Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server Setup Guide 2026

This guide covers setting up a Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server on Linux or Windows in 2026. We'll walk through system requirements, installation steps, configuration, and optimization for cross-platform play.

01 // System Requirements

• Operating System — Windows 10 (version 1703 or later), Windows Server 2016 or later, or Ubuntu Linux 18.04 or later (22.04 LTS recommended)
• CPU — Minimum: Intel Core i3 3210 or AMD A8 7600 APU equivalent. Recommended: 2-4 vCPU cores at 3.0+ GHz
• RAM — Minimum: 4GB RAM. Recommended: 4-8GB for small servers (1-10 players), scaling with player count
• Storage — Minimum 10GB free space for world data and server files
• Network — Static IP address, ports 19132 (IPv4) and 19133 (IPv6) open in firewall

02 // Download Bedrock Server Software

Visit the official Minecraft Bedrock server download page to get the latest version. The software is available for both Windows and Ubuntu Linux.

Create a dedicated folder for your server files:

mkdir ~/MinecraftServer
# On Windows, create a folder like C:\MinecraftServer

03 // Installation on Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)

After downloading the server software, extract it to your server folder:

cd ~/MinecraftServer
unzip ~/Downloads/bedrock-server-*.zip

Make the server executable and start it for the first time:

chmod +x bedrock_server
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./bedrock_server

The server will generate initial configuration files and a default world. Stop the server with Ctrl+C after it finishes starting.

04 // Installation on Windows

Extract the downloaded server files to your server folder (e.g., C:\MinecraftServer).

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator, navigate to the folder, and run:

cd C:\MinecraftServer
bedrock_server.exe

The server will generate initial files and a default world. Stop the server with Ctrl+C after it finishes starting.

05 // Firewall Configuration

Proper firewall configuration is essential for players to connect to your server:

Linux (Ubuntu with UFW)

sudo ufw allow 19132
sudo ufw allow 19133
sudo ufw reload

Windows

For Windows Firewall, you'll need to allow the Bedrock Server through the firewall:

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
2. Click "Inbound Rules" → "New Rule"
3. Select "Port" and click "Next"
4. Choose "UDP" and enter ports "19132, 19133"
5. Allow the connection and apply to all profiles
6. Name the rule "Minecraft Bedrock Server"

06 // Server Configuration

The server configuration is controlled by the server.properties file in your server directory. Key settings include:

• server-name — The name that appears in the server list
• gamemode — survival, creative, adventure, or spectator
• difficulty — peaceful, easy, normal, or hard
• allow-cheats — true or false for operator commands
• max-players — Maximum concurrent players (default: 10)
• online-mode — true or false for Xbox Live authentication
• server-port — Default: 19132 (IPv4)
• server-portv6 — Default: 19133 (IPv6)

After making changes to server.properties, restart the server for changes to take effect.

07 // Managing Worlds

Bedrock servers can host multiple worlds. Each world is stored in the worlds/ directory as a separate folder:

• New worlds are automatically saved in worlds/ with a timestamped folder name
• To use an existing world, copy the world folder to the worlds/ directory
• Update the level-name in server.properties to match the exact folder name

To create a new world with a custom name, edit server.properties:

level-name=MyCustomWorld

Then restart the server. A new world folder will be created with this name.

08 // Connecting to Your Server

Players can connect to your server in two ways:

Local Network (LAN)

For players on the same network:

1. Ensure the server is running
2. On the player's device, open Minecraft Bedrock Edition
3. Go to Play → Friends tab
4. Your server should appear automatically in the list

Internet (WAN)

For players connecting over the internet:

1. Ensure your server's public IP address is known
2. Players open Minecraft Bedrock Edition
3. Go to Play → Servers tab → Add Server
4. Enter a name for the server
5. Enter your server's public IP address and port 19132
6. Save and select the server to connect

09 // Java vs Bedrock Server Differences

Understanding the key differences between Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions is important for server planning:

Cross-Platform Compatibility

• Bedrock — Cross-play between Windows 10/11, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PS4, mobile devices
• Java — Windows, Mac, and Linux PC only (no console or mobile support)

Modding and Plugins

• Bedrock — Limited modding support through behavior/resource packs. No real-time server plugins
• Java — Extensive modding ecosystem with thousands of mods and plugins (Spigot, Paper, Forge)

Performance

• Bedrock — Generally more optimized for less powerful hardware, uses multiple CPU cores efficiently
• Java — More resource-intensive but offers greater customization and performance tuning

Networking

• Bedrock — Uses UDP protocol, better for players with high latency
• Java — Uses TCP protocol, more stable but can be affected by packet loss

10 // Enabling Cross-Play with Java Servers

While Bedrock and Java servers aren't natively compatible, you can enable cross-play using GeyserMC:

1. Set up a standard Java server (Paper/Spigot)
2. Install the GeyserMC plugin on the Java server
3. Bedrock players can connect to the Java server through Geyser's bridge
4. Both Java and Bedrock players can play on the same server

This approach allows you to leverage Java's extensive plugin ecosystem while supporting all device platforms.

11 // Server Optimization

For optimal Bedrock server performance:

• Monitor player count and adjust hardware accordingly (2-4GB RAM per 10 players recommended)
• Regularly backup your world files to prevent data loss
• Keep the server software updated to the latest version
• Use resource packs sparingly as they can impact performance
• Monitor server console for errors or performance warnings

12 // Next Steps

• Security — Securing Your Minecraft Server (coming soon)
• Automation — Automated Backups for Minecraft (coming soon)
• Java Server — Minecraft Java Performance Optimization