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For a quick private world, use a LAN world if everyone is on the same network, or Minecraft Realms if friends need to play while you are offline. For more control, run a dedicated server: Java Edition uses Mojang’s Java server JAR, while Bedrock Edition has a separate server package for Windows and Ubuntu. Java and Bedrock players generally cannot join the same server.
- Same Wi-Fi: Open a LAN world.
- Simple, persistent hosting: Choose a Realm.
- Free software and more control: Self-host the server for your edition.
- Always-on hosting without home-router setup: Rent a managed server.
Choose your Minecraft edition first
Your server must match the edition your friends are playing. Java and Bedrock use separate multiplayer systems; owning both versions on Windows does not combine them. Minecraft’s edition comparison explains the differences and the limits on cross-play.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Deluxe Collection | Windows Digital Code | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Ultimate Collection | Windows Digital Code | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Minecraft | Standard Edition | XBOX Digital | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft | $6.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 | $42.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| Edition | Common platforms | Server options | Who can join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java | Windows, macOS, Linux | Official Java server JAR, Java Realm, or a managed host | Java players. Cross-edition access requires advanced third-party bridging and is not native compatibility. |
| Bedrock | Windows, consoles, mobile, Chromebook, and other supported devices | Bedrock Dedicated Server, Bedrock Realm, or a managed host | Bedrock players on supported devices; console online play may have additional platform requirements. |
On a Windows PC that includes both editions, launch the one your group uses. Java Realms and Bedrock Realms are also edition-specific.
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| Method | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| LAN world | People on the same local network who play while the host is present | The host must open the world; it is not a persistent server. |
| Realms | Small groups, families, consoles, and anyone who wants straightforward persistent hosting | Subscription service with edition-specific plans and less server customization. |
| Self-hosted dedicated server | Owners who want control, custom configuration, or mods/plugins and can maintain a computer and network | Requires setup, updates, backups, firewall configuration, and often router port forwarding; hardware, electricity, bandwidth, and time still cost money. |
| Managed hosting | Groups that want a server online without leaving a home PC running or configuring a router | Recurring fees, provider resource limits and outages, and possible migration or renewal-price complications. |
A LAN world is the simplest choice when everyone is together. For remote friends and minimal setup, use Realms. Choose self-hosting for control, or managed hosting to avoid maintaining home server hardware and network access.
#1 Best Overall
- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes the base game, three add-ons (Celebration Food, Rescue Dogs, and Plenty O’ Blocks), three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE — Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, and craft your way through a world filled with surprises in the ultimate sandbox game.
- SURVIVE — Experience unforgettable adventures as you face mysterious foes, traverse exciting landscapes, and travel to perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Have a blast with friends, whether you’re sitting on the same couch in split screen or miles apart in cross-platform play for console, mobile, and PC.
Make a Java Edition server on your computer
Prepare the server folder and Java
You need a computer that can stay on while friends play, the official Java server JAR for the version everyone will use, and permission to configure its firewall. Mojang’s official Java server download provides the JAR and startup pattern. On Windows, Java may need to be added to PATH before the command works; Java is generally available from the command line on Linux and macOS.
- Create a folder such as
MinecraftServer. - Download the official server JAR into that folder. Keep its actual filename; the version changes, so do not assume a fixed filename.
- Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, Terminal, or a shell in the server folder.
- Run the official command pattern, replacing the placeholder with the downloaded JAR’s exact filename:
java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar minecraft_server.<version>.jar nogui
-Xmx4G sets a 4 GB maximum memory allocation and -Xms4G sets the initial allocation in this example; 4 GB is not a universal requirement or ideal for every server. nogui runs the server without its graphical interface. If the server prompts you to accept its EULA, stop it, follow the instructions and file generated by that downloaded version, then restart. Do not assume that every release uses identical startup behavior.
Configure and protect the Java server
After the first launch, stop the server cleanly before editing files. In server.properties, set the world options you want. These example property names and values should be checked against the file generated by your server version.
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| Property | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
motd |
My Friends' Minecraft Server |
Server-list description. |
gamemode |
survival |
Default game mode. |
difficulty |
normal |
World difficulty. |
max-players |
10 |
Maximum simultaneous players. |
white-list |
true |
Restricts entry to approved players. |
online-mode |
true |
Keep account authentication enabled in normal use. |
pvp |
true |
Enables player-versus-player combat. |
server-port |
25565 |
Common Java default; verify the generated file before configuring networking. |
server-ip |
blank | Usually leave blank unless you have a specific reason to bind to a local interface. |
Start the server again and wait until its console reports that it is ready. In that console, grant yourself operator access and enable the whitelist, then add each friend’s exact Java player name:
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE COLLECTION — Includes the base game, five add-ons (Celebration Food, Rescue Dogs, Plenty O’ Blocks, Decocraft, and Weapons + Tools), five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 Minecoins.
- CREATE — Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, and craft your way through a world filled with surprises in the ultimate sandbox game.
- SURVIVE — Experience unforgettable adventures as you face mysterious foes, traverse exciting landscapes, and travel to perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Have a blast with friends, whether you’re sitting on the same couch in split screen or miles apart in cross-platform play for console, mobile, and PC.
op YourName
whitelist on
whitelist add FriendOne
whitelist add FriendTwo
whitelist listA whitelist limits who can join; it does not replace updates, backups, or careful operator permissions.
Let Java friends connect
For someone on the same home network, give them the host computer’s private IPv4 address, often in a range such as 192.168.x.x, and allow the Java server through the computer’s firewall. A LAN player should not use the home’s public IP.
For friends connecting over the internet, the home router must forward the server’s configured port to the host computer. The usual sequence is:
- Reserve a stable private address for the host in the router’s DHCP settings, or use its equivalent.
- Allow the Java server through the computer’s firewall.
- Forward the configured server port—commonly Java’s
25565—from the router to the host’s private address. - Give remote friends the home public IP and port, unless you have configured a DNS name.
- Test from a network outside your home. Some routers do not support NAT loopback, so an in-home test using the public IP can fail even when remote access works.
Port forwarding exposes the home connection’s public IP and network endpoint. Forward only the required port and do not expose unrelated services or administrative panels. If local connections work but remote ones do not, the ISP may use carrier-grade NAT, which prevents ordinary inbound port forwarding.
Rank #3
- Create and shape an infinite world, explore varied biomes filled with creatures and surprises, and go on thrilling adventures to perilous places and face mysterious foes.
- Play with friends across devices or in local multiplayer.
- Connect with millions of players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus to play with up to 10 friends on your own private server.
- Get creator-made add-ons, thrilling worlds, and stylish cosmetics on Minecraft Marketplace; subscribe to Marketplace Pass (or Realms Plus) to access 150+ worlds, skin & textures packs, and more—refreshed monthly.
Make a Bedrock Dedicated Server
Check the official requirements
Mojang offers the official Bedrock Dedicated Server for Windows and Ubuntu Linux; its download page lists Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, Windows Server 2016 or later, and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later. It lists at least 4 GB RAM, broadband internet, and available disk space in the approximate range of 180 MB to 1 GB, depending on the requirements presentation. The official package is not available for Mac, according to Minecraft Help. See the Bedrock server download and Microsoft’s getting-started guide for current requirements and instructions.
Download and launch
- Download the current Bedrock Dedicated Server package and accept the license and privacy terms shown on the official download page.
- Extract the ZIP into an empty folder, such as
C:MinecraftServeron Windows or~/MinecraftServeron Ubuntu. - Open a terminal in that folder and start the server with the appropriate command.
Windows PowerShell:
cd C:MinecraftServer
bedrock_serverUbuntu:
cd ~/MinecraftServer
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./bedrock_serverConfigure Bedrock and its network ports
Bedrock’s server.properties is an INI-style file with one key/value pair per line. These are example settings; check the generated file and the current server properties documentation for supported values.
server-name=My Bedrock Server
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
allow-cheats=false
max-players=10
online-mode=true
allow-list=true
server-port=19132
server-portv6=19133With allow-list=true, use the allow-list to restrict the server to selected Xbox Live Gamertags. Add firewall rules for the configured Bedrock ports. Microsoft documents defaults of 19132 for server-port and 19133 for server-portv6; Bedrock does not use Java’s usual port rule. Microsoft’s example Ubuntu firewall commands are:
sudo ufw allow 19132
sudo ufw allow 19133
sudo ufw reloadFor internet players, forward the relevant configured port through your router to the Bedrock host as well. Microsoft notes that Minecraft for Windows cannot, by default, connect to a Bedrock Dedicated Server running on the same computer. Test from another LAN device or computer instead.
Rank #4
- Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
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Use a Realm instead of configuring a server
Realms are private, cloud-hosted worlds that can remain available when the owner is offline. Java Realms serve Java players; Bedrock Realms serve supported Bedrock devices. Neither provides native Java–Bedrock cross-play. Use the official Realm purchase and setup flow for the relevant edition.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account and open the Realms setup or purchase flow in the game or official site.
- Choose the plan for your edition and group size.
- Create a world or, where supported, upload or replace the active world.
- Invite friends by Gamertag or Realm share link, then manage members and active worlds in Realm settings.
The official Realms page displayed these United States prices on August 18, 2026; taxes, trials, availability, and billing can differ by country and storefront.
| Plan | Displayed US price | Simultaneous players |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99/month | Owner plus 2 players |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99/month | Owner plus 10 players |
| Java Realms | $7.99/month | Not stated on the cited pricing detail |
Invited friends do not need their own subscription to access the Realm. The official page says Realm worlds can be downloaded for 18 months after a subscription ends; download a copy rather than treating cloud access as a permanent backup.
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Rent a managed server when you do not want home networking
A managed host runs the server on its infrastructure, usually with a control panel and options for starting software, changing settings, and managing files. It can avoid home-router port forwarding and the need to leave a PC on, but it is still a third-party service: secure the account, keep independent world backups, and check what the plan actually includes.
Best Value
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
Before paying, compare edition support, allocated RAM and CPU, player limits, mod or plugin compatibility, backup and restore terms, server locations, DDoS mitigation, file access, migration support, customer service, renewal pricing, cancellation terms, and any charge for a dedicated IP. A vendor’s setup guide is not proof that a particular plan fits your group. For example, setup documentation is available from Apex Hosting, BisectHosting, and Shockbyte; check each provider’s current plan terms before choosing.
Server commands for access and maintenance
Run these in the server console or in-game with operator permissions. Available commands can differ among vanilla Java, Bedrock, Paper, Spigot, modded servers, and host panels.
/help
/op PlayerName
/deop PlayerName
/whitelist on
/whitelist off
/whitelist add PlayerName
/whitelist remove PlayerName
/whitelist list
/kick PlayerName
/ban PlayerName
/pardon PlayerName
/save-all
/stopFor a private Java server, an initial friends-only setup might be:
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesop YourName
whitelist on
whitelist add FriendOne
whitelist add FriendTwo
save-allUse /stop to shut a Java server down cleanly. On a Bedrock server, use the console and commands supported by its current version rather than assuming every Java command behaves identically.
Fix common startup and connection problems
The Java server closes immediately
- Run
java -versionto see whether Java is callable from the terminal. - Confirm the JAR filename in the command exactly matches the downloaded file and that the terminal is in the server folder.
- Read the final console error, check the EULA step, and confirm the Java runtime is compatible with the server release.
- On Windows, check the command-line Java/PATH setup described on the official download page.
Local players can join, but internet friends cannot
- Check that the router forwards the configured port to the host’s current private IP and that the operating-system firewall allows it.
- Test from an external network rather than relying on a same-Wi-Fi test of the public address.
- Confirm the public IP has not changed and that the clients are using the correct edition and port.
- Ask the ISP whether it uses carrier-grade NAT or blocks inbound connections. If home port forwarding is not available, use Realms or managed hosting.
Bedrock clients cannot reach the server
- Confirm
server-portandserver-portv6, and allow the configured ports in the firewall and router. - Check that the Bedrock client and server versions are compatible and that the server listens on the expected network interface.
- Use another device to test instead of Minecraft for Windows on the same machine as the server, which Microsoft says cannot connect by default.
A friend is rejected or kicked
- Check the Java whitelist name or Bedrock allow-list Gamertag for an exact match.
- Confirm everyone is signed in as needed and using compatible game versions and the same edition.
- For a client-hosted or LAN world, make sure the host still has the world open.
- Console multiplayer may require Xbox Game Pass Core, Nintendo Switch Online, or PlayStation Plus, depending on platform; see Minecraft Help’s Bedrock connectivity guidance.
The world feels laggy
Identify whether the problem is server tick performance, network latency or packet loss, or low frame rate on one player’s device. Reduce view and simulation distance, limit heavy entity activity and redstone clocks, and use a wired host connection when possible. Keep software current; adding RAM alone does not necessarily solve CPU, network, or client-performance bottlenecks. Consider optimized server software only after backing up the world and checking mod and plugin compatibility.
Quick Recap
Protect the server and preserve the world
- Keep Java’s
online-mode=trueunless you fully understand the authentication consequences of changing it; do not enable unauthenticated access or use cracked clients. - Use a whitelist or allow-list for a private group and grant operator permissions only to trusted people.
- Update the operating system, Java runtime, server software, plugins, and mods. Obtain server software and add-ons only from sources you trust.
- Restrict firewall access to the required ports, avoid publishing your home IP unnecessarily, and do not run unrelated services on the exposed host.
- Stop the server cleanly before moving or modifying its world. Back up the entire world folder regularly, retain multiple dated copies including one off the host computer, and test a restore before an emergency.
- Make a fresh backup before installing plugins, mods, datapacks, or experimental server versions. Never overwrite the only known-good copy.
Which hosting option should you choose?
- Choose LAN if everyone is on the same network and the host will be present to open the world.
- Choose Realms if ease, persistent availability, and console or mobile access matter more than deep server customization.
- Choose self-hosting if you want control and can handle networking, updates, security, and backups.
- Choose managed hosting if you want an always-on server without configuring your home router or keeping your own computer running.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
