How to Create a Free Minecraft Server on PC Step by Step
05/16/2025 10:39 AM
Creating a Minecraft server on your PC is a great way to play with friends in a customized world. This step-by-step guide shows you how to do it for free, without paying for external services. You’ll learn how to install, configure, and share your server.
Minimum requirements to host a Minecraft server
Make sure your PC meets these minimum specs:
- CPU: Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher
- RAM: At least 6 GB (8 GB for 5+ players)
- Disk: 10 GB free (SSD recommended)
- Internet: 10 Mbps upload/download
- Port: Port 25565 open on router and firewall
Step 1: Download the official server software
- Go to the official Minecraft server page
- Download the .jar file (e.g. minecraft_server.1.21.5.jar)
- Create a folder named “Minecraft Server” and place the file inside
Step 2: Install Java if needed
- Open CMD and type: java -version
- If Java 19 or above isn’t installed, get it from java.com
- Install and remove older versions if prompted
Step 3: Start the server
- Double-click the .jar file
- If it doesn’t launch, open a terminal and type:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.21.5.jar nogui - Configuration files will be created automatically
Step 4: Accept the EULA
- Open the eula.txt file
- Change eula=false to eula=true and save
Step 5: Configure the server
Edit server.properties to personalize:
- gamemode=survival
- difficulty=normal
- max-players=10
- motd=Test Minecraft Server
- pvp=true
Only change these with the server off.
How to connect to the server
Local network (LAN)
- Start the server
- Find your local IP (ipconfig in Windows)
- In Minecraft: Multiplayer > Add Server > Enter local IP
Online via port forwarding
- Access your router (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Forward port 25565 to your PC's local IP
- Find your public IP with "what is my IP" in Google
- Share public IP + :25565 with friends
Other Ways to Create a Free Minecraft Server Without Using Your PC
If you’d rather not use your own computer as a host, there are 100% online alternatives that let you play Minecraft with friends for free:
- Aternos: The most popular free solution. You only need an account to create a server in seconds. It includes basic customization and shuts down when inactive.
- Minehut: Another well-known free platform. It allows plugin installation and file modifications, ideal for small groups.
- Server.pro: Offers free plans with limited resources. Great for testing before upgrading.
- FalixNodes: A community-powered platform that offers free Minecraft hosting using shared resources.
These options are great for users who don’t want to handle technical setups or lack powerful hardware. However, performance is limited, and some services include restrictions or ads.
Common issues and solutions
- Version mismatch: make sure everyone uses the same Minecraft version
- Connection failure: check if port is open, firewall settings, and server status
- Slow performance: may be due to weak PC or slow upload speed
