This is the single supported WindowsGSH module for Team Fortress 2. It installs, configures, starts, stops, queries, administers, imports, and backs up a TF2 dedicated server.
NEEDS LIVE TEST. Native Source A2S, Source RCON, config preservation, SourceTV configuration, import, and both current 64-bit and compatibility 32-bit executables are implemented. Readiness Check validates the selected executable and config and warns when a public-server GSLT is absent. A live public server, SourceTV, graceful shutdown, reattachment, and plugin compatibility still require verification.
WindowsGSH anonymously installs Steam app 232250. The module uses srcds_win64.exe by default following Valve's 2024 64-bit server release and falls back to srcds.exe when necessary. Import TF2.mod, add a server, install, configure, and start it.
Create a unique Steam Game Server Login Token for game app 440 at https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers and enter it for public server-browser registration.
Import accepts a direct TF2 installation or a WindowsGSM root containing serverfiles, with either srcds_win64.exe or srcds.exe. Preview reads supported values from tf\cfg\server.cfg, preserves source files, and selects 64-bit when that executable is available. Copy and Adopt remain explicit host choices.
WindowsGSH manages hostname, visible player count, game password, RCON password, LAN mode, SourceTV, launch map, bind address, port, executable architecture, and optional GSLT. It updates managed server.cfg commands atomically while preserving comments, unrelated plugin/gameplay configuration, and existing baseline settings. Additional arguments are trusted raw command-line text.
Use 64-bit unless a specific MetaMod/SourceMod binary only supports 32-bit. Confirm every native extension matches the chosen architecture.
| Purpose | Default | Protocol | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game and A2S query | 27015 |
UDP | Required; eligible for opt-in UPnP. |
| Source RCON | 27015 |
TCP | Administrative; private and excluded from automatic forwarding. |
| SourceTV | 27020 |
UDP | Optional and private; forward manually only for public spectators. |
The shared numeric game/RCON endpoint is represented as separate UDP and TCP declarations, avoiding a false self-overlap. Do not expose Source RCON directly unless required; prefer a firewall allow-list or private management path.
WindowsGSH uses Source A2S for online status, map, version, and player counts, and Source RCON for commands. Configure a strong unique RCON password before using the RCON command box. The process window is hidden and direct embedded stdin is not claimed; RCON is the supported administration path. SourceTV is controlled through sourcetv.enabled and sourcetv.port.
| Purpose | Path |
|---|---|
| 64-bit executable | srcds_win64.exe |
| 32-bit compatibility executable | srcds.exe |
| Server configuration | tf\cfg\server.cfg |
| Custom content | tf\custom |
| MetaMod/SourceMod | tf\addons |
| Logs | tf\logs |
Backup targets include tf\cfg, tf\custom, and tf\addons.
- Live graceful stop behavior and RCON
quithandling need validation. - Third-party server plugins must match the selected process architecture.
- SourceTV behavior and manual forwarding need live validation.
- GSLT ownership and Valve server-operation requirements remain the operator's responsibility.
- Fresh-install app
232250; confirmsrcds_win64.exe, public listing with a unique app-440 GSLT, UDP joining/A2S, and opt-in UPnP. - Test Source RCON locally, Stop, crash detection, reattachment, update, Verify Files, backup, and restore.
- Test direct and WindowsGSM Copy/Adopt imports with both executable layouts and existing cfg/custom/addons content.
- Verify SourceTV locally and through any intentionally configured public forwarding.
- Verify 64-bit MetaMod/SourceMod; separately test the 32-bit compatibility switch with matching plugins.
Report issues through the WindowsGSH.TF2 tracker with versions and sanitized diagnostics. Never publish RCON passwords, GSLTs, player addresses, or unredacted archives.
If you like the work I do and would like to support continued WindowsGSH and module development, you can contribute here:
Modules run with WindowsGSH's permissions. Review the manifest, C# source, SECURITY.md, and THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md. Installation and configuration follow the Official Team Fortress Wiki.