How to Host a Minecraft Server in 2026

There are two main ways to run a Minecraft server: use a hosting provider like AleForge or host it yourself on your own PC. A hosted server is easier to set up and can stay online 24/7, while self-hosting can be free apart from electricity and internet costs but requires more setup and is only available while your computer and server are running.

Pick Your Edition First

Your server needs to match the edition your friends play.

Still undecided? Read our guide on how to choose between Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions.

If your group is split between editions, GeyserMC can allow Bedrock players to join a compatible Java server. Cross-play requires the right setup, and it does not mean Java players can join a Bedrock-only server.

Hosting vs. Self-Hosting

If you want friends to join when your own computer is off, a hosted server is usually the easier option. If you only need a temporary world for a few friends, self-hosting may be enough.

Method 1: Host a Minecraft Server with AleForge

1. Choose a Plan

Choose a plan based on the number of players and the type of server you want to run. A small vanilla server may work with 2–4 GB of RAM, while larger groups and modpacks may need more. You can review the available options on the AleForge Minecraft hosting plans page.

Check the plan’s memory, CPU allocation, storage, backup policy, and renewal price before purchasing.

2. Check Out

Create an account and choose a server location close to most of your players. A shorter network distance can help reduce latency, although routing and connection quality also matter.

3. Open the Blacksmith’s Portal

After checkout, sign in to the Blacksmith’s Portal and find your new server in the server list.

4. Run the Guided Setup

Use the guided setup to choose your Minecraft edition, version, and server software. Depending on what’s available for your server, you may choose:

• Vanilla: The standard Minecraft server experience.
• Paper: A popular Java server option for plugins and performance improvements.
• Fabric or Forge: Options commonly used for Java mods.

5. Start the Server

Click on Start button and wait for the console to show that the server has finished loading.

6. Connect to Your Server

Copy the server address from the portal.

• Java Edition: Open Minecraft, select Multiplayer, choose Add Server, enter the address, and connect.
• Bedrock Edition: Open Play, go to the server list, choose Add Server, and enter the server address and port.

For more help, follow the AleForge Bedrock server connection walkthrough.

7. Invite Friends

Share the server address with your friends. If you want to restrict access, enable an allowlist and add the players who should be allowed to join. You can also grant operator permissions to trusted players, but only give these permissions to people you trust.

Get started with AleForge Minecraft hosting

Method 2: Host a Minecraft Server on Your Own PC

These steps cover Java Edition on Windows. The general process is similar on macOS and Linux, but commands and firewall settings differ.

1. Check Your Hardware

Your PC needs to run the server alongside any other applications you use. Leave enough free memory for both the server and Minecraft client if you plan to play on the same computer. A wired Ethernet connection is generally preferable to Wi-Fi for stability.

The resources you need depend on your Minecraft version, player count, view distance, plugins, and mods.

2. Install the Correct Java Version

Minecraft server versions require particular Java versions. Minecraft 26.1 and newer require Java 25; older releases may require Java 21, Java 17, or another version depending on the release.

Open Command Prompt and run:

java -version

If Java is missing or the version is incompatible with your server release, install the appropriate Java version before continuing.

3. Download the Server File

Download the official Java Edition server file from the official Minecraft server download page.

Create a dedicated folder, such as Minecraft Server, and place the downloaded server JAR file inside it. If necessary, rename the file to server.jar so the commands below match its name.

Only download server files from sources you trust.

4. Create a Start File

Inside the server folder, create a text file and name it start.bat. Make sure Windows hasn’t accidentally saved it as start.bat.txt.

Add the following lines:

java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui
pause

This example sets an initial heap size of 2 GB and a maximum heap size of 4 GB. Adjust the values to suit your computer and server workload, while leaving enough memory for Windows and other applications.

If you use a different JAR filename, update server.jar in the command.

5. Run the Server and Accept the EULA

Double-click start.bat. On the first run, the server creates configuration files and may stop.

Open the generated eula.txt file and read the Minecraft End User License Agreement. If you agree to its terms, change:

eula=false

to:

eula=true

Save the file and run start.bat again. The server should generate its world and begin loading.

6. Adjust Server Settings

Stop the server cleanly before editing its configuration. Open server.properties in a text editor to adjust settings such as:

• gamemode — the default game mode.
• difficulty — the world difficulty.
• max-players — the maximum number of players.
• motd — the message shown in the server list.
• white-list — whether an allowlist is enabled.
• view-distance — how far the server sends world chunks to players.

Save your changes and restart the server for them to take effect. Available options can vary by server version and software.

7. Test the Server Locally

Open Minecraft Java Edition, go to Multiplayer, and add a server using:

localhost

If you can connect from the same computer, the server is running locally. This test does not prove that players outside your home network can connect.

8. Configure Port Forwarding

For players outside your home network to connect directly, you will usually need to forward TCP port 25565 on your router to the local IP address of the computer running the Java server.

1. Run ipconfig in Command Prompt to find your computer’s local IPv4 address.
2. Sign in to your router’s administration page.
3. Create a port-forwarding rule for TCP port 25565, pointing to your server PC’s local IP address.
4. Allow Java or the server port through Windows Firewall, as appropriate.
5. Give your friends your public IP address and the server port if it is not the default.

Router menus vary by manufacturer. You may also need to reserve the server PC’s local IP address so the forwarding rule continues pointing to the right device.

For a Bedrock Dedicated Server, the default port is usually UDP 19132. Configure the server and network for the edition you’re actually running.

Important: Port forwarding makes the selected service reachable from outside your home network. Keep your operating system and server software updated, use a firewall, enable an allowlist if appropriate, and share your public IP only with people who need it. Some internet providers use carrier-grade NAT, which can prevent ordinary inbound port forwarding from working.

A self-hosted server only stays online while the computer and server process are running. You are also responsible for updates, backups, troubleshooting, and network security.

If you would rather avoid managing your home network, a hosted Minecraft server from AleForge may be a more convenient option.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

These figures are starting points, not guarantees. Actual requirements depend on server software, world size, player count, view distance, and the number and type of mods or plugins.

More players, plugins, mods, and world activity can increase memory use. Start with a suitable plan, monitor performance, and upgrade if your server needs more resources. RAM alone does not determine performance; CPU speed and configuration matter too.

Plugins, Mods, and Add-Ons

The customization options depend on your edition and server software.

• Plugins (Java): Add features such as land claims, permissions, minigames, and economies. Compatible server software such as Paper is commonly used for plugins. Follow each plugin’s installation instructions.
• Mods (Java): Change or extend the game. Fabric and Forge are common mod loaders, and players often need compatible versions of the same mods installed on their own clients.
• Add-ons (Bedrock): Use behavior packs and resource packs to customize gameplay and content.

Check compatibility with your Minecraft version and server software before installing anything. Back up your world first, and add changes one at a time so you can identify the cause if something breaks.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Friends Cannot Join

• Confirm the server has finished starting and is still running.
• Check that everyone is using a compatible Minecraft edition and version.
• For self-hosted Java servers, verify that TCP port 25565 is forwarded to the correct local IP and allowed by the firewall.
• For Bedrock, check the server address and UDP port, usually 19132.
• If port forwarding does not work, check whether your ISP uses carrier-grade NAT or blocks inbound connections.

The Server Says the Java Version Is Wrong

Run java -version and compare the result with the Java version required by your Minecraft server release. Install the correct version and make sure your start file runs it.

The Server Is Lagging

Check CPU and memory usage, reduce view distance or simulation distance if needed, and review plugins or mods that may be using excessive resources. More RAM is not always the solution if the CPU or a particular plugin is the bottleneck.

The World Is Missing or Has Reverted

Stop the server before checking its world folder or restoring a backup. Avoid replacing world files while the server is running, and keep separate backups in a safe location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I host a Minecraft server?

The easiest option is to use a hosting provider such as AleForge. Choose a plan, configure your server in the control panel, start it, and share the address with your friends. You can also host a Java server on your own PC using the official server file, the required Java version, and network configuration.

Can I host a Minecraft server for free?

Yes. You can run a server on your own PC without paying a hosting fee, although electricity and internet service still cost money. The server will only be available while your PC and server process are running, and outside connections may require port forwarding.

How much does Minecraft server hosting cost?

Self-hosting has no hosting fee, but it uses your own hardware, electricity, and internet connection. AleForge has advertised plans starting at $1.99 per month; check the current Minecraft hosting plans for up-to-date pricing, included resources, and renewal terms.

Which Java version do I need?

It depends on the Minecraft server version. Minecraft 26.1 and newer require Java 25, while older releases may require Java 21, Java 17, or another version. Check the requirements for the exact server release you want to run.

What port does Minecraft use?

The default Java Edition server port is 25565 over TCP. The default Bedrock Dedicated Server port is 19132 over UDP. Custom configurations can use different ports.

Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Not by default, because Java and Bedrock are separate editions. A compatible setup using GeyserMC can allow Bedrock players to join a Java server. Check the Geyser documentation and your server configuration for compatibility requirements.

Do I need port forwarding on a hosted server?

Usually not. A game hosting provider normally supplies a public server address and manages the network configuration.

How many players can a Minecraft server handle?

It depends on the server’s CPU, memory, software, view distance, world activity, and plugins or mods. A small vanilla server can run with modest resources, while larger communities and demanding modpacks often need more capacity.

Is it safe to host a Minecraft server on my home PC?

It can be done, but you need to keep the server and operating system updated, configure your firewall carefully, and understand that port forwarding exposes the selected service to outside connections. Your public IP may be visible to players who connect directly. A hosted server can reduce the need to expose your home network and may include DDoS protection, depending on the provider and plan.

Should I back up my Minecraft world?

Yes. Make regular backups, especially before updating Minecraft, changing server software, or installing mods and plugins. For a manual backup, stop the server first and copy the world folder to a separate location.

Start your Minecraft server with AleForge