How to set up a Minecraft server: Java, Bedrock and Realms

There are three official ways to run your own Minecraft server: a Java server from the server.jar file, Bedrock Dedicated Server, or a Realms subscription straight from Mojang. This guide walks you through both editions step by step, explains what to do about the EULA and ports, what Realms costs and how your friends can join. It applies to Java 26.3 and Bedrock 26.52, as of 19 October 2026.

Which option suits you

The server software for both Java and Bedrock is free on minecraft.net. You only pay for the machine it runs on, or for Realms. Everyone who plays on a server still needs to own the game, though.

Option	Edition	What you need	Price
Java server (server.jar)	Java	a computer with Java 25 installed, a forwarded port for online play	free software
Bedrock Dedicated Server	Bedrock	64-bit Windows 10 / Windows Server 2016+ or Ubuntu 22.04+	free software
Realms	Java or Bedrock	just a subscription, no technical skills	from $3.99 a month

One rule applies everywhere: Java and Bedrock cannot play together. The server and all players have to be on the same edition. Our Java vs Bedrock guide explains why.

Java server step by step

1. Install Java. Minecraft 26.3 runs on Java 25. The game launcher brings its own Java, but for a server you need it installed on your computer. On Windows you sometimes have to adjust the PATH variable.
2. Download server.jar from the Java Edition Server page and put it into an empty folder.
3. Open a command prompt in that folder and run java -jar server.jar --nogui. If you leave out the --nogui part, the server starts with a graphical window.
4. On its first start the server stops and creates an eula.txt file. Open it and change eula=false to eula=true. That is your agreement to the end user licence agreement (EULA).
5. Start the server again. To give it more memory, use something like java -Xms1G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar --nogui.
6. Adjust the settings in server.properties. Defaults include max-players=20 and online-mode=true.
7. Make yourself an operator with the /op command. Operators are stored in ops.json.

What else you can do as an operator is in our Minecraft commands list. A detailed walkthrough including troubleshooting is on minecraft.wiki under Setting up a Java Edition server. A modded server needs a mod loader, see our guide on installing Minecraft mods.

Bedrock Dedicated Server

Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) is the official server for Bedrock. Players on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, mobile, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 can all join it through the same IP address and port.

1. Check the requirements: 64-bit Windows 10 (version 10.0.15063 or later) or Windows Server 2016 or later, or Ubuntu 22.04 or later.
2. Download the ZIP for Windows or Ubuntu from the Bedrock Dedicated Server page.
3. Extract it into an empty folder.
4. Edit the configuration files to suit you.
5. Run bedrock_server (on Windows bedrock_server.exe).

A word on consoles: on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch you cannot join a server by typing in your own address and port the way you can on PC and mobile. How to play across devices is covered in our guide to crossplay and platforms.

How friends join your server

In Java, your friend opens Multiplayer → Add Server and enters your server’s address in the Server Address field. In Bedrock on PC and mobile they enter the address and port in a similar way.

For friends to connect over the internet, you have to forward the port on your router (port forwarding) and allow it through the firewall:

• Java: port 25565 (TCP),
• Bedrock: port 19132 (UDP).

Every router is set up a little differently, so follow your manufacturer’s instructions. On consoles, online multiplayer also requires that platform’s own subscription, sold separately.

For a single evening with people on the same network you do not need a server at all. In Java 26.3 you open your world to people on the same network via Esc → World Options… → the Multiplayer section. The World Options… button sits where Open to LAN used to be. Commands for yourself as the host are in the same menu, under General → Allow Commands.

Realms: the hassle-free server

Realms is Mojang’s official private server. It runs around the clock, your friends can play even when you are offline, and you get three world slots and free backups. There is nothing to configure, no ports and no files.

Plan	Edition	Players at once	Price (minecraft.net)
Realms for Bedrock	Bedrock	you + 2	$3.99 a month
Realms Plus for Bedrock	Bedrock	you + 10, plus the Marketplace Pass catalog	$7.99 a month
Realms for Java	Java	you + 10	$7.99 a month

Prices are in US dollars as listed on the Minecraft Realms page on 19 October 2026. The store shows you the price in your local currency at checkout. You can invite up to 10,000 people, but only as many as your plan allows can play at the same time. New subscribers get the first month free, after which the subscription renews automatically until you cancel it.

A Realm only works within one edition. A Java Realm is for Java players on Windows, Mac and Linux, a Bedrock Realm for Bedrock players on all devices, consoles included.

Hosting and public servers

Your server does not have to run at home. There are also paid hosting services where you can rent one. We do not recommend any specific company and have not checked their prices. If you are considering one, make sure it supports your edition and game version. And if you are looking for a ready-made public server, minecraft.net has an official list of verified servers (Server Listing Site).

Join our Discord to find people for a shared server or get help when your friends cannot connect: GamersTogether Discord.

FAQ

Information verified on 19 October 2026. More guides are waiting in our Minecraft section.