This is how it should be on first launch. The server creates eula.txt with a line eula=false, writes to console
On this page 10 sections
At a glance
Java 25, server.jar, and eula=true are required.
-
Launch the server
java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar server.jar nogui -
Invite a friend
whitelist add Steve
Place Java 25, download server.jar from minecraft.net, run it with the command above, change eula=false to eula=true in eula.txt and restart it again. The server is ready: access it at localhost, and add a friend to the whitelist — they are enabled by default.
- Install Java 25, which Minecraft 26.3 servers require. For other Minecraft versions, see the Java compatibility table What Java version is needed.
- Download the server file from the official minecraft.net/download/server page and place it in an empty folder — all server files will appear next to it. The file is named
server.jar. - Launch the server with a command
java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar server.jar noguiFrom this folder. It will createeula.txtandserver.propertiesand it will stop immediately. - Open
eula.txtReplaceeula=falsetoeula=trueand save — this means you agree to the Minecraft license. - Launch again. When the server creates the world, in the game click "Online Game" → "Add" and enter the server address in the "Server Address" field.
localhost.
How to join a server by address and what the labels in the list mean — on the page? How to join a server.
You need to agree to the EULA in order to run the server. Go to eula.txt for more info.and stops. Until there is eula=true, the world is not generated. If the console window flickered and disappeared, and eula.txt didn't appear — the wrong Java version is running: check its version with the command java -version.
The command is convenient to save in a file and run by double-clicking: on Windows — start.bat, on Linux and macOS — start.sh. In the command -Xmx2G — how much memory to give the server, nogui — do not open the server window with memory, players, and logs: all of this is available in the console.
Pre-made file tailored to your version, memory, and system will be assembled startup script generator — with flags that reduce garbage collection pauses and auto-restart. How much memory to give — on the page How to allocate memory.
| Line | By default |
|---|---|
server-port | 25565 |
online-mode | true |
white-list | true |
max-players | 20 |
gamemode | survival |
difficulty | easy |
motd | A Minecraft Server |
level-name | world |
What does each line mean — in server.properties reference, and a ready file with required settings will assemble Config generator. Changes take effect after the server is restarted.
On the new Minecraft 26.3 server, the whitelist is enabled: line white-list=true. Only players added can join; others see 'You are not on this server's whitelist!'. Commands are typed in the server console without a forward slash, and in the game chat with one.
-
Make yourself an operator
op Steve -
Invite a friend with a white list
whitelist add Steve -
Turn off whitelist
whitelist off -
Stop the server and save the world
stop
Instead of Steve — the player's username. The operator can enter commands and change rules; what operator levels provide — on the page "Operator levels".
| Where your friend is | What address should be given to him? |
|---|---|
| On the same computer | localhost |
| In the same network (one router) | The local IP address of a computer with a server — in the form of 192.168.1.5. It displays ipconfig on Windows. |
| Through the internet | Your network's external IP. On your router, open port 25565 and direct it to the computer running the server; if your provider doesn't provide an external IP, hosting remains the option. |
Without license on a server with online-mode=true: the server checks each player's account with Mojang. You can play with another player offline in a normal world — "How to Play with a Friend". To connect a friend from their phone to a Java server, use the Geyser plugin — it will collect the config.yml lines from it. Geyser and Floodgate generator.
Running a server on your own computer is free, but it only works while the computer is on, and shares memory and processor resources with the game. Hosting costs money, but the server runs 24/7 and has its own address. The free option is — Aternos: the server runs as long as players are on it. Starting is easier at home, and moving means transferring the entire server folder: the world lies within it, in the folder level-name.
When the server starts, it can be add to JuxMC monitoring — players will find them there, and you will see online status by day. Discord channel online status will show server status in Discord.
How to create your own free Minecraft server?
Download server.jar from minecraft.net, install Java 25, run the server with the command java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar server.jar nogui, change eula=false to eula=true in the eula.txt file, and restart. A server on your computer is worthless — you only pay for hosting if you don't want to keep the computer running.
Why does the server shut down immediately after starting?
On first startup, the server creates eula.txt with eula=false and shuts down: it will not run without agreeing to the EULA. Open eula.txt, set eula=true, and start the server again. If the window disappears instantly, it is likely that you are using the wrong Java: the 26.3 server requires Java 25.
Why can't my friend join my server?
In Minecraft 26.3, the whitelist is enabled by default (white-list=true). Add a friend using the command whitelist add and their username. A friend from another network requires your external IP and open port 25565; without a license, access is denied while online-mode=true.
- Minecraft server startup script
- Minecraft server.properties editor
- How to allocate memory
- Server modes
- Useful commands
- How to change the language
- Ready /summon commands
- How to enable coordinates
- How to make a resource pack
All wiki content Server Admin CommandsGeyser and Floodgate: mobile access to a Java serverWhich server software should I choose?How to Open Port 25565 for a Minecraft ServerHow to make a modded server?How much memory does a server need: calculatorGenerator: Server NameMinecraft superflat world generatorGenerator: whitelist.json and ops.jsonGenerator: Server RulesGenerator: LuckPerms groupsGenerator: WorldGuard RegionGenerator: Vote RewardGenerator: Auto-messages in chatGenerator: AuthMe ConfigurationGenerator: Cases on serverGenerator: Kit EssentialsXMinecraft Generator: Chat FormatMinecraft Generator: TAB Top and BottomGenerator: Server DescriptionGenerator: DeluxeMenus MenuGenerator: Server ShopGenerator: Custom MythicMobs MobMinecraft Skript generatorGenerator: Velocity and BungeeCordGenerator: NPC CitizensGenerator: Paper OptimizationGenerator: Minecraft Egg for PterodactylGenerator: Minecraft Backup ScriptGenerator: Mod pack builderGenerator: Player Data Transfer Between UUIDsGenerator: Blockbench Project CheckGenerator: Plugin Compatibility CheckGenerator: YAML Plugin Configuration UpdateGenerator: LuckPerms Export CheckGenerator: Voice Chat SettingsGenerator: DNS for server addressGenerator: Chunky World Pre-GenerationGenerator: CoreProtect RollbackGenerator: Server in Docker ComposeGenerator: Spark profile analysisMinecraft Generator: Towny EconomyGenerator: GrimAC violation actionsGenerator: zAuctionHouse Auction SettingsGenerator: Multiverse World Layout PlannerMod: LithiumMod: Simple Voice ChatMod: ChunkyMod: KryptonMod: Concurrent Chunk Management Engine (Fabric)Plugin: LuckPermsPlugin: GeyserPlugin: WorldGuardPlugin: EssentialsXPlugin: Let Me DespawnPlugin: Multiverse-CoreBuild: Zombie Invade 100 Days
Minecraft 26.3 data: menu captions — from game localization, numbers, and rules — from client and server code; each command has been verified by the game.