Running a FiveM server on a Windows server provides better performance, uptime, and scalability for your GTA V multiplayer community. This guide explains how to set up a FiveM server step-by-step using a hosting provider instead of hosting at home.
After ordering a Windows Server 2019 or newer dedicated server, VDS or VPS from your chosen hosting provider:
Connect to your server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Complete all pending Windows Updates for security and stability.
Configure your firewall to allow TCP and UDP traffic on port 30120.
Create a secure Administrator account if one does not already exist.
Install the following essential tools:
Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2019 (both x64 and x86 versions)
Git for Windows (available at https://git-scm.com/)
A file extraction utility such as WinRAR or 7-Zip
These tools are necessary for downloading, extracting, and managing FiveM server files.
To download FiveM server files:
Visit https://runtime.fivem.net/artifacts/fivem/build_server_windows/master/
Download the latest recommended (stable) server version.
Create a folder on your server, for example C:\FXServer.
Extract the contents of the downloaded archive into the C:\FXServer folder.
Set up the server data directory:
Inside C:\FXServer, create a new folder called server-data.
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
Navigate to your server directory by typing cd C:\FXServer.
Clone the FiveM server-data repository by typing git clone https://github.com/citizenfx/cfx-server-data.git server-data.
This creates a template of essential server files and folders.
Configure your FiveM server:
In the server-data folder, create a new file named server.cfg.
Add basic configuration settings. A simple example:
sv_hostname "Your Server Name"
endpoint_add_tcp "0.0.0.0:30120"
endpoint_add_udp "0.0.0.0:30120"
sv_maxclients 32
licenseKey "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY"
sv_scriptHookAllowed 1
sets sv_enforceGameBuild 2699
Replace "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY" with the license key generated at https://keymaster.fivem.net/.
Adjust sv_maxclients according to the size of your server resources and expected player count.
To start your server:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Navigate to the FXServer directory.
Start the server by running C:\FXServer\run.cmd +exec server.cfg.
If configured correctly, you will see output confirming the server is running and listening for player connections.
Security is essential for server longevity:
It is advisable to use a remote FiveM DDoS protection service for optimal attack protection
Change your RDP port from the default (3389) to a random alternative port.
Enforce Network Level Authentication (NLA) on RDP connections.
Restrict firewall rules to only essential ports (such as TCP/UDP 30120).
Regularly update both your operating system and server build.
Now that your server is online:
Install custom vehicles, maps, and scripts.
Set up administration tools such as vMenu or txAdmin for easier management.
Create user permissions and administrative roles.
Schedule regular server backups to prevent data loss.
Build a website, Discord server, or community hub to manage player interaction and announcements.
By hosting your FiveM server on Windows and following these eight steps, you create a powerful, scalable, and secure environment for your gaming community. Prioritizing DDoS protection, server security, and regular maintenance will help your server stay online and thrive long-term.