Minecraft + kids + LAN, online maybe? Accounts?

[Mr Whippy]

I currently have Minecraft and run Java locally and a server, but it’s a real pita as I have me and two kids and three computers (server on an 4th) and we all hop between using one actual copy on my MS account I set up just for Minecraft (I think)

I’ve had to fudge launcher settings/firewall etc so it loads in offline mode, then I can change usernames in an XML, and launch the game so they each have their own “name” on Lan.


But in the end I now have three installs on each machine to achieve that, as I need a windows profile per install, to make the XML change easier.


I’m now wondering if it’s easier to setting up a paid for Minecraft for each of them so they can enjoy online, but it’s not very clear what I need.


I’ve seen parent accounts and kids accounts for MS accounts... But it’s not clear how I buy two more copies of Minecraft… and how I can then apply them to my kids accounts?!
Unless it’s suggesting I can just have multiple online accounts under one copy of Minecraft?
But my worry is I’ll then need MS profiles for the two kids on my machines, but then ALL the other stuff like Steam, emulators and all that is going to need duplicate setups, updates etc etc… a real faff.


Part of me is tempted to just de-launcher-ise a common install and have a batch file that just swizzles xml files, and they can just have a simple icon to load ‘their’ Minecraft on the common ’kids’ accounts I have on my machines, and not bother with online.


Both are looking like a faff.

Arghh, MS make like so hard.

[Mr Whippy]

I’m largely easy doing my own server.

The issue was licensing and knowing how to set up kids accounts etc.

Aiui I have an outlook/MS account I created just for an XBL account, and then vouchered in my Minecraft and attached it to that MS account and linked it to the XBL acct…

I’ve no idea how to set up an isolated account for me to moderate two kids, and us all have an XBL account/Minecraft login.

I’m happy to spend the £30 for extra copies, just no idea how to set up the myriad accounts MS wants.



In the meantime I used Modrinth launcher, which fires up instantly, logs in as me.
My server has me blocked/banned.
I then use ingame account switcher so kids can pick their name and join servers I have hosted (creative, survival)
I just need to set up skins now.



I would like to set it up for online but as said I just can’t find any flow chart, diagram, or clear explanation of how it all works and fits together.

I don’t use proper MS accounts/logins, so everything is always complaint at me about accounts not matching etc.

It’s a flipping pita MS make a simple game need an MS account and be happy only if you login to the entire system with that account!