Home Sweet Home: Locating the Minecraft Servers You Built on PC
15 March, 2022
Building and hosting your own Minecraft server on your PC allows you to create a personalized and immersive multiplayer experience for yourself and your friends. However, once you've set up the server, you might be wondering how to locate and access it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding the Minecraft servers you've built on your PC, enabling you to revisit your virtual creations and continue your Minecraft adventures.
Locating the Server Files:
To locate the Minecraft server you built on your PC, you'll need to know the directory where the server files are stored. By default, Minecraft server files are usually found in the following location:
- For Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming.minecraft
- For macOS: /Users/YourUsername/Library/Application Support/minecraft
Navigate to the appropriate directory for your operating system to find the Minecraft server files.
Identifying the Server Folder:
Within the Minecraft server directory, locate the server folder. It is typically named "server" or "world" and contains all the files associated with your Minecraft server. Open this folder to access the server configuration files, world data, and other relevant files necessary for running the server.
Launching the Server:
To access and play on your Minecraft server, you need to launch it using the server files you located in the previous step. Locate the server executable file, usually named "minecraft_server.jar" or "server.jar." Double-click on it to launch the server. This will start the Minecraft server process, and you'll be able to connect to it.
Connecting to the Server:
Once the server is running, you can connect to it from the Minecraft game client. Open Minecraft on your PC, click on "Multiplayer" on the main menu, and then click on "Add Server" or "Direct Connect." Enter the server IP address or domain name, along with the port number if it's different from the default (usually 25565), and click "Join Server." If the server is running on the same PC you're playing from, you can use "localhost" or "127.0.0.1" as the server address.
Sharing the Server Address:
If you want others to join your Minecraft server, you'll need to provide them with the server address. To find the server's IP address, you can use online services like "WhatIsMyIP" or check your router's settings to see the connected devices and their IP addresses. Alternatively, if you have a domain name associated with your server, you can provide that instead of the IP address.
Configuring Server Settings:
To customize your Minecraft server further, you can modify the server settings and properties. Within the server folder, you'll find a file called "server.properties" that contains various options for configuring the server, including game modes, difficulty levels, and player limits. Open this file with a text editor and make the desired changes. Save the file and restart the server for the new settings to take effect.
Backing Up Your Server:
Regularly backing up your Minecraft server is crucial to protect your creations and prevent potential data loss. Copy and store the server folder in a safe location to create backups. Additionally, you can use server management tools or plugins that automate the backup process, ensuring the safety of your server data.
Locating and accessing the Minecraft servers you built on your PC is a simple process once you know where to find the server files. By navigating to the appropriate directory, identifying the server folder, launching the server executable, and connecting to it through the Minecraft game client, you can revisit your virtual creations and continue your Minecraft adventures. Don't forget to share the server address with others if you want them to join, and remember to back up your server regularly to protect your valuable data. Now, embark on your Minecraft journey and enjoy the comfort of your virtual home sweet home!