You can play Minecraft: Java Edition with friends on a Local Area Network (LAN) by joining a world hosted on the same network connection. All players must be playing the most recent version of Minecraft using devices that support LAN play and be connected to the same local network. LAN games will display on the Multiplayer screen for guests even if they're connected to the internet through the local network. To learn about other ways to play Java Edition with friends, see:
Host a Local Area Network (LAN) multiplayer game
The host can start a multiplayer game and play in the world on the same computer.
- Verify that all players are connected to the same local network.
- Launch Minecraft: Java Edition and select Singleplayer.
- Select an existing world and click Play Selected World or click Create New World.
- Press the Esc key to open the game menu and select Open to LAN.
- Adjust LAN World settings if desired and click Start LAN World.
A message that a local game has been hosted on port [######] will appear in the game messages.
Join a Local Area Network (LAN) multiplayer game
- Verify that you are on the same local network as the host and that your host has started the game.
- Launch Minecraft: Java Edition and select Multiplayer.
- Select the game to join. LAN games should appear automatically.
Resources for Minecraft multiplayer games
- Play Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on a Local Area Network (LAN)
- Requirements to Play Minecraft Multiplayer Games
- Troubleshoot Minecraft LAN Connectivity Issues on Windows PC
- Troubleshoot Unable to Join Multiplayer Games in Minecraft
- Troubleshoot Minecraft Network Connection Errors
- Troubleshoot Multiplayer Game Issues in Minecraft: Java Edition