For a quick private game, use Hamachi with Minecraft Java Edition’s Open to LAN feature. For a persistent world, run the official Java server software and have friends connect through the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address. Hamachi provides the virtual network; it does not host or run Minecraft for you.
This guide is for Minecraft: Java Edition. Bedrock Edition uses different server software and connection methods. Every player must use the same Minecraft release as the host or server, including the same mod loader and mods when playing modded Minecraft.
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What you need
- Minecraft: Java Edition and a Microsoft account signed in for multiplayer.
- Hamachi installed and running on every computer.
- The same Minecraft version for everyone.
- A world backup before making changes.
- Java installed if you are running a dedicated server.
- Permission to install software and allow Java or Hamachi through your firewall.
Hamachi is a hosted VPN that creates a LAN-like virtual network between computers in different locations. It usually avoids ordinary router port forwarding, but it does not remove the need for firewall permissions, a running Minecraft world or server, matching versions, and a host computer that stays online.
Keep the Hamachi network private. Share its ID and password only with people you trust. Hamachi’s free tier is advertised for up to five computers in a network; that is not the same as a guaranteed Minecraft player limit.
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The easiest method: Hamachi plus Open to LAN
Use this option for a temporary session with a few friends. The host must open the world each time and remain in it while friends play.
Host: create the Hamachi network
- Download Hamachi from the official Hamachi site.
- Install it, launch it, and sign in or create an account if prompted.
- Choose Network → Create a new network.
- Set a network ID and password, then give those credentials only to your friends.
Friends: join the Hamachi network
- Install and open Hamachi.
- Choose Network → Join an existing network.
- Enter the host’s network ID and password.
- Confirm that the host appears online and reachable.
Host: open the Minecraft world
- Launch the same Minecraft Java Edition release your friends are using.
- Choose Singleplayer and open the world.
- Press Esc, then select Open to LAN.
- Choose the game mode and whether commands are allowed. Select a port, or let Minecraft choose one.
- Click Start LAN World.
- Read the message Minecraft posts in chat. It contains the temporary LAN port.
- In Hamachi, copy or record the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address.
Give friends the address in this format:
Hamachi-IPv4-address:LAN-portFor example:
25.18.42.7:54321Friends: connect directly
- Launch the matching Minecraft Java Edition version.
- Choose Multiplayer → Direct Connection.
- Enter the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address, a colon, and the port shown in Minecraft chat.
- Select Join Server.
The world may appear automatically in the multiplayer list, but discovery is unreliable across virtual networks. Direct Connection using address:port is the dependable fallback. See Minecraft’s official multiplayer guidance for the standard LAN and server connection flow.
Limits of Open to LAN
- The host must open the world every time.
- The host must remain in the world.
- The LAN port can change from session to session.
- It is not an always-online server.
- It offers fewer server-wide settings than a dedicated server.
The persistent method: a dedicated Java server through Hamachi
Choose this method for a persistent world folder, a whitelist, operators, scheduled backups, server settings, or server-side customization. The host still needs to keep the computer and server process running.
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On Windows, create a folder such as:
C:MinecraftServerAvoid storing the active world in a folder synchronized by cloud-storage software, where simultaneous file changes can cause conflicts.
2. Download the official server software
Download the Java Edition server JAR from the official Minecraft server download page. Place it in the server folder. If you rename it to server.jar, use that exact filename in your launch command.
The required Java version depends on the Minecraft release. Check the server release requirements rather than assuming one Java version works for every version.
3. Check Java
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt in the server folder and run:
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java -versionIf Windows says that java is not recognized, install a compatible Java runtime or JDK for the selected Minecraft release, reopen the terminal, and run the command again.
4. Launch the server once
For a file named server.jar, run:
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui-Xms2Gsets the initial memory allocation.-Xmx4Gsets the maximum memory allocation.-jar server.jarlaunches the server file.noguiruns the server without its graphical interface.
The memory values are examples, not universal requirements. Do not allocate all system RAM; Windows, Hamachi, and other applications also need memory.
The first launch normally creates configuration files and stops because the EULA has not been accepted.
5. Accept the EULA
Open the generated eula.txt, read the Minecraft EULA and Usage Guidelines, and change:
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6. Configure server.properties
These are sensible starting settings for a small private server:
motd=Private Hamachi Minecraft Server
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
max-players=5
online-mode=true
white-list=true
server-ip=
server-port=25565Leave server-ip= blank in a typical setup. Do not automatically enter the Hamachi address: binding to the wrong interface or to an outdated address can stop the server from accepting connections. Port 25565 is the normal Java server port, but friends must use whatever port is configured.
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Keep online-mode=true for normal authenticated accounts, and use the whitelist for a private group.
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7. Start and administer the server
Start it with:
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar noguiEnter these commands in the server console without a leading slash:
op PlayerName
whitelist on
whitelist add PlayerName
whitelist remove PlayerName
list
save-all
stopUse stop instead of closing the terminal so the server can save cleanly. In in-game chat, players generally use the slash form, such as /whitelist add PlayerName.
8. Connect through Hamachi
- Make sure Hamachi is running and the server has finished loading.
- Give friends the host’s Hamachi IPv4 address.
- Have them open Multiplayer → Direct Connection.
- They should enter the address and server port:
25.18.42.7:25565The host can test the dedicated server locally with localhost. Friends should use the numeric Hamachi IPv4 address—not the Hamachi network ID, the host’s ordinary home-network address, or the public IP address.
Which address and port should players use?
| Situation | Address |
|---|---|
| Server on the same computer | localhost |
| Open to LAN through Hamachi | HamachiIPv4:port-shown-in-chat |
| Dedicated server through Hamachi | HamachiIPv4:server-port, commonly :25565 |
| Normal same-home-network connection | Host’s local IPv4 address and server port |
| Public port-forwarded server | Public address and server port |
Fix common connection problems
The world does not appear
Use Multiplayer → Direct Connection and enter HamachiIPv4:port. Automatic LAN discovery often does not cross virtual adapters reliably.
“Connection timed out”
- Confirm Hamachi is running on every computer.
- Confirm the friend joined the correct Hamachi network and sees the host as reachable.
- Confirm the world or dedicated server is currently running.
- Check the correct address and port. Open-to-LAN uses the port displayed in chat; a dedicated server uses its configured port.
- Check that Minecraft versions match.
- Allow Hamachi and Java through Windows Firewall or other security software.
- Confirm
server-ip=is blank.
Minecraft’s Java multiplayer troubleshooting guide also recommends checking firewall, antivirus, VPN, connection stability, bandwidth, and router or NAT conditions.
“Connection refused”
The server is usually stopped, still starting, using the wrong port, or being blocked by a firewall. The first server launch may also have stopped at the EULA step.
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“Unknown host”
Check the spelling. Enter the numeric Hamachi IPv4 address, not the network ID or an unresolvable computer name.
Hamachi shows a blue or relayed connection
A relayed connection may work but can introduce latency or connection failures. Allow Hamachi through the firewall, restart Hamachi, and check that its virtual adapter is enabled. A temporary firewall exception can help diagnose the problem, but restore normal protection afterward.
“Incompatible version” or “Outdated server”
Install the exact server release on the client. Snapshot versus full release, mod loader versions, modpacks, and required mod versions must also match.
Mods work for the host but not friends
Compare the Minecraft version, loader, mod list, mod versions, configuration files, Java version, and server pack. Do not place a client-only mod on the server unless its documentation says it is supported there.
Hamachi security and privacy
- Invite only trusted people to the Hamachi network.
- Do not publish its ID and password.
- Keep
online-mode=trueunless you understand the consequences of changing it. - Use the Minecraft whitelist.
- Do not permanently disable your firewall to make a connection work.
- Back up the world regularly.
- Stop the server cleanly with
stop.
Hamachi is a networking layer, not a guarantee that the Minecraft server, accounts, or participants are safe. Account security and who receives access remain your responsibility.
Is Hamachi the best option?
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Hamachi plus Open to LAN | Quick private sessions | Everyone installs Hamachi; the host must stay in the world |
| Dedicated server plus Hamachi | Control, backups, whitelist, and mods | More setup and the host computer must remain online |
| Minecraft Realms for Java | Official always-online play with minimal setup | Monthly fee and less server-level control |
| Managed hosting | Always-online play without using a personal PC | Monthly cost and provider-specific limits |
| Port forwarding | Normal server connections without VPN software | Router setup and greater public exposure |
Hamachi is a practical workaround when the host cannot configure a router. It is not automatically the most convenient choice: every player needs the client, and the host still supplies the actual Minecraft server. For a small, temporary Java session, Open to LAN plus Hamachi is the fastest route. For a persistent world, use a dedicated server—or choose Realms or managed hosting if you want the world available while the owner is offline.
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