Factorio Forums

I notice you can download a special headless version of the game that is just a dedicated server, and isn't a full copy of the game, but it's only available for Linux. I was wondering if the same thing could be released for Windows? I use Windows Server, and it would be convenient, as it would make updating the game much faster, reduce the disk space it takes up, and I won't have to deal with SteamCMD because I wouldn't be having to go through a paywall, which requires passing my steam credentials onto a computer that is exposed to the internet 24/7. It's not exactly a critical issue, the risk of actual damage resulting from my hardware being compromised is small, and even smaller is the likelihood that my hardware would be compromised in the first place. It's just something I'd like to have. Oh, and it'd also mean I can move the server application around as I please, rather than it being tied to steamapps/common.

Feature exists: Command Line Paramaeter --start-server will do exactly that.

You can download the ZIP Standalone version of the game from Factorio.com to install wherever. The major difference is that the “headless” build does not include graphics to save file size.

eugenekay wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 11:54 am Feature exists: Command Line Paramaeter --start-server will do exactly that.

You can download the ZIP Standalone version of the game from Factorio.com to install wherever. The major difference is that the “headless” build does not include graphics to save file size.

No, that's not what I meant. The headless version of the game is available for Linux only. I'm asking for it to be released for Windows as well, because Windows Server is what I use. What you're suggesting is running the standard game in headless mode, which is not the same thing, and what I'm already doing. On factorio.com/download it says:

If you are running a Linux server, we offer a headless version without graphics and audio. This version of the game comes with Space Age content and it is free to download.

There is no Windows version of the same thing. That's what I want.

You can register your Steam purchase on Factorio.com and download it directly from there without using your Steam password, but you are correct that only the Linux headless server package is available without logging in.

Aspenpaw wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:58 pm There is no Windows version of the same thing. That's what I want.

The ZIP Package for Windows is sitting right there.

The binaries between Linux and Linux Headless builds look very similar - they have a size difference of less than 1MB. I have not disassembled them myself to tell you exactly what is missing, but their Performance in-game will be exactly the same as they are both running the same Factorio engine (elsewise you instantly get a Desync between Multiplayer clients). There is no advantage to producing a "non GUI" Windows application; it will only add confusion.

You can delete the Graphics & Sound files after unzipping it, if you really want...

Good Luck!

Aspenpaw wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 1:58 pm That's what I want.

We hear what YOU want.
But consider what other people use. And switch to Linux. What you need Windows Server for, anyway?
For example, I have a Linux server and Linux workstation at my home. Have not used Windows OS for last couple of years.

pioruns wrote: Wed Jul 16, 2025 4:14 pmWhat you need Windows Server for, anyway?

I have been using BSD/MINIX/LINUX variants since 1992, the sh/bash command lines are still very rough, text-line based environments. I use open source tools anytime that I have to pay for it myself - like my personal Server fleet.

I vastly prefer Windows Server Core and the Powershell ecosystem for creating Production systems who will be used/maintained by other people. There is a very real Cost to using this software stack, but that's a problem for the Accounting Department.

I am glad that there are multiple, mature Operating System stacks available nowadays - and some of them even work. Switching ecosystems over a single issue would be silly. "Just use Linux!" is often taken as an insult to an experienced Sysadmin - we know what we're doing after all.

From Wiki: Multiplayer

The headless package does not contain any files irrelevant for a pure server, such as graphics and sounds. It is also not linked against libraries that may not be present on a server machine, such as Xlib, libGL or libasound.

The Library linking is not a problem on windows isn't it?
So the only benefit left would be a few MBs diskspace?