How do I host a Minecraft server so my friends can join? First, make sure everyone uses the same edition: Java players need a Java server, and Bedrock players need a Bedrock server. Then choose between running the free official server software yourself or subscribing to Minecraft Realms, which is hosted and stays online without your computer running the world.
Choose Java or Bedrock before setting anything up
Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use separate multiplayer systems. The server and every player joining it must use the same edition; Java and Bedrock players cannot join the same server through the standard options described here. Cross-device play is available within supported Bedrock play, not between the two editions. See Minecraft’s edition guidance before choosing a download.
- Choose Java if everyone will play Java Edition and you want to run the Java server JAR.
- Choose Bedrock if everyone will play Bedrock Edition and your host computer meets the dedicated server’s operating-system requirements.
- Choose the matching Realms plan if you prefer Minecraft’s hosted service over maintaining a computer and network setup.
Decide between self-hosting and Realms
With self-hosting, server software runs on a computer you control. You manage the computer, keep it available when people want to play, and may need to configure its firewall or router for connections from outside your home network. Realms is Minecraft’s official hosted alternative; its personal server is listed as available 24/7, and Minecraft describes setup and world switching as requiring no technical knowledge.
| What matters | Self-hosted server | Minecraft Realms |
|---|---|---|
| Who maintains the host? | You run the software and handle relevant computer and network setup. | Mojang/Microsoft hosts the service. |
| Availability | Depends on the host computer and network being on and connected. | Minecraft says the personal server is available 24/7. |
| Setup | Requires the edition-specific server software and configuration; remote access may require firewall or router changes. | Minecraft describes setup and switching worlds as requiring no technical knowledge. |
| Edition | Use the server matching the players’ Java or Bedrock edition. | Java and Bedrock have separate plans; play remains within the same edition. |
| Player limit and displayed price | Depends on your hardware and network; there is no fixed plan limit or price. | As displayed on Minecraft.net in 2026: Bedrock Realms is $3.99 USD/month for the host plus 2 players; Bedrock Realms Plus is $7.99 USD/month for the host plus 10; Java Realms is $7.99 USD/month for the host plus 10. Prices and storefront terms can change. |
| Worlds and backups | You decide how to back up and manage world files. | Minecraft’s Realms page lists free backups and three world slots for Java. Confirm current features for your platform and plan. |
Check the Minecraft Realms plans for current prices, player limits, and features before subscribing. Console access or online play may also depend on platform-specific subscription terms, which are not included in the displayed Realms prices above.
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Host a Java Edition server on your computer
Minecraft provides free official Java server software. The current file is a server JAR, and it requires a compatible Java runtime. Follow Minecraft’s live “How to Setup a Minecraft: Java Edition Server” instructions: server filenames and compatible Java versions can change with releases.
- Download the current server JAR. Use the official Minecraft server download and save the JAR in a dedicated folder for the server.
- Install an up-to-date compatible Java runtime. The correct version depends on the Minecraft release; follow the compatibility guidance for the current server file.
- Run the JAR. Start the server as directed in Minecraft Help. The first run creates configuration and other server files in the folder.
- Review the generated files and accept the EULA. Open
eula.txt, read the terms, and change the setting to accept only if you agree. Do not continue as though acceptance were automatic. - Restart and configure the world. Use the live guide for available settings and memory allocation; the suitable memory amount depends on the computer and the workload.
- Share the connection information with players. People on your local network may connect differently from friends joining over the internet. Outside-network access can require firewall or router configuration.
Take care with home-network access
Minecraft Help warns: “However, doing this requires changing your home network’s configuration and is not recommended unless you know what you are doing.” The official download FAQ gives Java’s default port as 25565 and refers to Bedrock’s default ports, but that example is not a complete router-security guide. Do not expose services or change router rules unless you understand the implications; consult a trusted network administrator if you are unsure.
Host a Bedrock Dedicated Server
Minecraft offers a free Bedrock dedicated server package for supported Windows and Linux environments. The official Bedrock server download page provides the package and its setup details.
- Check the supported operating system and requirements. The published Windows options are Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later. The published Linux option is Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later.
- Download the package for the host’s operating system. Do not use the Java server JAR for a Bedrock world.
- Extract the package into an empty folder. Keeping the server’s files together makes configuration and world management easier.
- Launch the executable or command-line file. The server creates world files when it runs.
- Adjust configuration files as needed, then test joining. Use the settings documented on the current download page and ensure joining players use Bedrock Edition.
Bedrock server requirements published by Minecraft
Minecraft’s Bedrock page lists the following system requirements. They are published requirements, not a guarantee of performance for every world, player count, or configuration.
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| Component | Published requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-3210 or AMD A8-7600 APU equivalent |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
| Free storage | 180 MB to 1 GB |
| Internet | Broadband |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later |
| Windows | Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later |
The same live page also has broader FAQ wording that suggests at least 1 GB RAM for small servers, while its explicit system-requirements section lists 4 GB. Use the system-requirements list as the clearer published specification and check the current page before buying hardware or choosing a host.
Keep a self-hosted world available and recoverable
A self-hosted server is available only while the host computer and its network connection are working. If friends need to join at different times, plan for the computer to remain on and connected; a separate always-on computer is one option, but choose hardware only after considering the edition, expected workload and player count, operating system, memory, and network setup.
World backups are your responsibility on a self-hosted server. Make and keep backups of the world files before changing configurations or updating server software, and verify that you know how to restore them. Realms, by comparison, lists free backups on its plan page; confirm the current terms for the plan and platform you use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Know what a Realms subscription covers
Realms is a subscription service, not a purchase of the physical server hardware. Minecraft’s EULA describes Realms as a subscription add-on and says subscribers pay for permission to use the service, not ownership of its servers. The EULA also limits distribution and commercial use of Minecraft material without permission; read the current terms for the complete rules.
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