How to Host a Minecraft Server for Friends (TLauncher Users Guide)

Setting up a server with TLauncher is a common search for players who want to play in the same Minecraft world as their friends. TLauncher is an unofficial launcher used to start Minecraft; there’s no TLauncher-specific way to host a server, so you use Minecraft’s own server software or its LAN feature.

In this article we explain how to open a world on your local network (LAN), how to run a Minecraft server on your own computer, what your friends need to connect over the internet, and the security points to keep in mind.

What You Need to Know First: TLauncher and Official Accounts

Minecraft: Java Edition servers verify by default that players are signed in with an official Microsoft/Minecraft account. Players without an official account can’t pass this check and get errors such as “Failed to verify username”.

Turning off account verification on the server lets anyone join with any user name (including yours or an admin’s) and is a serious security risk. Minecraft’s end user licence agreement also doesn’t allow unlicensed use of the game. So if you’ll open your server to the internet, we recommend that all players use official accounts.

Method 1: Open to LAN (Easiest)

To play with friends connected to the same Wi-Fi or router:

1. Enter a single-player world.
2. Press Esc and click Open to LAN.
3. Choose the game mode and cheats setting, then click Start LAN World.
4. Your friends see your world automatically in the Multiplayer menu. If it doesn’t appear, they can connect directly as local-IP:port using the port number shown in chat.

This method only works while you’re in the game and needs extra network setup for players in other homes.

Method 2: Running a Minecraft Server on Your Computer

1. Install Java

Current Minecraft versions need a current Java version. Install a Java build compatible with the Minecraft version you play (e.g. Eclipse Temurin).

2. Download the server file

Get the server file of the same version your players use. The official server file is on Minecraft’s website; if you want plugin support, you can download popular server software such as Paper. Download files only from official sources.

3. Run the server for the first time

Put the file in an empty folder and start it from the command line with:

java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar nogui

On the first run an eula.txt file is created. After reading the agreement, change eula=false in the file to eula=true and start the server again.

4. server.properties settings

• max-players: the maximum number of players
• motd: the description shown in the server list
• white-list: if set to true, only players you allow can join; recommended for friends’ servers
• server-port: 25565 by default

5. Connecting

From the same computer, connect with localhost; from the same network, use your computer’s local IP address.

Letting Friends Connect over the Internet

For players in other homes to connect, you need to set up port forwarding on your router:

1. Give your computer a fixed local IP address.
2. In the router interface, forward TCP port 25565 to that IP address.
3. Allow Java or port 25565 in Windows Firewall.
4. Your friends connect with your external IP address.

Some internet providers use CGNAT, so port forwarding may not work. In that case you need to request a static IP or run the server on a virtual server (VDS).

Home Computer or Rented Server?

	Home computer	Rented server (VDS)
Cost	No extra fee (apart from electricity)	Monthly fee
Uptime	Only while the computer is on	24/7
IP and ports	Port forwarding; CGNAT can be a problem	Static IP, direct access
Security	Your home IP address is shared	Your home network stays private

RAM needs rise quickly on busy or modded servers. For a small friends’ server, 2–4 GB of RAM is usually enough; more is needed as plugins and players increase.

Security Tips

• Turn on the whitelist and add only players you know.
• Give operator (op) permissions only to people you trust.
• Back up the world folder regularly.
• Download plugins and mods only from trusted sources.
• Don’t share your home IP address in public places.

Common Errors

• “Outdated client / server”: the player and server versions differ. Switch to the same version.
• “Connection refused”: the server is off, the port is wrong or the firewall is blocking it.
• “Failed to verify username”: shows the player isn’t signed in with an official account.
• The server won’t start: the Java version may be incompatible or eula.txt hasn’t been accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Hamachi with TLauncher?

If you can’t set up port forwarding, virtual network (VPN) programs such as Hamachi put players on the same virtual network so they can connect as if on a LAN. All players need to install the same program.

How many GB of RAM does a server need?

2 GB is recommended for a vanilla server with few players, and 4 GB or more for a server with plugins or more than 10 players.

Can Bedrock (phone) players join a Java server?

Not by default. With plugins such as Geyser, Bedrock players can connect to a Java server.