CMD Prompt Essentials: A Guide to Hosting LAN Minecraft Servers
4th January 2022
Hosting a LAN (Local Area Network) Minecraft server allows you to play the game with your friends and family in a controlled and private environment. It's a great way to enjoy multiplayer gameplay without the need for an internet connection or relying on external servers. In this article, we will explore the essentials of hosting LAN Minecraft servers using the CMD (Command Prompt) in Windows, providing you with a step-by-step guide to get your LAN server up and running.
Understand LAN Minecraft Servers:
LAN Minecraft servers allow players connected to the same local network to join and play together. Unlike public servers, LAN servers are private and limited to players within the network, providing a more controlled and secure multiplayer experience.
Prepare Your Network:
Before setting up a LAN Minecraft server, ensure that all the devices you want to connect are connected to the same local network. This typically means being on the same Wi-Fi network or connected via Ethernet cables to the same router or switch.
Obtain the Minecraft Server Software:
To host a LAN Minecraft server, you need the Minecraft server software. You can download it from the official Minecraft website. Make sure to choose the version compatible with your Minecraft game client.
Open CMD Prompt:
Open the CMD Prompt on your Windows computer by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd" in the Run dialog box, and pressing Enter. This will open a black command prompt window.
Navigate to the Minecraft Server Directory:
Use the "cd" command in the CMD Prompt to navigate to the directory where you saved the Minecraft server software. For example, if the software is saved in the "Downloads" folder, type "cd Downloads" and press Enter.
Launch the Minecraft Server:
In the CMD Prompt, enter the command to launch the Minecraft server. The command typically looks like this: "java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui". Adjust the "Xmx" and "Xms" values according to the amount of RAM you want to allocate to the server. Press Enter to start the server.
Configure Server Settings:
Once the server is running, it will generate some initial files. Open the "server.properties" file using a text editor to configure server settings such as game mode, difficulty level, and maximum player limit. Save the changes and close the file.
Share Server IP Address:
To allow other players to connect to your LAN server, you need to share the server's IP address. In the CMD Prompt, type "ipconfig" and press Enter. Look for the "IPv4 Address" under your network adapter and share this address with the players you want to invite.
Connect to the LAN Server:
On other devices within the same local network, launch Minecraft and select "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Click on "Direct Connect" and enter the server's IP address. Click "Join Server" to connect to the LAN server.
Enjoy Multiplayer Gameplay:
With everyone connected to the LAN server, you can now enjoy multiplayer gameplay in Minecraft. Explore, build, and adventure together within the confines of your private LAN environment.
