Run a server on Windows

The path in one line#

Keep Windows → install Java → download Paper → make `start.bat` → accept the EULA → test with `localhost`.

You do not need ZimaOS, Docker or Crafty for this setup. Get the basic server working first. A management panel is optional later.

Before you start#

• Use Windows 10 or 11 and install normal Windows updates.
• Prefer Ethernet, but Wi-Fi is fine for a first test.
• Keep at least 10 GB of disk space free for the server and early backups.
• While the server should be online, set Windows so the PC does not go to sleep.

1. Install the right Java#

Paper's current 26.x releases require Java 25. Paper for Minecraft 1.21.x generally uses Java 21. If a modpack names a different Java version, follow the pack's requirement instead.

Use Paper's official Windows Java instructions ↗, install Java like a normal Windows program, then open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt and check:

java -version

The result should show the Java version you intended to install. If Windows says Java is not recognized, restart the PC once and try again before continuing.

2. Make one server folder#

1. 1
   Open File Explorer.
2. 2
   Create C:\MinecraftServer.
3. 3
   Keep the server jar, start file, world and backups inside this folder so they do not get mixed with Downloads or your desktop.

3. Download Paper#

1. 1
   Open the official Paper download page ↗.
2. 2
   Choose the exact Minecraft version you want your players to use.
3. 3
   Download the newest available Paper build for that version.
4. 4
   Move the downloaded jar into C:\MinecraftServer.
5. 5
   Rename it to exactly paper.jar.

4. Create start.bat#

1. 1
   Open Notepad.
2. 2
   Paste this:

@echo off
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar paper.jar --nogui
pause

1. 1
   Choose File → Save As.
2. 2
   Save it inside C:\MinecraftServer with the file name start.bat.
3. 3
   Set Save as type to All files, so Notepad does not create start.bat.txt.

-Xmx4G gives Minecraft up to 4 GB of RAM. Use the amount in your saved blueprint if it is different, but leave at least 4 GB for Windows on an 8 GB or larger PC.

5. Run it twice and accept the EULA#

1. 1
   Double-click start.bat.
2. 2
   The first run stops after creating files. This is expected.
3. 3
   Open eula.txt, read the linked Minecraft EULA, and change eula=false to eula=true only if you agree.
4. 4
   Save the file and double-click start.bat again.
5. 5
   Wait until the window says Done. Do not close it while the server is saving; type stop in the server window when you want a safe shutdown.

The pause line keeps the window open when something fails, so you can read the error instead of watching it disappear.

6. Allow the Windows firewall prompt#

If Windows asks whether Java can communicate through the firewall, allow it on Private networks. Do not enable Public networks just to make the warning disappear.

If no prompt appears and another device cannot connect later, open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall and make sure Java is allowed on Private networks.

7. Test before changing anything#

On the same Windows PC:

1. 1
   Open Minecraft Java Edition using the same game version as Paper.
2. 2
   Choose Multiplayer → Add Server.
3. 3
   Enter localhost as the address.
4. 4
   Join once before installing plugins, mods, Crafty or public access.

From another computer on the same home network, use the server PC's local IPv4 address instead. The local testing guide shows how to find it and what each connection error means.

8. Then make it yours#

Once localhost works:

1. 1
   Use My Server to prepare safe server.properties settings.
2. 2
   Turn on the whitelist before sharing the address.
3. 3
   Choose Playit or port forwarding so friends outside your home can join.
4. 4
   Set up backups before the world becomes important.

If it does not start#

• `java` is not recognized: Java is missing or Windows has not picked up the install yet.
• Unable to access `paper.jar`: the jar name or folder is wrong. Keep start.bat beside paper.jar.
• Window closes immediately: make sure the last line of start.bat is pause.
• Unsupported class version: the Java version does not match the Minecraft/Paper version.
• Friends cannot join yet: finish the local localhost test first; public access is a separate step.

Paper maintains an official getting-started guide ↗ and basic troubleshooting page ↗ if an error message needs more detail.