# Welcome to Homerun Desktop

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/iTVAH0D4uzxZk2aTK8Z1" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/0EcBz5zGOMwyDPOoSQSB" alt=""></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Discover Homerun Desktop, the ultimate Minecraft hosting solution for seamless gameplay.

With a simple one-click setup, you can focus on building your world while Homerun Desktop handles the rest. Elevate your Minecraft experience today!


# Creating a Java Minecraft server

<figure><img src="/files/FONyi4M1bef80h8TrqI3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Java Minecraft server creation

Creating a server with Homerun Desktop requires no input or settings changes.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Begin server creation

Click either the **"Add a server +"** button on the Dashboard or the **"Create Minecraft Server"** button on the sidebar to open the server creation wizard.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select the "Java Vanilla" option

Enter a server name or use the default "New Minecraft Server"&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure your server (Optional)

Enter a server name, select a game mode, choose a game difficulty, or click continue to use the default options.&#x20;

Advanced settings, such as game version, world import, max players, and more are available by clicking the **Advanced Settings** button.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Invite additional hosts (Optional)

Enter the email addresses of any friends you wish to invite as Homerun Desktop hosts. The invited users will be able to run the server from their PC when it is offline.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Finish server creation

Click the **"Create Server →"** button at the bottom of the window to finish creating your server and begin playing Minecraft Java Edition.
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## Advanced settings

<table><thead><tr><th width="188">Setting</th><th>Description</th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Minecraft Version</strong></td><td>Choose which version of Minecraft Java Edition you would like for your server to use. <em>The latest release will always be the default option.</em></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Max Players</strong></td><td>Set the maximum number of players that can join your server simultaneously. Options: 10, 20, 50, or 100 players.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>World Seed</strong></td><td>Enter a seed for a specific world generation. If blank, a random world will be generated.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Game</strong> <strong>Difficulty</strong></td><td>Choose peaceful, easy, normal, or hard Minecraft difficulties.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Render Distance</strong></td><td>Set how many chunks are sent to players. Options: 8, 12, 16, or 24 chunks. Higher values require more bandwidth and client resources.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Simulation Distance</strong></td><td>Set how far from players the game will simulate entities and redstone. Options: 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 chunks. Lower values reduce server load.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Enable Command Blocks</strong></td><td>Allow the use of command blocks on your Minecraft server.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Anyone Can Stop Server</strong></td><td>Allow any invited Homerun Desktop co-host to stop the server, regardless of if they are the current host or not.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


# Creating a Bedrock Minecraft server

<figure><img src="/files/FONyi4M1bef80h8TrqI3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Bedrock Minecraft server creation

Creating a server with Homerun Desktop requires no input or settings changes.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Begin server creation

Click either the **"Add a server +"** button on the Dashboard or the **"Create Minecraft Server"** button on the sidebar to open the server creation wizard.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select the "Bedrock" option

Enter a server name or use the default "New Minecraft Server"&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure your server (Optional)

Enter a server name, select a game mode, choose a game difficulty, or click continue to use the default options.&#x20;

Advanced settings, such as game version, world import, max players, and more are available by clicking the **Advanced Settings** button.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Invite additional hosts (Optional)

Enter the email addresses of any friends you wish to invite as Homerun Desktop hosts. The invited users will be able to run the server from their PC when it is offline.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Finish server creation

Click the **"Create Server →"** button at the bottom of the window to finish creating your server and begin playing Minecraft Java Edition.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Advanced settings

<table><thead><tr><th width="188">Setting</th><th>Description</th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Game Mode</strong></td><td>Choose survival, creative, or adventure game modes for your Bedrock server.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Max Players</strong></td><td>Set the maximum number of players that can join your server simultaneously. Options: 5, 10, 20, 30, or 50 players.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Level Seed</strong></td><td>Enter a seed for a specific world generation. If blank, a random world will be generated.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Game Difficulty</strong></td><td>Choose peaceful, easy, normal, or hard Minecraft difficulties.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>View Distance</strong></td><td>Set how many chunks are visible to players. Options: 16, 24, 32 (Default), 48, or 64 chunks. Higher values require more bandwidth.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tick Distance</strong></td><td>Set how far from players the game will process entities and redstone. Options: 4 (Default), 6, 8, or 12 chunks. Lower values reduce server load.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Allow Cheats</strong></td><td>Enable commands and cheats for all OP players on the server.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Online Mode</strong></td><td>Require authentication with Xbox Live. Disable only for LAN or testing.</td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Anyone Can Stop Server</strong></td><td>Allow any invited Homerun Desktop co-host to stop the server, regardless of if they are the current host or not.</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


# Starting and stopping a server

<figure><img src="/files/cBrxaddx4Aomj7wHRBrE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Power the server on

To start your server, press the Start Server (⏻) button for the world you wish to power on. The server will begin running on your current device.

## Power the server off

To shut your server down, press the Stop Server (⏻) button for the world you wish to power off. The server will save all current progress and begin shutting down.


# Connecting to a server

<figure><img src="/files/i9mvIJS8d73UMbCWt9h2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Joining with Minecraft Java Edition

To connect to a Java Edition Homerun Desktop Minecraft server, first you must download and install [**Minecraft Java Edition.**](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download)

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Copy the server address

Copy the server address to your clipboard, either through the Homerun Desktop app or by asking a friend. The address will appear similar to **"minecraft.gethomerun.app:12345"**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Launch Minecraft Java Edition

Launch Minecraft Java Edition through the Minecraft launcher.
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### Open the Multiplayer menu

From the main Minecraft menu, click the "**Multiplayer"** button to open the Multiplayer menu.

<figure><img src="/files/ehIL775h3Y6NwPzcunso" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Add Server button

In the Multiplayer menu, click the "**Add Server"** button to open the Server Info screen.

<figure><img src="/files/KKvIIPLKarWScvOInCW9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the server details

Enter a server name into the Server Name field and paste the server address into the Server Address field. Click "**Done"** when the information is accurate.
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### Join the server

From the Multiplayer menu, select the new server and click the **"Join Server"** button.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Joining with Minecraft Bedrock Edition

To connect to a Bedrock Edition Homerun Desktop Minecraft server, first make sure you have downloaded and installed [**Minecraft Bedrock Edition**](https://minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-bedrock-edition-pc).

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Locate the server address and port

Locate the server address and port, either through the Homerun Desktop app or by asking a friend. The address will appear similar to **"Address: minecraft.gethomerun.app, Port: 12345"**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition through the Minecraft launcher.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the Servers menu

From the main Minecraft menu, click the "**Play" button to open the play menu. From the play menu, click the "Servers" tab to open the servers menu.**

<figure><img src="/files/LmtHeCXZRXTLnhA4eAgK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Add Server button

From the servers menu, click the "**+ Add Server**" button to open the Add A New Server screen.

<figure><img src="/files/z1AHfh5aasagIcYAqHXE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the server details

Enter a server name into the Server Name field, enter the server address into the Server Address field, and enter the port into the Port field. Click "**Done"** when the information is accurate.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Join the server

From the Multiplayer menu, select the new server and click the **"Join Server"** button.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Sharing a server

<figure><img src="/files/IiRlVwOjKIzUZkFiRZ8E" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Sharing your Server Info webpage

Homerun Desktop automatically creates a Server Info webpage to help users advertise and share their Minecraft servers. These pages include the server's name, version, address, and downloadable modpack.

To copy the URL for a Server Info webpage, visit the Dashboard page and click the Share Server button (⬆️) on the desired server.


# Inviting and managing co-hosts

<figure><img src="/files/LPefcmVngME9cslWUshy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## What is a "co-host"?

The Homerun Desktop app offers the ability to invite friends to host and manage any server from their own device.

## Inviting a co-host

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Visit the Server Overview page

From the **Dashboard** page, click the Settings (⚙️) button for the server you wish to manage. This will open the **Server Overview** page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Hosts tab

Underneath the server details section, click the **"Hosts"** tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the co-host's email

At the bottom of the Host Management table, click into the field that begins with "Invite a new host." Enter the email address of the co-host you wish to invite.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Submit the invitation

Send the invitation by clicking the Submit button (✅) or by pressing the Enter key. The user will be notified by email and in the Homerun Desktop app.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Removing a co-host

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Visit the Server Overview page

From the **Dashboard** page, click the Settings (⚙️) button for the server you wish to manage. This will open the **Server Overview** page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Hosts tab

Underneath the server details section, click the **"Hosts"** tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the three dot menu

Click the three dot icon ( ⋮ ) on the Host Management table entry for the co-host you wish to remove.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove the co-host

With the menu open, click the "Remove Host" option.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Deleting a server

<figure><img src="/files/xlPSSub3CuGWtNAtyYkN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A Homerun Desktop server can be deleted by the server owner at any time. To delete a server, click the server's Settings button (⚙️) to open the Server Overview page. At the bottom of the Settings tab, click the **"Delete Server"** button.

Servers can not be recovered once they have been deleted.


# Allowing cross-platform connections

<figure><img src="/files/cBrxaddx4Aomj7wHRBrE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Enabling Geyser for cross-platform connections

With the Geyser Minecraft plugin, users on any computer, phone, or gaming console with Minecraft Bedrock Edition can join your Homerun Desktop Minecraft server.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Visit the Server Overview page

From the **Dashboard** page, click the Settings (⚙️) button for the server you wish to manage. This will open the **Server Overview** page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Resources tab

Underneath the server details section, click the **"Resources"** tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select the checkbox

With your server offline, click the "Allow Bedrock users to connect to this server" option and fill in the checkbox. After that, press **"**�� **Save Changes"** for the changes to take effect.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start and share your server

Press the Start Server button (▶️) to bring your server online. The server details will now display a Minecraft Bedrock Edition server address for players to connect with.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Enabling and using voice chat

<figure><img src="/files/cBrxaddx4Aomj7wHRBrE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Enabling the Simple Voice Chat plugin

The Simple Voice Chat plugin allows users with the client-side Simple Voice Chat mod installed to utilize proximity voice chat features. Homerun Desktop allows hosts to enable Simple Voice Chat with one click.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Visit the Server Overview page

From the **Dashboard** page, click the Settings (⚙️) button for the server you wish to manage. This will open the **Server Overview** page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Click the Resources tab

Underneath the server details section, click the **"Resources"** tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select the checkbox

With your server offline, click the "Enable Simple Voice Chat" option and fill in the checkbox. After that, press **"**&#xD83D;� **Save Changes"** for the changes to take effect.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start your server

Press the Start Server button (▶️) to bring your server online. The Simple Voice Chat plugin will now be enabled, though **users must have the client-side mod installed** to utilize Simple Voice Chat features.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


# Windows privilege escalation requirement

### Why does Homerun Desktop require admin privileges?

**Homerun Desktop** leverages an optional Windows feature named [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/about) to manage running your servers.&#x20;

**Homerun Desktop** was built to use the special features of Linux that allow us to make running and backing up your servers as simple as possible, minimizing the amount of software you have to have downloaded on your PC. No more having to install Java!

&#x20;In order to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature, **Windows requires Administrator privileges** for WSL's installation process.