Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to host private servers for friends and family without technical expertise.
Ready to jump in? Play minecraft games and discover new adventures while your server loads!
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Download the Bedrock Server Software
Start by visiting the official Minecraft website and downloading the Bedrock Dedicated Server software. This free download includes all the files you’ll need to run your own server. Make sure you’re downloading the Bedrock edition specifically, not the Java edition, as they’re completely different server types.
System Requirements and Preparation
Your computer needs at least 4GB of RAM and a stable internet connection. Windows 10/11, Ubuntu 18+, or other compatible operating systems work well. Create a dedicated folder on your computer where you’ll extract the server files – this keeps everything organized and makes troubleshooting easier later.
Initial Server Configuration
Extract the downloaded server files to your chosen folder. You’ll see several important files, including the server executable and configuration files. Before starting, open the server.properties file in a text editor to customize basic settings like server name, game mode, difficulty level, and maximum player count.
Port Forwarding and Network Setup
For friends to join from outside your home network, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router. The default Bedrock server uses UDP port 19132. Access your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser), find the port forwarding section, and create a rule directing traffic from port 19132 to your computer’s local IP address.
Starting Your Server
Run the server executable file. On Windows, this is typically bedrock_server.exe. The first startup takes a few minutes as it generates the world and necessary files. You’ll see console output indicating when the server is ready for connections. Keep this window open while the server runs.
Connecting Players
Players can connect using your external IP address and the port number (usually 19132). Share your public IP address with friends who want to join. Local network players can use your internal IP address instead. Make sure all players are using the same Minecraft Bedrock version as your server.
Essential Server Management
Learn basic console commands like /whitelist add [playername] to control who can join, /op [playername] to give admin privileges, and /save-all to manually save the world. Regular backups of your world folder prevent data loss. Consider using server management tools like MCSManager for easier administration through a web interface.
Once your server is running smoothly, you might want to explore other gaming experiences that offer similar multiplayer fun and creativity.
TL;DR
Download Bedrock server software from Minecraft.net, configure port forwarding (UDP 19132), run the executable, and share your IP address with friends to connect.
