Minecraft is one of the only games that has passed the test of time with gamers who are moving on to a new game faster than a sparrow’s attention. It allows players to build with a variety of different blocks in a 3D procedurally generated world. However, playing it alone is half the fun. The other half is playing it with like-minded Minecraft buffs.
You need to install a Minecraft server for that. It allows users to connect to one central computer which acts as a host for all the players. In this tutorial, we will take a look at how you can install a Minecraft server on your Windows desktop or server in 7 simple steps.
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Prerequisites for Installing a Minecraft Server on Windows / Server
A game as intricate and detailed as Minecraft does ask a few things about your device. Here are the system requirements for installing a Minecraft server on Windows 2022:
- A Windows server or Windows desktop
- 4GB RAM
- A fast internet connection with unlimited bandwidth
The multiplayer server also demands a solid, lightning-fast CPU for seamless and hassle-free server performance.
Installing Minecraft Server on Windows /Server
Step 1: Download Java on your Computer
Download the latest version of Java from its official website on your Windows 2022 server.
A .exe file will be downloaded. Open it and press the install button. Restart your computer once the installation process is complete.
Step 2: Download Minecraft Server
Once you have the latest version of Java installed on your Windows 2022 server, download the Minecraft Server files from their official website.
Download the Minecraft Vanilla JAR file by clicking on “minecraft_server.1.18.1.jar” on the website. The JAR file should be downloaded on your system. Move the Minecraft Server file from your default Downloads folder to a suitable location of your choice. It is recommended that you create a dedicated folder for your Minecraft Server.
Step 3: Extract Files from the Minecraft Server file
Double click on the downloaded “server.jar” file to extract the files required for installation. The extracted files will be used later in the process for configuring and setting up the Minecraft server on your Windows 2022 server.
Step 4: Configure the Server Properties
You need to set up the server properties by configuring the files after they are extracted.
First, you need to agree to the Minecraft End User License Agreement (EULA) to proceed. So, open Minecraft EULA and read it. When you’re done, open the eula.txt file and Accept the user license agreement by changing eula=false to eula=true and saving the file.
The server properties can be configured with the help of the server.properties file. It determines all the essential server settings including memory, server port, and game settings. You will find that the pre-determined server port is Port 25565.
Adjust the server settings according to your preferences from the server.properties file. Make all the required changes in the file and then save it on your Windows 2022 server.
Step 5: Run the Minecraft Java File
The Minecraft Java file is the same one that we extracted the files from in Step 3. With all the server settings configured, you should now be able to run the Minecraft java file by opening it on your Windows 2022 Server.
Step 6: Allow Access
You also need to grant access to the Minecraft server in your Windows firewall. It will ensure that you’re able to connect to it. Click on the “Allow access” button to allow the Minecraft Server to operate in the firewall. (if asked)
Step 7: Review and Connect with Minecraft Server
Once you’re done installing and setting up your Minecraft Server on your Windows 2022 server, you will see a Minecraft stats window, as shown below.
Note that even after having all the prerequisites, your PC might be unable to keep up with the details needed for running a multiplayer server. In that case, you would need a cloud server for a seamless and better experience.
Install a cloud server and connect to it from your Minecraft server. Choose “Multiplayer” and then hit “Add Server”.
Lastly, all you need to do is enter the details and Voila. Your Minecraft Server is ready to go on your Windows 2022 server.
Need to know your Minecraft server IP address? Simply type “What’s My IP Address?” on Google and you’ll get it. Or use the Server IP example 18.190.121.68:25565
If your gaming partners are still unable to connect, you can directly grant them access to port 25565 through your router. Additionally, your home IP address keeps on changing. Hence, you need to provide updated connection info to your friends.
There is just one final step left. Hitting the play button, and unleashing that builder inside you!
If you are using a cloud platform like,
,
etc, make sure you enable the port from security groups.
The Command Prompt Way
Installing a Minecraft Server through the command prompt is also extremely simple. Just open the command prompt and get to the Minecraft folder where you have put the downloaded JAR file. For instance, if the folder is in the Documents folder, enter the following command:
cd Documents/Minecraft
Then, enter the following command and
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.18.1.jar nogui
You will get the Minecraft server screen as soon as the process gets completed:
Conclusion
There you go! You have successfully installed your Minecraft server on Windows 2022 server in 7 simple steps. Your club of gaming geeks should now be able to reach out to you via your Minecraft server. You can also walk the extra mile if you want to customize the server with mods and plugins.
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