I found this Minecraft thing that is not really a server but it is super useful if you always host for your friends.
It is a free open source app for Windows that sets up a local Minecraft server for you. You do not have to mess with weird bat files and confusing stuff. It just does the setup and lets you manage the server with a simple GUI.
The coolest part is it can expose your local server to the internet with tunneling. So your friends can join from their own houses and you do not need to do scary router port forwarding.
The person who made it wants feedback and pull requests so it seems like they really care about making it better.
Easy Local Minecraft Server GUI
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPPlay LAN Minecraft Anywhere Online
This is a way to play Minecraft that feels like LAN but it actually works over the internet.
From what I see you just host your world like a normal LAN world or a local server. Then your friends join the same room in the program and the game shows your world like it is on their LAN too.
It is nice because you do not need port forwarding or a public IP. It also works even if you are stuck behind weird internet stuff like CGNAT or a dorm network. You just install it click a few things and start playing together.
If your router and ports are already set up then you probably do not need this. But if you keep fighting your network and nothing works this looks like an easy way to play Minecraft with your friends without all the networking pain.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP