# Windrose Server Launch Parameters (/docs/windrose/launch-parameters)



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

Launch parameters control how the Windrose server binary starts up. They are passed as command-line arguments to `WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe` and are separate from the `ServerDescription.json` config file.

On XGamingServer managed hosting, start/stop is handled via the **Dashboard** — the panel manages the full launch command automatically.

> ⚠️ **Self-hosting note:** The dedicated server cannot be run from inside your main Windrose game folder. The server files must be installed or copied to a separate location first.

***

Default Launch Command [#default-launch-command]

```bash
WindroseServer-Win64-Shipping.exe -log -MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0 -PORT=7777 -QUERYPORT=7778
```

***

Parameter Reference [#parameter-reference]

| Parameter            | Default   | Description                                                                                      |
| -------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `-log`               | —         | Enable console logging output                                                                    |
| `-MULTIHOME=0.0.0.0` | `0.0.0.0` | Bind address. `0.0.0.0` = all interfaces. Change to a specific IP to bind to one network adapter |
| `-PORT=7777`         | `7777`    | Game port (UDP)                                                                                  |
| `-QUERYPORT=7778`    | `7778`    | Steam query port (UDP) — used for server browser listing                                         |

***

Changing Launch Parameters in the Panel [#changing-launch-parameters-in-the-panel]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop your server from the **Dashboard**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    In the panel sidebar, click **Startup**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    You will see the **Startup Command** field showing the full launch command.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Edit the parameters as needed, then click **Save** and start the server.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

Networking and Ports [#networking-and-ports]

Windrose uses **NAT punch-through** for player connections via the invite code system. This means:

* **Managed hosting (XGamingServer):** No port forwarding action needed — the panel allocates ports and manages firewall rules automatically.
* **Self-hosting at home:** You do **not** need to manually forward ports 7777/7778. Keep **UPnP enabled** on your router and Windrose handles the rest. If UPnP is unavailable, ensure Windows Firewall allows the Windrose server executables through.

> Port behavior may change during Early Access. If players can't connect, check the [official Windrose Steam guide](https://steamcommunity.com/app/3041230/guides) for the latest networking notes.

***

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [How to Join Your Server](/docs/windrose/join-server)
* [Server Configuration](/docs/windrose/server-config)
* [Admin Tasks](/docs/windrose/admin-commands)