How to set up and manage a Realm in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta

How do I play multiplayer in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta?

Multiplayer in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta works a bit different than the old Java version of Minecraft. If you can't get together for a LAN party, at least one of your friends must purchase a Realm subscription — there is a one month free trial to test things out — and, depending on what subscription they choose, can invite up to ten friends from Xbox Live.

Realms are hosted by Mojang and are therefore quite a bit more secure than the third-party hosted sites you regularly find on Java Minecraft. The downside is you have to know at least one person paying for a Realm to play multiplayer. Want that one person with a Realm to be you? Here's how to set up and manage your own Realm in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.

• How to create a Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta Realm
• How to manage Realm settings
• How to extend your Realm subscription
• How to cancel your Realm subscription

How to create a Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta Realm

1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu or desktop.

2. Click Play.

3. Click the Realms tab.

4. Click Sign In to Xbox Live to Try. If you've never logged in before, enter your email and password.

5. Click Let's play!.

6. Click New Realm.

7. Type a name for your Realm.

8. Click on a duration of time you'd like your Realm to exist.

9. Click on a number of users you'd like your Realm to support.

10. Click the checkbox beside I agree to the terms and conditions.

11. Click the Create for $XX button. Depending on what you chose in the menu, you might have to pay now for the realm. If you kept the default options, it will let you create a Realm for free for a trial period.

12. Type your Microsoft account password.

13. Click Sign in.

14. Click Get.

15. Click Add Friend to invite friends from Xbox Live.

16. Click Done, Let's Play! when you're ready to go.

You now have a Realm in which you can play Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta with friends. Remember, only one of you has to pay. If someone you know already has a Realm, you can join their game for free.

How to manage Realm settings

1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu or desktop.
2. Click Play.

3. Click the Realms tab.

4. Click the Settings button beside your Realm. It looks like a pencil writing two lines.

5. Click and drag the slider to change the Realm's difficulty.

6. Click the checkbox beside a game mode to change to either Survival or Creative.

7. Click Reset World if you'd like to completely erase the Realm and start over fresh.

How to extend your Realm subscription

1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu or desktop.

2. Click Play.

3. Click the Realms tab.

4. Click the Settings button beside your Realm. It looks like a pencil writing two lines.

5. Click Subscription.

6. Click Extend Realm.

7. Click a duration of time you'd like your Realm to be extended.

8. Click Extend for $XX.

The extended amount of days will be tacked onto the time remaining in your current subscription, so don't worry about losing out of days if you decide to extend your subscription early.

How to cancel your Realm subscription

1. Launch Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta from your Start menu or desktop.
2. Click Play.

3. Click the Realms tab.

4. Click the Settings button beside your Realm. It looks like a pencil writing two lines.

5. Click Subscription.

6. Click Close Realm.

7. Click Yes.

Your Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta Realm

Do you have a Realm subscription for you and your friends? Do you plan on setting one up? Let us know in the comments section below!