The short answer
The active Windows file is PalServer\Pal\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\PalWorldSettings.ini. Start the server once to create its configuration directories, stop it cleanly, then use the default file as a template. Editing DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini alone does not change the server.
Different symptom or still not fixed? Find the next check →Key facts
- Active Windows configuration
PalServer\Pal\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\PalWorldSettings.ini- Template
- DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini in the PalServer root
- Before editing
- Stop the server and preserve settings and saves.
Find your symptom
Start with your symptom. Skip steps that do not apply to your setup.
| What you see | What to check | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| The directory is missing | It may not exist before the first server start. | Step 1 |
| Changing the default file has no effect | Check the active configuration, not just the template. | Step 2 |
| An edited value does not apply | Check the path, syntax and restart. | Step 4 |
Fixes, in order
Continue this issue
Private notes stay in this browser. Nothing is sent automatically. Back up important notes on My Page. PC settings are never changed by this site.
Step 1｜Start the server once, then stop it cleanly
The first start creates the required configuration directories.
Time: A few minutes
- Start Palworld Dedicated Server.
- Wait for startup logging to settle.
- With no players connected, shut down the server normally.
- Check for Pal\Saved\Config inside the actual PalServer installation.
Results that did not fix the problem help the next reader too.
Step 2｜Copy the template to the active configuration
Preserve any existing active settings before replacing them.
Time: A few minutes
- Copy DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini from the PalServer root.
- Open Pal\Saved\Config\WindowsServer.
- Paste the template only after preserving any existing configuration.
- Name the active file PalWorldSettings.ini.
Show file-name extensions in File Explorer so the file does not end up named PalWorldSettings.ini.txt.
Results that did not fix the problem help the next reader too.
Step 3｜Edit the active file while the server is stopped
Change only the values you need.
Time: A few minutes
- Copy PalWorldSettings.ini to a separate backup.
- Open the active file in a text editor.
- Change only the intended values, such as ServerName or ServerPassword.
- Save without breaking quotes, commas or parentheses.
- Restart the server and check whether the intended setting applies.
Results that did not fix the problem help the next reader too.
Step 4｜Compare the path and syntax when changes do not apply
Use the preserved file to narrow the difference.
Time: A few minutes
- Confirm that you edited WindowsServer\PalWorldSettings.ini.
- Check that the edit was not limited to DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini.
- Compare parentheses, quotes and commas with your backup.
- Reduce the change to one setting and restart to compare.
Results that did not fix the problem help the next reader too.
Important cautions
- Back up both saves and PalWorldSettings.ini before changing configuration.
- Keep AdminPassword and ServerPassword out of screenshots, public files and repositories.
FAQ
Why is the configuration directory missing?
The official guide says the directories are created after the first server start. Start it, shut down normally and then check WindowsServer.
Why does editing DefaultPalWorldSettings.ini have no effect?
It is the template. Apply changes to the active PalWorldSettings.ini under the server configuration directory.
Do changes need a restart?
Stop the server, save the active configuration and check the result after starting it again.
Sources
English adaptation of the existing Japanese Windows Steam guide. Official server paths, port semantics and Steam requirements were rechecked. Existing save-layout and version-specific mod guidance is retained from the original review; this does not claim new game, restoration or network testing.
Pocketpair: server configuration (Japanese)PalworldJapanese version of this page