What should I use?

The short answer#

Start with the operating system already on the computer unless you have a reason to replace it.

• Normal Windows PC: Windows → Java → Paper or Fabric → local test → Playit or port forwarding → whitelist → backups.
• Dedicated spare PC: Windows, ZimaOS and Ubuntu Server are all supported. Compare them before erasing a drive.
• Online host: keep the host's operating system and use its control panel.

ZimaOS and Crafty are optional tools, not required steps. Choose Fabric instead of Paper only when the specific mods or modpack you want require Fabric.

Open the five-question setup wizard for a recommendation based on your answers.

When should I choose ZimaOS?#

ZimaOS gives a generic x86-64 PC a web-first home-server interface and an app store built around containers. Its official installation guide currently calls for UEFI boot, Secure Boot disabled, at least 25 GB of storage and a 4 GB or larger USB drive.

Do you need it? No. Consider ZimaOS only for a dedicated spare PC when you want a browser-managed home server and are comfortable replacing its current operating system. Keep Windows on a daily-use PC.

Compare operating systems

Why do we recommend Crafty?#

Crafty puts server creation, console access, files, users, schedules and backups in one web panel. Its backup manager supports multiple configurations, retention limits, compressed archives and scheduled jobs.

Do you need it? No. You can run a server jar directly. Crafty reduces the number of commands and file paths a first-time host must learn.

Compare Minecraft panels

Why Paper or Fabric?#

Paper is the general-purpose recommendation for a friends SMP that wants plugins, good performance and familiar administration tools. Fabric is the recommendation for Fabric mods, lightweight server-side optimization or a Fabric modpack.

Paper plugins do not run on plain Fabric. Fabric mods do not run on Paper. Decide what you want to add before creating the long-term world.

Compare server software

Why do we recommend Playit?#

Playit creates a public tunnel without requiring a router port forward. That makes it useful when you are behind CGNAT, cannot manage the router or simply want the easier beginner route.

Do you need it? No. Direct port forwarding can be lower-latency and Tailscale can be excellent for a small private group. Playit is recommended because friends can normally join with a hostname and do not install a private-network client.

Compare public access options

The safe beginner sequence#

1. 1
   Check the PC and copy off anything important.
2. 2
   Keep Windows, or choose a dedicated server OS before erasing anything.
3. 3
   Install Java and create Paper or Fabric. A panel can wait.
4. 4
   Join over the LAN before adding anything else.
5. 5
   Add only the plugins or mods you actually need.
6. 6
   Turn on the whitelist and keep online mode enabled.
7. 7
   Create a Playit tunnel for the Minecraft game port only.
8. 8
   Schedule backups and keep one copy somewhere else.

What the wizard does not decide#

The exact Minecraft release, Java version and loader version change over time. A modpack may require a specific older release. Always follow the compatibility information on the official project or pack page rather than forcing the newest file into an older server.