as the server address.
5. Click Done or Join Server.
6. You’re in!

LAN Connection (Other Devices on the Same Network)#

1. Find your local IP address:

   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
   • Run ipconfig and press Enter.
   • Look for the IPv4 Address – it will look like 192.168.1.100.

2. On the other device:

   • Open Minecraft.
   • Go to Multiplayer → Add Server.
   • Enter your IPv4 address as the server address, e.g., 192.168.1.100.
   • If you changed the port, use 192.168.1.100:25565.

Online Connection (Let Friends Join from the Internet)#

This requires port forwarding or tunneling – it’s a bit more advanced.

Common Console Commands#

In the server command window, you can type commands directly:

1
# Show help
2
help
3

4
# Stop the server gracefully
5
stop
6

7
# Save the world
8
save-all
9

10
# Disable auto‑save (for backups)
11
save-off
12
save-on        # Re‑enable auto‑save
13

14
# Grant OP (admin) privileges
15
op PlayerName
16

17
# Remove OP
18
deop PlayerName
19

20
# Ban a player
21
ban PlayerName
22

23
# Unban a player
24
pardon PlayerName
25

26
# List online players
27
list
28

29
# Change game mode (in‑game or console)
30
gamemode survival PlayerName
31
gamemode creative PlayerName
32

33
# Teleport
34
tp Player1 Player2
35

36
# Broadcast a message
37
say Hello everyone, welcome to the server!
38

39
# Set world spawn
40
setworldspawn
41

42
# List all game rules
43
gamerule
44

45
# Keep inventory on death
46
gamerule keepInventory true
47

48
# Set time
49
time set day
50
time set night
51
time set noon
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53
# Set weather
54
weather clear
55
weather rain
56
weather thunder

Managing Player Permissions#

1
# In console:
2
op Steve
3

4
# In‑game (if you're already OP):
5
/op Steve

1
# Enable whitelist
2
whitelist on
3

4
# Add players
5
whitelist add Steve
6
whitelist add Alex
7

8
# Remove a player
9
whitelist remove Steve
10

11
# List whitelisted players
12
whitelist list
13

14
# Reload the whitelist
15
whitelist reload

1
white-list=true

Installing Plugins (Paper / Spigot Only)#

If you’re using Paper or Spigot, you can add plugins to extend functionality.

1. Find plugins
   Popular repositories:

   • SpigotMC Resources
   • Bukkit Plugins

2. Recommended plugins for beginners:

   • EssentialsX – essential admin commands
   • WorldEdit – world editing tools
   • CoreProtect – block logging (anti‑griefing)
   • LuckPerms – advanced permissions
   • Vault – economy system foundation
   • Multiverse‑Core – multi‑world management

3. Installation:

   • Shut down the server.
   • Place the downloaded .jar plugin files into the plugins folder.
   • Start the server – plugins load automatically and generate config files.

4. Configuration:

   • Each plugin creates its own config folder inside plugins.
   • Edit the config files as needed.
   • Reload plugins: /reload or /pluginname reload (check the plugin’s docs).

Backing Up World Data#

Regular backups are essential!

1
@echo off
2
set backup_folder=D:\MC_Backup
3
set server_folder=D:\MC_Server
4
set date_str=%date:~0,4%%date:~5,2%%date:~8,2%_%time:~0,2%%time:~3,2%%time:~6,2%
5
set date_str=%date_str: =0%
6

7
if not exist "%backup_folder%" mkdir "%backup_folder%"
8

9
echo Backing up server...
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xcopy "%server_folder%\world" "%backup_folder%\world_%date_str%" /E /I /Y
11
xcopy "%server_folder%\world_nether" "%backup_folder%\world_nether_%date_str%" /E /I /Y
12
xcopy "%server_folder%\world_the_end" "%backup_folder%\world_the_end_%date_str%" /E /I /Y
13

14
echo Backup complete!
15
pause

1. JVM Tuning#

Modify your start.bat with advanced JVM flags for better performance:

1
@echo off
2
java -Xms4G -Xmx8G ^
3
     -XX:+UseG1GC ^
4
     -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled ^
5
     -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200 ^
6
     -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions ^
7
     -XX:+DisableExplicitGC ^
8
     -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch ^
9
     -XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 ^
10
     -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40 ^
11
     -XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M ^
12
     -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 ^
13
     -XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5 ^
14
     -XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4 ^
15
     -XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15 ^
16
     -XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90 ^
17
     -XX:G1RSetUpdatingPauseTimePercent=5 ^
18
     -XX:SurvivorRatio=32 ^
19
     -XX:+PerfDisableSharedMem ^
20
     -XX:MaxTenuringThreshold=1 ^
21
     -jar paper-1.20.1-xxx.jar nogui
22
pause

2. server.properties Optimisation#

1
# Lower view distance (biggest performance impact)
2
view-distance=8
3
simulation-distance=8
4

5
# Tune entity spawning
6
spawn-animals=true
7
spawn-monsters=true
8
spawn-npcs=true
9

10
# Disable unnecessary features
11
enable-command-block=false
12
spawn-protection=0
13

14
# Adjust tick rate (change with caution)
15
max-tick-time=60000

3. Pre‑Generate the World#

Use a plugin to pre‑generate chunks, reducing lag when players explore:

• Chunky plugin: https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/chunky.81534/

Commands:

1
/chunky radius 1000
2
/chunky start

4. Clean Up Unused Data#

Regularly remove:

• Offline player inventory data
• Old log files
• Outdated backups

1. Server Fails to Start#

Symptoms: start.bat opens and closes instantly.

Fixes:

• Verify Java is installed: java -version
• Check that the jar filename in start.bat matches the actual file name.
• Look at the log files in the logs folder.
• Make sure you’ve set eula=true in eula.txt.

2. Can’t Connect to Server#

Symptoms: “Connection timed out” or “Can’t connect to server”.

Fixes:

• Is the server actually running?
• Double‑check the IP address and port.
• Is Windows Firewall blocking port 25565?
• Test locally with localhost first.

To open Windows Firewall port:

1. Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings.
2. Inbound Rules → New Rule.
3. Port → TCP → Specific local ports: 25565.
4. Allow the connection.
5. Name the rule and save.

3. Server is Laggy#

Symptoms: TPS (ticks per second) drops below 20.

Fixes:

• Reduce view‑distance.
• Lower max‑players.
• Limit redstone and mob farms.
• Install optimisation plugins like ClearLag.
• Allocate more RAM (but not too much).
• Pre‑generate the world with Chunky.

4. Authentication Problems#

Symptom: Friends can’t join, getting “Failed to authenticate”.

Fixes:

• If everyone has premium accounts: keep online-mode=true.
• If some use cracked launchers: set online-mode=false.
• Remember that offline mode is less secure.

5. Port Already in Use#

Symptom: “Address already in use” error.

Fixes:

• Change server-port in server.properties to another number (e.g., 25566).
• Or find and kill the process using the port:

  1
  netstat -ano | findstr :25565
  2
  taskkill /PID process_id /F
  

6. World Corruption#

Symptom: Server fails with world loading errors.

Fixes:

• Restore from a backup.
• Use repair tools like MCEdit (older versions).
• Delete corrupted region files (last resort).