Hosting LAN Minecraft Servers: A Step-by-Step Guide Using CMD Prompt
01. 04. 2022
Minecraft is a game that becomes even more enjoyable when played with friends and family. While online multiplayer is a popular choice, hosting a LAN (Local Area Network) Minecraft server allows you to create a private gaming environment where players can connect and play together on the same network. Hosting a LAN Minecraft server is relatively simple and can be done using the Command Prompt (CMD) on your Windows computer. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of hosting a LAN Minecraft server using CMD prompt.
Step 1: Ensure Minecraft is Installed
Before setting up a LAN Minecraft server, ensure that Minecraft is installed on the computer that will act as the host. You can download and install the Minecraft Java Edition from the official Minecraft website (https://www.minecraft.net).
Step 2: Find Your IP Address
To host a LAN server, you'll need to know the IP address of the computer that will act as the host. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, then type "cmd" and hit Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter. Look for the IPv4 Address under the Local Area Connection section. This is your computer's IP address.
Step 3: Open CMD Prompt in the Minecraft Server Directory
Navigate to the directory where you have installed Minecraft server files. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, then type "cmd" and hit Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type "cd" followed by the path to your Minecraft server directory. For example, if your server files are located in "C:\MinecraftServer," you would type "cd C:\MinecraftServer" and press Enter.
Step 4: Start the Minecraft Server
In the Command Prompt window, type "java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui" and hit Enter. Replace "server.jar" with the actual name of your Minecraft server file. This command starts the Minecraft server with the specified memory allocation and without the graphical user interface (GUI).
Step 5: Configure Server Settings
Once the server starts, it will generate necessary files and configurations. Open the server.properties file located in the Minecraft server directory using a text editor. Customize server settings such as game mode, difficulty, and maximum number of players according to your preferences. Save the changes and exit the text editor.
Step 6: Share Your IP Address with Players
To allow other players on your LAN to connect to the server, share your IP address with them. In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter. Share the IPv4 Address you obtained in Step 2 with the players who wish to join your LAN Minecraft server.
Step 7: Join the LAN Minecraft Server
On the computers of players who want to join the LAN server, launch Minecraft Java Edition. Click on "Multiplayer" and then "Direct Connect." Enter the IP address of the host computer (Step 6) in the server address field and click "Join Server." If everything is set up correctly, players should be able to connect to the LAN Minecraft server and start playing together.
Hosting a LAN Minecraft server using CMD prompt allows you to create a private gaming environment for you and your friends without the need for an internet connection. Remember, this setup is only suitable for playing within the same local network.
Hosting a LAN Minecraft server using CMD prompt is a straightforward process that enables you to enjoy multiplayer gameplay with friends and family in a private setting. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily set up and host a LAN Minecraft server, allowing you and your fellow players to embark on exciting Minecraft adventures together.
