Get started
Install MZForge and host your first server in a few minutes.
1Download and unzip
Right-click the downloaded ZIP and choose Extract All. Put the folder anywhere you like, for example your Desktop.
2First-time setup
Open the folder and double-click INSTALL-OFFICIAL-ELECTRON-RUNTIME.cmd. It downloads the app engine MZForge runs on and opens MZForge when it's done.
You only do this once. After that, just open MZForge.exe.
3Create a server
Click New Server, give it a name and pick a Minecraft version. Paper is the best choice for most people. Then click Create Server.
4Start it and share the address
Press Start. On Paper and Purpur, the first start opens a Playit page so you can sign in or make a free Playit account — this gives your server a public address.
When the server is online, press Copy and send the address to your friends.
5Your friends join
In Minecraft Java Edition they go to Multiplayer → Add Server, paste your address and join.
Optional: share hosting
Open Multi-Host and click Turn On Multi-Host to get a one-time code. On your friend's PC, choose Join a shared server and enter the code.
Now either PC can host the world — one at a time. Stop the server on one PC before starting it on the other.
Having trouble?
- Open Help in MZForge and run Health Check. It tells you what's wrong in plain words.
- Windows says “Windows protected your PC”? That can happen with new apps. Click More info, then Run anyway.
- Still stuck? Ask in Live Support on Discord.