Introduction: How to Make a Simple Minecraft Server PC
This instructable will teach you how to make a minecraft server using the server.jar file that MOJANG offers as well as how to port forward so your friends can play. If you want to just skip to step 6 by downloading and unzipping the necessary files (excluding Java) click here and download.
Step 1: Download/Update Java
If your familiar with minecraft, you should know that its runs through Java. The server files do as well. In order to start your server you need to make sure that you have the most current version of java running. You can download them here.*
*If your not sure whether or not you need 32-bit or 64-bit for your Windows PC press [⊞ Win]+[X]+[Y] and under "System Type" the box will tell you whether you have a 32-Bit or 64-Bit operating system. Download the one that matches what your computer's operating system is. Also if you download the wrong one, the .bat file that will be created later might say that you do not have enough memory to run the Virtual Machine when you in fact have plenty.
Step 2: Download Minecraft_Server.jar File
This is as simple as it sounds. After you download the .jar file please place it in a folder* on its own somewhere, as the .jar server file will create many files when you run it for the first time. Download here.
*The folder name CANNOT have spaces in it
Step 3: Run the .jar for the First Time
Run the .jar file using the Java version you just downloaded, it should run for 3-5 seconds then close on its own. if it doesn't, close the program running the server, and re-run it. If the problem persists restart your computer and try again.
Step 4: Accepting the EULA
Open the "eula.txt" file that was just created in the same folder as the Minecraft_Server.jar with a text editor like Notepad and change "eula=false" to "eula=true" and then save the file.
Step 5: Improving Performance
We can add a .bat file with a bunch of commands to tinker with the amount of RAM that will be dedicated to your server and in turn increase the performance of your server. Download and place the appropriate .bat file matching your system info into the same folder the .jar file is in.
Your going to want to right-click on the .bat file and edit it. Change "minecraft_server.1.9.4.jar" to the name of the .jar file in your folder i.e. "minecraft_server.1.6.2.jar"
If you want to change the amount of RAM dedicated to this server edit the .bat file, and change the
"-Xms1024m"(1024mb minimum dedicated RAM), and
"-Xmx2048m"(2048mb maximum dedicated RAM)
to something bigger like
"-Xms4096m"(4096mb minimum dedicated RAM), and
"-Xmx8192m"(8192mb maximum dedicated RAM)
At this point your server is almost ready we just need to give it an address
Step 6: Port Forwarding - Finding the Right IP's
If you have Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 in the search bar type "cmd" and then press enter.
If you have any earlier version of windows the command prompt should be located in your Accessories Folder.
Once opened type: "ipconfig" and press enter
You will get a bunch of information but all you need to worry about is the current IPv4 address and the default gateway located near the top. If you cannot find what I'm talking about look at the picture.
Step 7: Port Forwarding - Get Into Router Settings
Open an internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome(which I
am using) and in the address bar, type your default gateway (as mentioned in the previous step).
Your browser will then ask you for a password, most of the time the password is "password" however there are a few exceptions...if your router password is not "password" look here for your default password.
Step 8: Port Forwarding - Edit the Router Settings to Port Forward
Once logged in you get a page similar to the image above.
To set up port forwarding you will want to head over to the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering option in the menu(this could be under Advanced Settings in different router models). You will have to log in again.
Once in the Port Forwarding/Port Triggering menu add a new/custom service. Make sure you are port forwarding NOT port triggering.
When creating your custom service, make sure your settings are EXACTLY the same as these: Service Type: BOTH TCP and UDP (Usually Listed as TCP/UDP) NOT one or the other
Starting Port: 25565
Ending Port: 25565
Server IP Address: Same as you IPv4 address mentioned earlier (Found in command prompt using "ipconfig" command).
The Service Name can be anything you want it to be.
Hit apply and restart your router if necessary
Step 9: Editting the "server.properties" File
Edit the server.properties file by opening it with notepad. Change "server-ip=" to "server-ip=your IPV4 address". Finally save and exit.
Step 10: Run the "MinecraftServer.bat" and Connect
Go here to find your IP for the server you will be running. Once found, plugin that IP for the server IP Minecraft asks for and you will be running your very own server (As long as the MinecraftServer.bat file is running). If your running the server on your own machine and want to join on the same machine instead of typing in your IP, you can just type "localhost" into the server address bar.
