Windows host
bedrock_server.exe
Self-hosting · Windows and Linux
Bedrock Dedicated Server setup
Get Mojang’s free BDS package, run it on a host machine, open UDP 19132, and invite Bedrock players. This page is for hosting a world, not installing the Minecraft game client.
Looking for the game on PC, phone, or console? Official Minecraft Bedrock stores
Bedrock Dedicated Server packages
Pick the ZIP for the machine that will host. Players join with their own Bedrock clients; they do not install these files.
Linux host
./bedrock_server
| File | Platform | Version | Size | Get ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
bedrock-server-1.26.70.20-windows.zip | Windows | 1.26.70.20 | 97.4 MB | Get ZIP |
bedrock-server-1.26.52.3-windows.zip | Windows | 1.26.52.3 | 81.8 MB | Get ZIP |
bedrock-server-1.26.52.3-linux.zip | Ubuntu / Linux | 1.26.52.3 | 90.5 MB | Get ZIP |
Last checked 2026-10-19. Files are the official Bedrock Dedicated Server packages. Match the server build to your players’ Minecraft Bedrock version.
What Bedrock Dedicated Server is
BDS is Mojang’s official server binary for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. It is separate from the Windows Store, Play Store, or console game. You run it on a host so friends can connect while you are offline from that machine.
Always-on world
Run the server on a PC or VPS so the world stays up without anyone leaving a game client open.
One address for friends
Share IP and UDP port. Bedrock clients on phone, console, and Windows can join the same host.
Plain-file control
Edit server.properties, back up the world folder, and keep the binary matched to player versions.
- Software
- Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS)
- Publisher
- Mojang Studios / Microsoft
- Host OS
- Windows 10 / Server 2016+ or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS+
- License cost
- Server software is free; players need owned Bedrock clients
- Default port
- UDP 19132
Windows host setup
- Get the Windows BDS ZIP (1.26.70.20).
- Extract to a short path such as
C:\bedrock-server. - Run
bedrock_server.exeand allow Windows Firewall when prompted. - Wait for first-run world files. Keep the console window open while hosting.
-
Type
stop, editserver.properties, then start again. Default listen port: UDP 19132.
Linux host setup
- Get the Linux BDS ZIP (1.26.52.3). Official support targets Ubuntu 22.04 LTS+.
- Extract into a dedicated folder such as
~/bedrock-server. - Run
chmod +x bedrock_server. -
Start with
./bedrock_server. Usescreen,tmux, or systemd so it survives logout. - Open UDP 19132 in the firewall or cloud security group (not Java’s TCP 25565).
Configure server.properties
Stop the process before editing the file, then start it again so changes apply.
| Property | Role on a hosted world |
|---|---|
server-name | Label shown in LAN discovery and some lists |
gamemode | survival, creative, or adventure |
difficulty | peaceful through hard |
max-players | Slot cap; size it to host RAM |
server-port | UDP listen port (default 19132) |
level-name | World folder name under the server directory |
online-mode | Microsoft account authentication for joiners |
- Share your public IP (or DNS name) and UDP port with players.
- They open Bedrock → Servers → Add Server and paste the address.
- If join fails, check firewall, matching client/server builds, and multiplayer permissions. See how to join a Bedrock server and multiplayer fixes.
Ports and cross-play
Bedrock clients on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch can use the same BDS address when UDP reaches the host and Microsoft multiplayer settings allow it. Java Edition clients cannot join BDS directly; use a Geyser bridge only if you intentionally run a hybrid stack.
- Forward the Bedrock UDP port end to end. Java TCP 25565 rules do not replace this.
- Keep the server binary on the same generation as your players’ store builds.
- Prefer Ethernet on the host PC; unstable Wi‑Fi uplinks cause rubber-banding for remote players.
Host machine requirements
| Component | Guideline |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3 3210, AMD A8 7600 APU, or better |
| RAM | 4 GB recommended; more for large worlds and higher slots |
| Storage | 180 MB for the binary; world folders grow over time |
| Network | Broadband with UDP 19132 reachable for remote players |
| Windows | Windows 10 build 15063+ or Windows Server 2016+ |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bedrock Dedicated Server free to host?
Yes. The BDS software is free. Players still need owned Minecraft Bedrock clients to connect.
Do I need Minecraft installed on the host PC?
No. BDS is a separate package. Only the server files are required on the host machine.
What port does a Bedrock host use?
Default is UDP 19132. Forward that port (or your custom server-port) for internet players.
Can consoles join my self-hosted BDS?
Yes, when networking works and Microsoft multiplayer settings allow it. Players add your address in Servers.
Why can’t Java players join BDS?
BDS uses the Bedrock protocol. Java clients need a Java server or a Geyser bridge setup.
Which BDS build should I run?
Prefer the newest build your players can join. Match older clients temporarily, then update everyone together.
Next steps for hosts
Extract the ZIP, allow UDP 19132, tune server.properties, then send friends the address. For
Realms vs self-host decisions, read the hosting guide.