Create a Minecraft server (Java & Bedrock): 2026 guide

TL;DR: there are two ways to create a Minecraft server: self-hosting (free but technical and constraining) and dedicated hosting (paid, simple, reliable). To play with friends without hassle, a host is the best option. At Lordhosting, Minecraft servers start at €3.99/month with a free 24h trial — no credit card required.

Millions of players want their own Minecraft server to play with friends, without depending on public servers. It's entirely doable, even without being an expert. Two methods exist:

• Self-hosting: you download the server software on your PC. Free but technical.
• Professional hosting: you rent an online server that runs 24/7 without keeping your PC on.

This guide covers both approaches, for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, with a focus on Windows.

⚙️ Method 1: create a Minecraft server on your PC (self-hosting)

Self-hosting means running the server directly on your machine. It's free, but it requires some configuration and important compromises.

Limits to know before starting:

• Your PC must stay on 24/7 while the server runs.
• Your internet connection (upload speed) must be enough for all connected players.
• You need to open a port on your router (port forwarding).
• Your public IP is exposed: DDoS risk if the server becomes popular.
• Technical configuration may discourage beginners.

Prerequisites for self-hosting

Before starting, check that you have:

• Java 17 or higher installed (required for Minecraft Java 1.17+) — see our guide which Java version for Minecraft
• 4 GB of RAM minimum on your PC (8 GB recommended if you play at the same time) — see how much RAM for a Minecraft server
• Port 25565 open on your router (TCP)
• A stable internet connection with good upload speed

For Java, download Eclipse Temurin 17 for free at adoptium.net.

Installation steps (Windows)

1. Download the server.jar file

Go to minecraft.net/download/server and download the server.jar file corresponding to the latest Java Edition version.

2. Create a dedicated folder

Create a new folder on your desktop or in your documents, for example MyMinecraftServer. Place the server.jar file inside.

3. Run server.jar for the first time

Double-click on server.jar (or run it via a command in command prompt). The server will generate configuration files and stop immediately.

4. Accept the EULA

Open the eula.txt file generated in the folder. Replace eula=false with eula=true and save. Without this, the server won't start.

5. Configure server.properties

Open server.properties with Notepad. You can modify the server name, max players, difficulty, etc. (see dedicated section below).

6. Start the server and connect

Restart server.jar. Once started, open Minecraft Java Edition and connect via localhost or 127.0.0.1.

7. Share your public IP with your friends

For friends to connect from outside, they need your public IP. Check whatismyip.com to find it. Don't forget to configure port 25565 forwarding on your router.

Create a Minecraft Bedrock server on PC

The procedure is similar for Bedrock, but with a different software: the Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS).

Download it at minecraft.net/download/server/bedrock. You get a .exe file (Windows) to launch directly — no Java needed.

The main technical difference: Bedrock uses port 19132 UDP (not 25565 TCP). Don't forget to open this port on your router. To go further, see our guide add addons to your Minecraft Bedrock server.

⚙️ Method 2: create a Minecraft server with a host (recommended)

A host rents you a server that runs continuously in a datacenter. You have nothing to install, no port to open, and your PC can be off.

Why choose a Minecraft host?

• Server available 24/7 without keeping your PC on
• No network configuration: no port forwarding, no Java to install
• Anti-DDoS protection included
• Automatic backups of your map
• Simple management panel: start/stop, install mods and plugins in 1 click
• Technical support available if needed

How to create your Minecraft server with a host: steps

1. Choose your plan based on the number of players

At Lordhosting, Minecraft plans are clearly calibrated based on allocated RAM and expected player count, starting from €3.99/month.

2. Choose your Minecraft version

Java or Bedrock, from 1.8 to 1.21: you select the version directly at order time.

3. Connect immediately

The server is delivered instantly after ordering. You receive an IP address to use directly in Minecraft.

4. Install mods, plugins and modpacks

From the management panel, install Forge, Fabric, PaperMC or any modpack in 1 click. No command line. To install Fabric, see our guide how to install Fabric on your Minecraft server.

5. Invite your friends

Just share the IP address provided. Your friends connect from anywhere, at any time. For a more professional touch, set up a custom IP (e.g. play.myserver.com).

⚙️ Java or Bedrock: which edition to choose for your server?

In summary:

• Choose Java if you play on PC and want access to the full mods ecosystem (Forge, Fabric, PaperMC). See which Minecraft framework to choose to make the right call.
• Choose Bedrock if your friends play on console or mobile: it's the only edition that allows cross-platform.

⚙️ Configure your Minecraft server: essential settings

The server.properties file centralizes all your server's parameters. Here are the most important ones:

max-players Maximum number of concurrent players. Default: 20. Adjust based on available RAM.

difficulty Game difficulty. Possible values: peaceful, easy, normal, hard. Default: easy.

gamemode Default game mode for new players: survival, creative, adventure, spectator.

online-modetrue = only official Minecraft accounts (premium) can connect. false = unofficial accounts accepted. Leave on true to avoid abuse.

view-distance Render distance in chunks (blocks loaded around the player). Default: 10. Reduce to 6-8 if the server lags.

white-listtrue = only whitelisted players can join. Useful for a private friends-only server. See our guide enable the Minecraft whitelist.

After each modification, restart the server for changes to take effect.

⚙️ Install mods and plugins on your Minecraft server

Two different things:

Mods modify the game deeply: new biomes, creatures, mechanics. They require Forge or Fabric on both server AND client side. Popular examples: Biomes O' Plenty, JourneyMap.

Plugins work server-side only: players don't need to install anything. They run on Spigot or PaperMC. Must-have examples: EssentialsX (basic commands), WorldEdit (advanced building), LuckPerms (permissions management).

With a host like Lordhosting, installation is 1-click from the panel. You choose your server type (Vanilla, Forge, Fabric, PaperMC, Spigot…) and install mods or plugins directly from the interface. If you hesitate between frameworks, our guide how to choose between Paper, Purpur, Spigot and Vanilla details the differences.

⚙️ How much does a Minecraft server cost?

Self-hosting seems free, but you have to factor in electricity (a PC on 24/7 consumes 50 to 200 W), hardware wear, and configuration time.

For the vast majority of players, a host starting at €3.99/month remains the best value for money.

See Minecraft server hosting plans →

⚙️ Going further: advanced servers and networks

For a more ambitious project, you can link multiple servers together with BungeeCord or Velocity (Minecraft proxy). That's how big networks like Hypixel or Mineplex work: one lobby server + several connected game servers. Check our guide BungeeCord: create a Minecraft network to get started.

⚙️ FAQ: create a Minecraft server

Is creating a Minecraft server free?

Yes, with self-hosting on your own PC. But it means leaving your computer on permanently, opening router ports and accepting some technical complexity. Hosts offer solutions starting at €3.99/month with no constraints.

How many players can a Minecraft server host?

It mainly depends on available RAM:

• 2 GB → 2 to 5 players
• 4 GB → 10 to 20 players
• 8 GB and more → 50 players and beyond

For precise sizing based on your modpack, see how much RAM for a Minecraft server.

Can you create a Minecraft server without keeping your PC on?

Yes, that's exactly what a host allows. The server runs in a datacenter 24/7, regardless of whether your PC is off.

What's the difference between Java and Bedrock for a server?

Java is reserved for PC players and offers a very rich mods ecosystem. Bedrock allows cross-platform (PC, console, mobile) but with fewer available mods. The two editions are incompatible with each other.

How do you invite friends to your Minecraft server?

Just share the server IP. With a host, this IP is provided automatically at delivery. With self-hosting, friends use your public IP (visible on whatismyip.com).

Can you install mods on a hosted Minecraft server?

Yes. At Lordhosting, installing mods, plugins and modpacks is done in 1 click from the management panel, with no technical manipulation.

⚙️ Going further

• How much RAM for a Minecraft server: precise sizing based on your modpack
• Which Java version for Minecraft: Java 8, 17, 21 compatibility
• How to choose between Paper, Purpur, Spigot and Vanilla: the right framework for your server
• How to install Fabric on your Minecraft server: step-by-step Fabric guide
• Enable the Minecraft whitelist: restrict access to your server
• Custom IP for Minecraft Java server: get a domain like play.myserver.com
• BungeeCord: create a Minecraft network: link multiple servers together