So, you’re trying to download the Minecraft server software and are running into a few hiccups? You’re not alone! Many new server admins find the initial download process a bit confusing. Let’s break down the steps to ensure you can download the Minecraft server software without any problems and get your server up and running.
Navigating the official Minecraft website to download the server software can sometimes feel like a maze. This guide will walk you through each step, clarifying common sticking points and ensuring you download the correct file. We’ll cover everything from finding the download link on Minecraft.net to handling those sometimes-intimidating security prompts your browser throws up.
Let’s get started and get that Minecraft Server Software Downloaded!
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Your Minecraft Server Software
Here’s a simple, step-by-step process to download the Minecraft server software directly from the official source.
1. Head to Minecraft.net
Your first stop is the official Minecraft website: Minecraft.net. This is the safest and most reliable place to download the server software, ensuring you get a legitimate and up-to-date version.
2. Find the “Download” Section
Once you’re on the Minecraft homepage, look for the “Download” link. This is usually located in the top navigation menu. Click on “Download” to proceed to the download options.
3. Scroll Down to “Multiplayer Server”
On the download page, you’ll see various download options. Scroll down until you find the section labeled “Multiplayer Server”. This is where you’ll find the link to download the Minecraft server software.
4. Choose “Minecraft Server.exe”
Under the “Multiplayer Server” heading, you should see a link that says “Minecraft Server.exe”. This is the file you need to download to run your own Minecraft server on a Windows machine. Click on “Minecraft Server.exe” to initiate the download.
5. Handle Browser Security Prompts
After clicking the download link, your browser will likely display a prompt asking if you want to “Open” or “Save” the Minecraft_Server.exe file from s3.amazonaws.com. This is a standard security measure.
It’s recommended to click “Save”. Saving the file allows you to choose where to store it on your computer and gives you more control over the download process.
6. Locate the Downloaded File
Once the download is complete, your browser will usually show a download bar at the bottom of the screen. You might see a message like “Running security scan” followed by a notification that “The publisher of Minecraft_Server couldn’t be verified.” This is normal for executable files downloaded from the internet.
Click on the “View downloads” option (or similar, depending on your browser) to see the downloaded file in your browser’s download manager.
7. Open the Containing Folder
In your browser’s download manager, you should see the Minecraft_Server file (it might not initially show the .exe extension). Right-click on the Minecraft_Server file and select “Open Containing Folder”. This will open Windows Explorer and take you directly to the folder where the file was downloaded, which is usually your “Downloads” folder.
8. Rename and Add the “.exe” Extension
This is a crucial step that often gets overlooked! In Windows Explorer, you might see the file named simply Minecraft_Server without the .exe extension. This is likely the reason why you’re having trouble running the file.
Right-click on the Minecraft_Server file, choose “Rename”, and then add .exe to the end of the name. The file name should now be Minecraft_Server.exe. Press Enter to confirm the rename.
By adding the .exe extension, you are telling Windows that this file is an executable program.
9. Run Your Minecraft Server
Now that you have correctly downloaded and renamed the Minecraft_Server.exe file, you should be able to run it. Double-click on Minecraft_Server.exe to start your Minecraft server.
The first time you run the server, it will generate the necessary server files and folders in the same directory where you placed the .exe file. You’ll see a command prompt window open, which is the server console. Let it run and generate the files.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “The Publisher of Minecraft_Server couldn’t be verified”: This is a standard Windows security warning for files downloaded from the internet. As long as you downloaded the file from Minecraft.net, it is safe to proceed.
- File opens with Adobe Reader or other programs: This indicates that Windows doesn’t recognize the file as an executable because the
.exeextension might be missing. Renaming the file and adding.exeas described in Step 8 should resolve this. - “This program might have been moved or deleted”: This error usually appears if you try to run the file from the browser’s download manager after it has been moved or if the download was interrupted. Opening the containing folder and running the file from there should fix this.
Conclusion
Downloading the Minecraft server software is usually a straightforward process once you understand the steps. By following this guide, you should be able to successfully download the Minecraft_Server.exe file and start setting up your own Minecraft server. Remember to always download the server software from the official Minecraft website to ensure безопасности and get the latest version. Happy server hosting!
