Minecraft
How to Update Your Minecraft Server Version Safely
Updating a Minecraft server is easy, but worlds can break if you rush it. Follow this process each time.
Understand the risk
Worlds can be upgraded to a newer version, but you cannot reliably go back. Once a world is opened in a newer version it may no longer load on the older one. That is why backups matter.
Before you update
- Make a full backup. Use the backup feature in the panel, and keep the file safe.
- Read the release notes for the new version and for your server software, such as Paper.
- Check that every plugin or mod has a version for the new release. If one does not, decide whether to wait or drop it.
- Warn players of the downtime and which client version they will need.
Update steps
- Stop the server from the Console tab.
- Change the version in your panel if it provides a version selector, or upload the new server jar in the Files tab. Check the panel for the exact method.
- Replace plugin or mod jars with the updated builds and remove the old ones.
- Start the server and watch the Console for errors during world upgrade.
- Join with a test account and check spawn, chests and key builds.
After the update
- Check plugin configs for new options. Some plugins rewrite their files.
- Look at performance, since chunk upgrades can cause temporary lag.
- Tell players what changed.
If something goes wrong
Stop the server and restore your backup from the panel. Then try again, remove the problem plugin, or stay on the older version until the plugin updates.
Tips
- Test major updates on a copy first if you have a second server slot.
- Avoid updating the moment a version drops. Plugin authors need time.
- Skipping several major versions at once usually works, but a backup remains essential.