Edit Minecraft Java settings in Properties under Minecraft. Settings not shown there can be changed in server.properties through Files.
Change a setting
- Open Properties under Minecraft and search for the setting.
- Change its value and save. If it is not listed, open server.properties through Files and edit the existing key.
- Restart the server to apply file settings, then test your change in the game.
Common settings
motd sets the server list description. difficulty accepts peaceful, easy, normal or hard. gamemode sets the default player mode. level-name selects the world folder. Changing the seed does not rebuild existing chunks.
Keep online-mode enabled for a normal standalone server. Leave server-ip blank and keep the game port matched to its Network allocation. Proxy authentication and RCON need their own setup.
If a value changes back
Check Startup or Variables for the same setting. A managed field or plugin may replace it when the server starts. Use that field where available; ask support if it is locked or the value keeps reverting.
The Paper properties reference explains the settings and version differences. Some older properties have moved to game rules.
Related: Change the MOTD · Set up a whitelist · Minecraft hosting.
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