When a fresh Minecraft server starts then immediately shuts down asking you to agree to the EULA, it's working as designed — you just need to accept it once. Here's the one-line fix and what to do if eula.txt itself is missing or won't save.
Quick answer
A new Minecraft server stops on its first start until you accept Mojang's EULA. Open eula.txt in the server folder, change eula=false to eula=true, save the file and start the server again. On a control panel, switch on the EULA toggle instead — it does exactly the same thing.
Why it happens
On the first launch, the server creates an eula.txt file and stops, requiring you to accept Mojang's End User License Agreement before it will run. This is normal for every new server.
The fix: edit eula.txt
Accepting the EULA is a one-line change. Step by step:
- Open your server folder and find
eula.txt(it appears after the first launch). - Change the line
eula=falsetoeula=true. - Save the file.
- Start the server again — it will now boot normally.
# eula.txt
eula=trueThree ways to accept it
Depending on how you run the server, pick whichever is easiest — they do the same thing:
| Method | How | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Edit eula.txt | Set eula=true and save | Self-managed / SSH access |
| Panel toggle | Flip the "EULA" switch in the panel | Most game panels (easiest) |
| During install | Accept the prompt when creating the server | Some one-click installers |
Setting eula=true means you accept Mojang's End User License Agreement. On a panel, the "EULA" toggle does exactly the same thing as editing the file.
Set eula=true in eula.txt (or accept it in your panel) and the server starts. That's the whole fix.
If eula.txt is missing or won't save
- Start the server once first — eula.txt is only created after the jar runs at least once and exits.
- If saving the edit fails, check file permissions/ownership in the server directory; the user running the server must be able to write to it.
- On Windows, make sure you're editing the actual file and not a copy saved with a hidden .txt.txt extension.
Related errors
If the server still won't start after accepting the EULA, check the Java version next — see fixing "UnsupportedClassVersionError". For setting up a server from scratch, see how to make a Minecraft server.
Minecraft is a trademark of Mojang Synergies AB / Microsoft. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang or Microsoft.