# How to Set a Password on Your Stormworks Server (/docs/stormworks/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 building sessions, community events, group playthroughs, or any time you want to control who can join your Stormworks 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 select your Stormworks server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Stop your server [#2-stop-your-server]

    Stop your server before editing the config file.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Navigate to Files [#3-navigate-to-files]

    In the sidebar, go to `Files`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Open server_config.xml [#4-open-server_configxml]

    Find and open `server_config.xml` in the server root directory.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Set the password [#5-set-the-password]

    Find the `<password>` tag and enter your desired password:

    ```xml
    <password>YourSecretPassword</password>
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and start [#6-save-and-start]

    Click **Save** and start your server.

    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/stormworks/connect-to-your-server).
  </div>
</div>

Setting the Password via Startup Tab [#setting-the-password-via-startup-tab]

You may also be able to set the password through the Startup tab:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Go to Startup [#1-go-to-startup]

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

  <div className="fd-step">
    Find the Password field [#2-find-the-password-field]

    Look for a **Server Password** field.
  </div>

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

    Type your desired password.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#4-save-and-restart]

    Save your changes and restart the server.
  </div>
</div>

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

* **Server browser** — Your server still appears in the Stormworks server browser, but with a **lock icon** indicating it requires a password. Players can see the server name and player count, but cannot join without the password.
* **Direct connect** — Players connecting via IP will also be prompted for the password.
* **Sharing the password** — Share your server password through Discord, private messages, or your community website. Avoid putting the password in your [server name](/docs/stormworks/change-server-name).

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 XGamingServer panel.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Open server_config.xml [#2-open-server_configxml]

    Navigate to `Files` and open `server_config.xml`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Clear the password [#3-clear-the-password]

    Remove the text between the password tags, leaving them empty:

    ```xml
    <password></password>
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and start [#4-save-and-start]

    Save the file and start your server.

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

When to Use a Password [#when-to-use-a-password]

| Scenario                   | Recommendation                                         |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Public building server** | No password — let anyone join and share creations      |
| **Friends-only server**    | Set a password — share only with your group            |
| **Community event**        | Set a password — share with registered participants    |
| **Testing new vehicles**   | Set a password — keep the server private while testing |
| **Rescue scenario night**  | Set a password — share with your coop group            |

> 💡 **Tip:** If you're hosting a public server but want to prevent random griefers, consider keeping the server public (no password) but using the in-game admin tools to kick or ban disruptive players. This way your server stays discoverable in the browser while you maintain control.

> 📝 **Note:** Stormworks does not have a separate admin password — server administration is handled through in-game commands and the XGamingServer panel. See the [configuration guide](/docs/stormworks/configure-your-server) for more details on server management.

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