Hosting LAN Minecraft Servers: The CMD Prompt Approach

18th Jan, 2022

Minecraft is an immersive and captivating game that becomes even more enjoyable when played with friends and family. One of the best ways to connect and play together is by hosting a local area network (LAN) Minecraft server. While there are graphical user interface (GUI) tools available for setting up servers, using the command prompt (CMD) offers a more flexible and customizable approach. In this article, we'll explore the CMD prompt approach for hosting LAN Minecraft servers, allowing you to have complete control over your server setup and configuration.

Before diving into the steps, it's important to note that hosting a LAN server requires all players to be connected to the same local network. Make sure all devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or connected via an Ethernet cable for optimal performance.

Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Software

To begin, you'll need to download and install the necessary software to run a Minecraft server. Visit the official Minecraft website or reputable third-party websites to download the Minecraft server software. Choose the version that corresponds to the Minecraft edition you and your fellow players are using.

Step 2: Opening the Command PromptOpen the CMD prompt on your computer. In Windows, you can do this by pressing the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then, type "cmd" and press Enter.

Step 3: Navigating to the Minecraft Server Directory

Using the command prompt, navigate to the directory where you have installed the Minecraft server software. Use the "cd" command followed by the path of the directory. For example, if the Minecraft server software is located in "C:\MinecraftServer," you would type:

Press Enter to navigate to the directory.

Step 4: Running the Minecraft ServerIn the command prompt, type the following command to start the Minecraft server:

Replace "minecraft_server.jar" with the exact name of the Minecraft server file you downloaded.

Step 5: Adjusting Server Properties

After running the command, the Minecraft server will start. Initially, the server will generate necessary files and folders. Once the process is complete, you can modify the server properties by editing the "server.properties" file in a text editor. This file allows you to customize various server settings, such as the game mode, difficulty level, and maximum number of players.

Step 6: Inviting Players to Join

Once the server is up and running, other players on the same local network can join the server by opening Minecraft and selecting "Multiplayer" from the main menu. The LAN server should appear in the server list. Players can click on the server and join the game to start playing together.

Remember, when hosting a LAN server, players must be connected to the same local network. Additionally, ensure that your computer's firewall or antivirus software allows incoming connections to the Minecraft server port (default is 25565) to avoid connectivity issues.

Hosting a LAN Minecraft server using the CMD prompt approach gives you complete control over the server setup and configuration. It allows for customization and provides a flexible solution for local multiplayer experiences. So gather your friends and family, follow these steps, and embark on exciting adventures together in your very own LAN Minecraft server.