Getting Started: Creating Your First Server Instance

Congratulations on installing MC Bedrock Server Manager! Now that you have the application installed, this guide will walk you through creating your first server instance and getting it running. This process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Understanding Server Instances

Before we begin, it's important to understand what a server instance is. Each instance represents a separate Minecraft Bedrock server that you can run independently. You can create multiple instances for different purposes - for example, one for survival gameplay and another for creative building. Each instance has its own worlds, settings, and configurations.

Step 1: Open the Application

Launch MC Bedrock Server Manager from your desktop or Start menu. When the application opens, you'll see the main dashboard interface. If this is your first time using the application, you won't have any instances yet, so the dashboard will be mostly empty.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

To create your first instance, you need to access the Settings page:

1. Look for the Settings button or menu option in the application interface
2. Click on it to open the Settings page
3. Select the Server tab if it's not already selected

You'll now see the Server settings page where you can manage your server instances.

Step 3: Create a New Instance

On the Server settings page, you'll find a "+ New Instance" button, typically located in the top-right corner of the window.

1. Click the "+ New Instance" button
2. A dialog window will appear asking you to enter an instance name
3. Type a descriptive name for your server, such as:
   • "My Survival Server"
   • "Creative World"
   • "Main Server"
   Choose something that helps you identify what this server is for.
   • Click "Next →" to continue

Step 4: Choose Server Type

You'll now be presented with two options for your server setup:

New Server

Select this option if you're starting fresh and want the application to automatically download and set up a new Minecraft Bedrock server for you. This is the recommended option for beginners because:

• The application handles downloading the latest server version automatically
• All necessary files and folders are created for you
• Default server configurations are applied
• You don't need to manually locate or configure server files

Existing Server

Choose this option if you already have a Minecraft Bedrock server folder on your computer that you want to use with the wrapper. This is useful if you:

• Previously ran a server manually
• Want to migrate an existing server to the wrapper
• Have server files from another source

If you select this option, you'll need to browse to the folder containing your existing server files.

Step 5: Configure Server Paths

After choosing your server type, you'll need to configure the server paths:

Server Binary Path

This should point to the main server executable file:

• Windows: bedrock_server.exe
• Linux/Mac: bedrock_server

If you chose "New Server", this path will typically be filled in automatically. If not, click "Browse" and navigate to the executable file.

Working Directory

This is the folder containing all your server files, including:

• Worlds folder
• server.properties file
• Behavior packs and resource packs folders
• All other server data

Again, if you chose "New Server", this will be set automatically. Otherwise, browse to your existing server folder.

Step 6: Review Server Properties

Before finalizing, review the basic server properties that you can configure:

• Level Name: The name of your world folder (e.g., "Bedrock level")
• Game Mode: Survival, Creative, or Adventure - the default mode for new players
• Difficulty: Peaceful, Easy, Normal, or Hard
• Max Players: Maximum number of players that can join simultaneously
• Server Port: The UDP port for server connections (default: 19132)

You can modify these settings now or adjust them later in the Settings page. For your first server, the default values work perfectly fine.

Step 7: Create the Instance

Once you've reviewed everything:

1. Click the "Create Instance" button
2. The application will set up your server instance
3. If you chose "New Server", the application will download the Minecraft Bedrock server files (this may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection)
4. Once complete, you'll see your new instance listed in the instance dropdown at the top of the application

Step 8: Start Your Server

Now that your instance is created, it's time to start your server:

1. Return to the Dashboard view (click the Dashboard button or tab if not already there)
2. Locate the Quick Actions section
3. Click the "Start Server" button
4. The button will be enabled only when the server is offline (which it will be initially)
5. Watch the Console tab to see server startup messages

When the server starts successfully, you'll see messages in the console like:

INFO [Server] Server started on port 19132
INFO [Server] Minecraft Bedrock Edition server version X.X.X

The server status indicator will change to show that the server is online, and the "Start Server" button will become disabled (while "Stop Server" becomes enabled).

Step 9: Verify Your Server is Running

You can verify your server is running correctly by checking several indicators:

• Server Status: The dashboard should show the server is online
• Console Output: The Console tab shows real-time server logs without errors
• Process Information: The dashboard may display the server's process ID (PID) and runtime
• Port Status: The server is listening on port 19132 (or your configured port)

Step 10: Connect to Your Server

Now that your server is running, you can connect to it from Minecraft:

From the Same Computer (Local)

1. Open Minecraft: Bedrock Edition
2. Select "Play" from the main menu
3. Go to the "Servers" tab
4. Click "Add Server"
5. Enter:
   • Server Name: Any name you prefer (e.g., "My Server")
   • Server Address: localhost or 127.0.0.1
   • Port: 19132 (or your configured port)
   • Click "Save" and then "Join Server"

From Another Device (Network)

1. Find your computer's local IP address (in Windows: run ipconfig in Command Prompt, look for IPv4 Address)
2. On the device you want to connect from, open Minecraft
3. Add a server using your computer's local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
4. Use port 19132 (or your configured port)
5. Both devices must be on the same local network

What's Next?

Congratulations! Your server is now up and running. Here are some recommended next steps:

Configure Your Server

• Adjust server properties like game mode, difficulty, and player limits
• Set your server name and description
• Configure world generation settings

Set Up Automated Backups

Protect your server by configuring automated backups:

• Navigate to Settings → Backup
• Click "Add Job" to create a backup schedule
• Choose backup frequency (interval or daily)
• Select a backup directory

Enable Player Tracking

Monitor player activity by enabling tracking features:

• Go to Settings → Player
• Enable Activity Logger to track health, XP, location, and more
• Enable Player History to track joins, disconnects, and deaths
• Remember to restart the server after enabling these features

Invite Friends

Share your server with others:

• For local network connections, share your local IP address
• For internet connections, configure port forwarding on your router
• Consider setting up a whitelist for added security

Explore Advanced Features

• Create multiple server instances for different game modes
• Install behavior packs and resource packs
• Use the server console to execute commands
• Monitor server performance with the built-in metrics

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while creating or starting your instance:

Server Won't Start

• Check the Console tab for error messages
• Verify the Server Binary Path points to the correct executable
• Ensure the Working Directory is set correctly
• Check that port 19132 isn't already in use by another application

Download Fails

• Check your internet connection
• Ensure you have sufficient disk space
• Try creating the instance again
• Check firewall settings that might block downloads

Can't Connect

• Verify the server is actually running (check the status indicator)
• Check your firewall allows the server port
• For network connections, ensure both devices are on the same network
• Verify you're using the correct IP address and port

Conclusion

You've successfully created your first server instance and gotten it running! The MC Bedrock Server Manager makes it easy to manage your server with an intuitive interface. As you become more comfortable, explore the various settings and features available to customize your server experience.

For more detailed information about specific features, check out our other guides in the blog section, or explore the Features page for comprehensive documentation on all available tools and options.