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To host a Minecraft server for friends, first make sure everyone will use 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 on a computer you manage or subscribing to Minecraft Realms, which is hosted and stays online without your computer running. The right option depends on whether you want hands-on control or easier setup.
Choose Java or Bedrock before you start
Ask every player which edition they use. Java and Bedrock multiplayer are separate; players need to join a server for their edition. Cross-device play is available within supported editions, but that does not let Java players join a Bedrock server (or vice versa). See Minecraft’s edition guidance before choosing server software.
Choose self-hosting or Minecraft Realms
| What matters | Self-hosted server | Minecraft Realms |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | You run the server software on a computer and manage any necessary network configuration. | Mojang/Microsoft hosts the service. |
| When it is available | Players can join while the host computer and its network are available. | The personal server is described as available 24/7. |
| Setup | Install the edition’s server software, configure it, and possibly adjust firewall or router settings. | Minecraft describes setup and switching worlds as requiring no technical knowledge. |
| Edition | Use Java server software for Java players or Bedrock server software for Bedrock players. | Java and Bedrock have separate plans; play is within the same edition. |
| Displayed price and simultaneous players | No Minecraft server-software charge; hardware and network costs depend on your setup. | Minecraft’s page, accessed in 2026, displays $3.99 USD/month for Bedrock Realms (host plus 2 players), $7.99 USD/month for Bedrock Realms Plus (host plus 10), and $7.99 USD/month for Java Realms (host plus 10). Prices and storefront terms can change. |
| Backups and world slots | You are responsible for making and keeping backups. | Minecraft lists free backups and three world slots for Java Realms. Check the selected platform’s plan for current details. |
Pick self-hosting if you are comfortable maintaining a computer and, where needed, its network access. Pick Realms if you prefer an official hosted world that is available without your computer staying on. Realms is a subscription service, not a purchase of the physical server hardware; see the Minecraft End User License Agreement for the current terms.
How to host a Java Edition server
Minecraft offers its Java server software free. You will need a computer that can stay on while people play, a compatible Java runtime, and permission to install and run software. Minecraft’s official instructions are titled “How to Setup a Minecraft: Java Edition Server.” Follow that live guide for current downloads and compatibility, since filenames and supported Java versions can change.
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- Download the current Java server JAR from the official Minecraft server download page.
- Install an up-to-date Java runtime compatible with the server release.
- Put the JAR in a dedicated folder and run it as described in Minecraft’s guide. Review the files the server generates.
- Open
eula.txt, read the EULA, and change the acceptance setting only if you agree to its terms. Start the server again to continue. - Use the guide’s memory-allocation instructions if you need to change how much memory the server can use. The appropriate amount depends on the computer and workload; do not assume a single setting suits every world.
Let friends outside your home network connect
People on your local network may be able to connect without exposing the server to the internet. Remote play can require firewall or router changes, including port forwarding. Minecraft’s download FAQ gives Java’s default port as 25565 and says Bedrock uses its default ports; these examples are not a complete router-security guide. Minecraft Help warns: “However, doing this requires changing your home network’s configuration and is not recommended unless you know what you are doing.” If you do not understand the changes or their security implications, use Realms instead of exposing a home network.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to host a Bedrock Dedicated Server
Minecraft offers the Bedrock Dedicated Server package for supported Windows and Linux environments. The official Bedrock server download page provides the current package and instructions. The steps below reflect its general setup; check the live page for current files and operating-system requirements.
- Check that the computer meets the published requirements below and runs a supported operating system.
- Download the server package for Windows or Ubuntu/Linux.
- Extract the package into an empty folder.
- Launch the executable on Windows or the command-line file on Linux.
- Review and adjust the configuration files for your world and server. World files are created when the server runs.
Published Bedrock server requirements
Minecraft’s Bedrock server page lists these requirements. They are the published baseline, not a guarantee of performance for every world or player count.
- Processor: Intel Core i3-3210 or AMD A8-7600 APU equivalent.
- Memory: 4 GB RAM.
- Storage: 180 MB to 1 GB of free space.
- Internet: Broadband connection.
- Linux: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later.
- Windows: Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later.
The same page’s FAQ also mentions at least 1 GB RAM for small servers, which conflicts with its explicit system-requirements list. Use the system-requirements section as the clearer published specification, and check the live page before choosing hardware because requirements may change.
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What to check before inviting players
- Confirm every player uses the edition your server runs.
- Make sure the server is running and the host computer has a working internet connection when players want to join.
- For remote self-hosted access, verify that firewall and router changes are necessary and configured safely; do not treat a default port number as a complete security setup.
- Make a backup plan for a self-hosted world. For Realms, check the current backup and world-slot details for the plan and platform you select.
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