Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server on Windows

A Valheim Dedicated Server on Windows can be installed either via Steam Tools or via SteamCMD. The key points are a separate startup script, correctly set server parameters, open UDP ports 2456-2457, and a test of firewall, router, and connection. For permanent hosting, you should also deliberately plan updates, backups, power supply, and security risks.

Requirements

You need a Windows PC or Windows server on which the Valheim Dedicated Server is allowed to run continuously. You also need administration rights for the Windows firewall and router, access to Steam or SteamCMD, and a stable internet connection with enough upload for your fellow players. If the server should be reachable from outside your home network, your connection must allow incoming connections. With DS-Lite, carrier NAT, or restrictive ISP routers, classic port forwarding may fail.

The official Valheim documentation explains in the guide “A Guide to Dedicated Servers” that the server's default port range is 2456-2457 and must be reachable via port forwarding when using the Steam backend: documentation at valheim.com. The same source points out that crossplay works via a relay and then does not require router port forwarding for external reachability. Therefore, first check whether you want to use the Steam backend or crossplay.

If you do not want to administer everything yourself, a rented Valheim server at game-serverhosting is the more controlled operating option: you get multi-game hosting with technical control, support, and clear workflows for operation and configuration. You can find a practical starting point in the guide Rent and Set Up a Valheim Server – Co-op Guide 2026.

Method 1: Installation via Steam

1. Open Steam and go to the library.
2. Enable the “Tools” category in the filter or dropdown.
3. Install “Valheim Dedicated Server”.
4. Open the installation folder and work with a copy of the included startup file, not directly with the original file.

You can set startup options, for example:

-name "My Server" -world "World" -password "pw" -port 2456

For real operation, the password should not be trivial. Also use a unique world name so you do not accidentally create a new world or start the wrong world.

Method 2: Installation via SteamCMD

SteamCMD is often more practical for server operation because updates and revalidation can be reproduced via commands. Install SteamCMD in its own folder and then run:

:: Download and install SteamCMD
steamcmd.exe +login anonymous +app_update 896660 validate +quit

If you want to explicitly control the installation folder, add a suitable +force_install_dir path. Stop the server before updates so no world files are changed while writing.

Create a Startup Script

Create a batch file start_valheim.bat in the server folder or in a separate management folder:

@echo off
start "" "valheim_server.exe" -nographics -batchmode -name "Server" -port 2456 -world "World" -password "pw" -public 1

Adjust at least -name, -world, and -password. -public 1 makes the server publicly discoverable if the network and backend allow it. If you want to run the server privately only, check whether -public 0 fits your desired connection method.

Open Ports

Valheim needs these ports by default:

Windows Firewall

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrator rights and create an inbound rule:

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Valheim" dir=in action=allow protocol=UDP localport=2456-2457

If you use a different startup port, the allowed range must match it. According to the official documentation, Valheim uses the specified port and additionally port+1.

Router

1. Open router admin (192.168.1.1)
2. Port forwarding → UDP 2456-2457 → your local IP

The router address may differ; many home routers also use 192.168.0.1 or a manufacturer domain. What matters is that the local IP of the Windows server stays stable, for example via DHCP reservation. Do not forward unnecessary TCP ports if you do not need them for Valheim.

Set Up Autostart

Place the batch file in the Windows Startup folder if the server should start automatically after a restart. To do this, open shell:startup via Win+R and link start_valheim.bat. For more reliable operation, you can alternatively use Windows Task Scheduler and bind startup to “At system startup” or “At logon”.

Also plan maintenance windows. With Steam installation, Steam updates the Dedicated Server similarly to other tools. With SteamCMD, you run app_update 896660 validate again. Before every update, you should shut down the server cleanly and back up a copy of the Valheim save folder.

Check the Result

Start start_valheim.bat and watch the server console. It should run without immediately closing. Then first test in the local network whether you can reach the server. Only once that works should you test external access, for example through a fellow player outside your home network.

If you want to set up admin commands, moderation, and permissions cleanly, the guide Valheim Server Commands – All Admin Commands will help you. For advanced configuration, mods, and boss progression, Rent a Valheim Server: Mods, Configuration & Boss Order 2026 is suitable.

Troubleshooting

Server Does Not Appear in the List

First check whether -public 1 is set and whether the server is running without errors. Then check the Windows firewall, router forwarding, and public reachability. Server lists can update with a delay; a direct connection test is often more meaningful.

Friends Cannot Connect

If local connections work but external ones do not, the problem is usually port forwarding, ISP NAT, or the wrong target IP in the router. Compare the router forwarding with the local IP of your Windows server and check whether your internet connection allows incoming UDP connections.

The World Does Not Start as Expected

Check the value for -world. A different name creates or loads a different world. Back up the Valheim save folder before changes so you can go back in case of misconfiguration.

Server Closes After Startup

Start the batch file from an already open Command Prompt so error messages remain visible. Common causes are wrong paths, missing files, ports already in use, or invalid parameters.

Disadvantages of Self-Hosting

• Power: PC must run 24/7
• Internet: Your upload bandwidth limits the players
• Security: Your PC is reachable from the internet
• Maintenance: Install updates manually

Rented Server as an Alternative

Self-hosting makes sense if you want to learn, test, or take full responsibility for your own Windows environment. For regular co-op sessions, a rented server is often easier to operate because hardware, reachability, support channels, and operating workflows are not tied to your private PC. At game-serverhosting, the focus is on paid multi-game hosting with technical control and transparent management instead of improvised home server operation.

Checks, Limits, and a Safe Rollback

The guide “Set Up a Valheim Dedicated Server on Windows” applies to the server type described in the article and the version status visible at the time of review. Menu names, available versions, mod or plugin compatibility, and required resources may differ after updates. Therefore, do not transfer values unchecked to another game, loader, or server version.

Before changing the world, savegame, configuration, or extensions, create a backup of the affected files. Then change only one related step and test it with the same client and server version you want to play with later.

A successful single test is not a guarantee of performance or availability. World size, mods, plugins, player count, network path, and simultaneous load can change the result. Document the version, change, and test result so you can trace later deviations.

FAQ

Do I Absolutely Need SteamCMD?

No. You can also install the Valheim Dedicated Server via Steam Tools. SteamCMD is mainly useful if you want to control updates and installation clearly by command.

Which Ports Do I Have to Open?

By default, Valheim uses UDP 2456 and 2457. If you set a different -port, the server uses this port and additionally port+1.

Do I Also Need to Set Up Port Forwarding with Crossplay?

According to the official Valheim documentation, crossplay does not require router port forwarding for external reachability because the connection runs via a relay. The port is still relevant for distinguishing multiple servers.

Can I Start the Server Automatically After a Windows Restart?

Yes. Place a shortcut to the batch file in the Startup folder or create a task in Windows Task Scheduler.

What Is Important Before Updates?

Stop the server cleanly and back up your world files. Then you can update via Steam or run app_update 896660 validate with SteamCMD.