Minecraft is one of the most popular games of all time, and playing it with friends can be an absolute blast. If you are tired of playing on public servers or want to create your own world with your rules, then you will need to set up your server for Minecraft. The good news is that you can do it for free. Here is a guide to setting up a Minecraft server for free.

Step 1: Check Your Computer

First, ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to run a Minecraft server. You will need at least 1 GB of RAM, 1.6 GHz CPU, and a good internet connection. You must also ensure that all the ports needed to run the server are open in your firewall. You can check these ports’ availability by going into your router’s settings and checking the inbound and outbound rules.

Step 2: Download Server Hosting Software

Next, download the server hosting software. There are different hosting software available, but we recommend “Paper,” which is a fork of the popular “Spigot” server. Paper is an excellent choice for beginners, and it is simple to use. It is also designed to reduce lag, which means that your server will run smoothly.

Step 3: Install the Server Hosting Software

Once the download is complete, install the Paper server software. Click on the jar file you downloaded and let the installation process run. Ensure that you follow the prompts and configure the server settings according to your preferences.

Step 4: Create a Minecraft Server

Now that your software is installed, you are ready to create your Minecraft server. To do this, go to the Paper file location and double click the start.bat file. This will start up your server. You can then navigate to the “properties” file within the server files and configure the game settings for your server.

Step 5: Join the Server

Once your server is up and running, you can join the server by opening Minecraft and selecting the “Multiplayer” option. Click on “Add Server” and enter your server’s IP address. You can now join your Minecraft server for free.

In conclusion, setting up a Minecraft server for free is a straightforward process. Follow the steps above, and you will be up and running in no time. However, it is essential to note that running a server on your computer can be resource-intensive, and it may slow your computer down. It is therefore advisable to limit the number of players you allow on your server to avoid overloading your computer.