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☕ PC — Java Edition

The original Minecraft from minecraft.net — Mac, Windows, or Linux

How to tell if you have Java Edition: You bought it at minecraft.net (not the Microsoft Store), and you sign in with a Microsoft account. It runs from the "Minecraft Launcher" app. If you're not sure, Java Edition requires a separate purchase — it's different from the Windows Store version.

Before you start — tell the server admin your Minecraft username

The server has a whitelist. You can't connect until the admin adds you. Your Minecraft username is the name you chose when you created your account at minecraft.net — it shows in the top-right corner of the Minecraft Launcher, or in-game above your character.

1

Open the Minecraft Launcher and launch the game

Open the Minecraft Launcher. Make sure Minecraft: Java Edition is selected (not Dungeons or Legends). Click Play.

2

Click Multiplayer

From the Minecraft main menu, click Multiplayer.

If a warning about online play appears, click Proceed.

3

Click "Add Server"

At the bottom of the server list, click Add Server.

4

Enter the server details

Server Name: Goat Server (or anything you like)

Server Address: goats.sortoflikethis.com

Leave the port blank — it uses the default (25565).

Click Done.

5

Double-click Goat Server to connect

The server will appear in your list. Double-click it (or select it and click Join Server). If it says "You are not whitelisted," the admin needs to add your username — ask them to run whitelist add YourUsername in the admin panel.

Next time: The server stays in your list. Just open Minecraft → Multiplayer → double-click Goat Server.
Note for Mac users: If you don't have Minecraft Java Edition yet, buy it at minecraft.net ($29.99 one-time). It's not in the Mac App Store.