# How to Set a Password on Your Operation: Harsh Doorstop Server (/docs/operation-harsh-doorstop/set-a-password)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Setting a server password restricts access to only players who know the password. This is useful for private sessions, clan practices, organized events, or any situation where you want to control exactly who can join your Operation: Harsh Doorstop server.

Setting Your Server Password [#setting-your-server-password]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the XGamingServer panel [#1-open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and stop your Operation: Harsh Doorstop server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Go to Startup [#2-go-to-startup]

    In the sidebar, click `Startup`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Enter your password [#3-enter-your-password]

    Find the **Server Password** field and enter your desired password.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart your server [#4-restart-your-server]

    Start your server for the password to take effect.

    Players will now be prompted to enter the password when they try to join your server from the server browser or via [direct connect](/docs/operation-harsh-doorstop/connect-to-your-server).
  </div>
</div>

How Password Protection Works [#how-password-protection-works]

* **Server browser** — Your server still appears in the server browser, but with a **lock icon** indicating it requires a password. Players can see your server name, player count, and map, but can't join without the password.
* **Direct connect** — Players connecting via Steam's server browser or game URI will also be prompted for the password before joining.
* **Sharing the password** — Share your server password with your group through Discord, your community website, or private messages. Avoid putting the password in your [server name](/docs/operation-harsh-doorstop/change-server-name) — that defeats the purpose.

Removing the Password [#removing-the-password]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Stop your server [#1-stop-your-server]

    Stop your server from the panel.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Clear the password [#2-clear-the-password]

    Go to `Startup` and clear the **Server Password** field (leave it completely empty).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart your server [#3-restart-your-server]

    Start your server. It will now be open to anyone without requiring a password.
  </div>
</div>

Server Password vs. RCON Password [#server-password-vs-rcon-password]

Operation: Harsh Doorstop has two separate passwords that control different things:

| Password            | Purpose                                                      | Set In                      |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------- |
| **Server Password** | Controls who can **join** the server                         | `Startup` → Server Password |
| **RCON Password**   | Controls who can **remotely administer** the server via RCON | `Startup` → RCON Password   |

These are completely independent — you can have one, both, or neither. Setting a server password doesn't affect RCON access, and vice versa.

> 📝 **Note:** The RCON password is used with remote administration tools like [RCON clients](/docs/operation-harsh-doorstop/adding-admins) to manage the server externally. It is separate from in-game admin access.

> 💡 **Tip:** For organized events like scrimmages or training sessions, set the server password before the event and share it with participants. Change it afterward to prevent uninvited players from joining during your next session.

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).