Organizing a joint game in Minecraft Over a local area network (LAN) is a classic way to spend time with a friend without having to rent paid servers or tweak complicated router port settings. If both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi routerThe process of creating a game world takes literally seconds and requires minimal technical knowledge. It's ideal for quick play in a single apartment or house.
However, despite the simplicity of the concept, users often encounter technical obstacles. Antivirus software, Windows Firewall settings, or network card driver quirks can hide the created world from other players in the multiplayer list. In this article, we'll cover not only the standard procedure but also solutions for common issues that arise when trying to connect via local network.
For a successful connection, it's critical that both devices are on the same subnet. This means your router must correctly assign IP addresses to both computers via the protocol. DHCPIf you use a guest Wi-Fi network or client isolation on the router, connecting between PCs will be physically impossible, even if both are connected to the internet.
Checking network settings and preparing equipment
Before launching the game, you need to make sure the operating system can see the other computer. Open the command prompt by pressing Win + R and entering cmdIn the black window, enter the command ipconfig and find the line IPv4 address. It usually looks like 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X.
Ask your friend to do the same on their device. If the first three digits (octets) of the addresses match, you're on the same subnet and ready to play. If the addresses start differently, for example, 192.168.1.5 and 10.0.0.12, the devices are on different networks, and a direct connection won't work without changing your router settings.
It's also worth checking your network profile in Windows. The system may classify your Wi-Fi connection as "Public," which automatically enables strict security rules and hides your PC from other devices. You should switch the profile to "Private Network" in the Wi-Fi settings.
⚠️ Note: If you're using public Wi-Fi (at a cafe, university, or dorm), network security policies often block direct connections between devices (Client Isolation). In these cases, playing over a local network won't work; you'll need to create a virtual network or rent a server.
Make sure you have the same version of the game installed on both computers. Minecraft Java EditionEven a minor version difference (for example, 1.20.1 and 1.20.2) will prevent you from connecting to the server. It's also advisable to ensure that mods, if used, are identical on all machines.
Creating a world and opening access for LAN
After checking the network, you can begin creating your gaming space. Launch the launcher. Minecraft and enter a single-player game. Select an existing world or create a new one by clicking the "Create New World" button. It's important to configure the generation settings to suit all players (survival mode, hardcore, cheats enabled).
Once the world has loaded and you are inside the game, press the key Esc to open the pause menu. In the list of options that opens, find the "Open to LAN" button. Clicking it will start the local server configuration process.
In the window that appears, you can configure permissions for your friends: allow cheats and select a game mode for joined players. After confirming the settings, a system message will appear in the chat: "Local network available at..." The numbers after the colon are port, which is critical for direct connection.
☑️ Check before opening the world
Write down or take a photo of the port number, as you may need it if the automatic server search in the multiplayer list doesn't work. The port is usually a five-digit number, such as 25565 or 54321.
Connecting a second player via the multiplayer menu
Now let's move on to the second computer. Launch the game and go to the main menu. Select "Multiplayer." If all network settings are correct, after a few seconds, your friend's world should appear in the list of available servers labeled "(LAN)"
In most cases, the connection occurs automatically. Simply select the server that appears in the list and click "Join Server." The game will automatically establish a connection using the host's internal IP address and an open port.
However, if the server doesn't appear in the list within 10-15 seconds, don't panic. This is a common occurrence in networks with unstable UDP traffic. In this case, the manual connection method is more reliable.
To connect manually, click the "Direct Connect" button in the bottom corner of the screen. In the field that appears, enter the host computer's IP address and port, separated by a colon. The input format is: 192.168.1.45:25565After entering, click "Log in to server".
Troubleshooting Firewall and Antivirus Issues
The most common reason a friend can't see the world or connect is because the connection is blocked by Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus. On first launch Minecraft or Java The system should have requested permission to access the network. If you accidentally clicked "Cancel" or "Deny," the connection will be blocked.
To fix this, open the Firewall control panel. Type "Firewall" in Windows search and select "Allow an app." In the list, look for "Java(TM) Platform SE binary" or "Minecraft." Make sure the checkbox next to your active network (Private) is checked.
If a simple check isn't enough, you can create a rule manually. In the advanced firewall settings, create a rule for incoming connections. Specify the port the game issued when opening the LAN, or allow the entire range of ports used by Java. The protocol should be selected. TCP and UDP.
Different Microsoft accounts
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The server is not visible in the list | Blocking UDP packets | Use direct IP connection |
| Connection timed out error | The firewall is blocking the port | Add Java to your firewall exceptions |
| Invalid login | Check the launcher login | |
| Incompatible versions | Different versions of the game | Update the game to the latest version |
Please remember that some antivirus programs (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast) have their own built-in firewalls that may ignore Windows settings. In this case, you should go to the firewall settings of your specific antivirus and add the game to your trusted applications.
Setting up a static IP for stable gaming
Dynamic IP address changes by the router may prevent your friend from connecting to the old address after rebooting their computer. To avoid constantly re-assigning the IP address, it's recommended to assign the IP address to your PC's network card.
This can be done through the network adapter settings. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cplRight-click your Wi-Fi connection, select "Properties," then "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)." Switch to "Use the following IP address."
Enter an address that matches your subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.150), a subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0), and a default gateway (the router's address, e.g., 192.168.1.1). This will ensure a consistent address for all connections on your local network.
Why do you need a gateway and DNS?
The gateway is the address of your router, through which your computer accesses the internet. DNS servers are responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses. When setting up your DNS manually, you can enter 8.8.8.8 (Google) or your router's address in the DNS field to ensure the internet continues to function properly.
After applying the settings, the network may be temporarily interrupted. Check your internet connection and ensure the new IP address appears when entering the command. ipconfigNow your friend can save this address as a favorite for quick connection in the future.
Alternative Methods: Hamachi and Radmin VPN
If the standard Wi-Fi router method doesn't work due to provider restrictions or equipment settings, you can use programs to emulate a local network over the Internet. Hamachi And Radmin VPN create a virtual network adapter, connecting computers as if they were connected by a single cable.
Both players must install the selected program and register. Then, one creates the network, and the other connects to it by entering a username and password. Within the game, the process of opening a world remains exactly the same as with a regular LAN connection.
The advantage of such programs is that they bypass NAT and firewall restrictions by routing traffic through their servers. However, this can introduce a slight delay (ping), especially if the physical distance between players is large and the internet speed is slow.
It's important to note that when using LAN emulators, the IP address for the connection is taken not from the Wi-Fi settings, but from the Hamachi or Radmin virtual adapter interface. It typically looks like 25.xxx or 10.xxx.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to play over Wi-Fi if we have different versions of Minecraft?
No, the versions must match exactly. If one player has version 1.20.1 and the other has 1.20.4, they won't be able to connect. Installed mods must also match if you're playing with mods.
Why can my friend see the world but it says "Access Denied"?
Most often, this is a permissions or firewall issue. Check if the world is password-protected (if using a plugin), and make sure your antivirus isn't blocking incoming connections to the game port.
How many players can connect via LAN?
There are no technical limitations, but the host computer's performance will be a limiting factor. For comfortable play on the integrated card, it's recommended to have no more than 4-6 players at a time.
Do you need internet to play on a local network?
Internet access is not required for the gameplay itself; a functioning local network between the PCs is sufficient. However, internet access is required for logging into Microsoft accounts and verifying licenses when launching the game.
How to increase the render radius for all players?
The render radius is set on the server (host) side. If the host sets the render radius to 10 chunks, and the friend sets it to 16, the friend will still only see 10. Set the optimal value when opening a world.