How to set up a Minecraft Bedrock dedicated server

Install HaruHost on a Windows PC or an Ubuntu server, create a Minecraft Bedrock server and pick the version. HaruHost downloads Mojang's dedicated server, gives it its ports and runs it; friends add it under Servers → Add Server with the address from the Details tab.

Windows or Linux

Windows, on the PC you play on or a spare one; see Bedrock on Windows.
Linux, on an Ubuntu VPS or home server, installed with one command; see Bedrock on Linux.

What HaruHost does for you

The download: pick the version from a list; no zip to fetch and unpack.
Ports: every server gets its own, so several worlds run side by side. On Windows, HaruHost can open them on your router and in Windows Firewall.
Settings: on Windows, the Auto Config page holds server.properties as simple options.
Running it: start, stop and restart from the app, the web panel or Discord, with backups and scheduled restarts.

Step by step

Install HaruHost on Windows (download) or on Ubuntu (one command).
Choose Add → New game server, pick the PC or server, then Minecraft Bedrock, and pick the version.
Create the server and start it.
Send friends the Server Address from the server's Details tab.

Questions

Does the server keep running when I close Minecraft?

Yes. The dedicated server runs on its own, so friends can play while you are offline. On Linux and with the Windows background service it also runs without anyone signed in.

Related guides

Set up on Windows Set up on Linux How friends join Ports and port forwarding

Everything HaruHost does for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition