# Running A Server

As you already know Skyrim Multiplayer is releasing public server builds. Here is an instruction on running your own server.

## Installation

### Windows

The server requires `Windows 8.1` / `Windows Server 2012` or higher. It may still launch on older operating systems, but correct work isn't guaranteed.

You obviously need to have 64-bit Windows version since the server is 64-bit program.

1. Create a new directory for server installation.
2. Download the latest server build from the project's [website](https://skymp.io/).
3. Extract everything into a previously created directory.
4. The main executable is `skymp5-server.exe`. It's a command line app so you are free to launch it via `cmd.exe` / `powershell` or your custom `.bat` script.

### Linux

Only Windows builds are supported currently.

## Configuration

Once you install the server, you should be able to launch it. We distribute server builds with `server-settings.json` included, but its default values are only usable to verify that server works. After launching the server you will see a server called `My Server` in skymp launcher. You also will be able to connect, but players from the Internet will not. You need to change the `ip` field in `server-settings.json` to get this functionality to work.

```javascript
{
  "dataDir": "data",
  "loadOrder": [
    "Skyrim.esm",
    "Update.esm",
    "Dawnguard.esm",
    "HearthFires.esm",
    "Dragonborn.esm",
    "FarmSystem.esp"
  ],
  "ip": "127.0.0.1", // <=
  "name": "My Server"
}
```

* You may find out your public IP here <http://ipv4bot.whatismyipaddress.com>
* You need to have ports open. Talk to your Internet provider support if you want to open ports. Status of each port can be checked here <https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/>. You can learn about ports that are really used by the server on [Server Configuration Reference](/skyrim-multiplayer-docs/docs_server_configuration_reference.md) page or to simplify think that it may use any of available ports and protocols.
* If you use `LogMeIn Hamachi` or similar software then just type an IP address you got assigned from it. Your friends who share a "local" network with you will be able to connect, players from the Internet will not.


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