How to Download and Set Up a Minecraft Server in 2026

How to Download and Set Up a Minecraft Server in 2026

The official Minecraft server software is available free from Mojang. You can run it on a Windows PC, a Linux machine, or a VPS. Here is a complete guide to getting it set up in 2026.

Where to Download the Minecraft Server

The official Java Edition dedicated server is available at the Minecraft download page on minecraft.net. Look for the server.jar download for the current version.

For Bedrock Edition, the Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) is also available on the same page as a separate download.

Java Requirements

Starting with Minecraft 1.21, the server requires Java 21. Make sure you have the correct Java version installed before trying to run the server jar.

To check your Java version:

java -version

If you need to install Java 21, download it from Adoptium (Temurin builds) or Oracle. Both provide free Java 21 builds.

Setting Up the Server on Windows

1. Create a folder for your server files
2. Download the server.jar into that folder
3. Create a text file named run.bat with the contents:

   java -Xms2G -Xmx8G -jar server.jar nogui
   

   Adjust the RAM values to match your system
4. Run the bat file. The server will start, generate the eula.txt file, and stop
5. Open eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true
6. Run the bat file again. The server generates the world and starts properly

Setting Up the Server on Linux

On Ubuntu or Debian:

sudo apt install openjdk-21-jdk
mkdir minecraft && cd minecraft
wget [server.jar download URL]
java -Xms2G -Xmx8G -jar server.jar nogui

Accept the EULA and run again.

Port Forwarding for Home Hosting

For players outside your local network to connect, you need to forward port 25565 (TCP) on your home router to your PC's local IP address.

This is not required if you use a hosting provider, as the server runs directly on a public-facing IP.

Minecraft Server Downloads for Modpacks

For popular modpacks like ATM10, FTB Beyond, or Better MC, do not download the Minecraft server jar manually. Instead, download the specific server pack for your modpack from CurseForge or the modpack's official page. These include the correct Forge or NeoForge version and all required mod files.

Space-Node includes one-click server installs for all major modpacks in the game panel, making modpack setup a matter of a few clicks rather than manual file management.