Setting up a Minecraft Bedrock server gives you full control over your multiplayer world, allowing friends to join from virtually any device. Unlike Java Edition, Bedrock runs on a lightweight server software that is officially supported on Windows, Linux, and various embedded platforms. This guide walks through the requirements, configuration steps, and best practices to run a stable, low-latency experience for you and your community.
Hardware and network requirements
Bedrock Server is not particularly demanding, but performance still depends on the number of players, world size, and redstone activity. For small local networks, a modern desktop or even a capable Raspberry Pi 4 can suffice, while public servers benefit from a dedicated machine with multiple CPU cores and ample RAM. A reliable broadband connection with a static or port-forwarded IP is essential, and you should allow traffic on the specific server port through your firewall and router.
Supported operating systems
Windows 10 and later (via Bedrock Dedicated Server package).
Linux distributions on x64 and ARM architectures.
Docker containers for consistent deployment and updates.
Compatible platforms such as Raspberry Pi for hobby projects.
Downloading and installing the server software
Microsoft provides the official Bedrock Dedicated Server build through its launcher and direct downloads, ensuring compatibility with the latest game versions. On Linux, you can use the amd64 or arm64 binaries, while Windows users typically run an installer or launch via the Minecraft for Bedrock Edition server tool. Keeping the server files in a dedicated folder simplifies future updates and script automation.
Basic setup steps
Accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement on the host machine.
Run the server installer or extract the dedicated server package.
Configure server properties such as game mode, difficulty, and player limit.
Open the required ports and start the server for the first time.
Configuring gameplay and permissions
The server.properties file is the central configuration point where you adjust game rules, set the maximum number of players, and define the world type. For Bedrock, you also have JSON-formatted permission systems that let you specify operator levels, whitelisted players, and access to specific commands. Clear rules and documented admin roles reduce conflicts and make moderation straightforward.
