Change your server version
Published on 3 October 2026
Want to move to the latest Minecraft version, go back to your modpack’s version, or switch from Paper to Fabric? You do it yourself in the game panel. Read the warning below first, though, because a version change can’t always be undone.
Always make a backup first. Minecraft upgrades a world to a newer version, but going back to an older one doesn’t work well. Your plugins and mods also need to match the new version.
Minecraft Java: through Versions
- Make a backup under Backups and stop your server.
- Go to Versions, under the Minecraft heading. At the top you can see which software and version your server currently runs.
- Choose the server software, for example Paper, Purpur, Fabric or NeoForge. Paper is the default and suits plugins; Fabric and NeoForge are for mods.
- Choose the Minecraft version and the build. If in doubt, pick the latest build of the version you want.
- Leave Delete Server Files off, unless you want to start completely fresh. That option wipes every file on your server, your world included.
- Turn on Accept EULA and click Change Version.
- Start your server. The first start takes a little longer, because the new version is downloaded.
When it starts, your server picks the Java version that matches your Minecraft version by itself. For Minecraft 26.x that’s Java 25; for 1.20.5 up to 1.21.11 it’s Java 21. If another Java version needs downloading, you’ll see that once in the console.
Downgrading: use a backup
Want to go back to an older version, for instance because a plugin doesn’t work yet? Restore the backup you made before the update, rather than just lowering the version. That way your world stays intact.
Plugins and mods after an update
After a big update, not every plugin and mod works straight away. Check each plugin’s or mod’s page to see which versions it supports, and update them before letting players in. If you use Geyser for Bedrock players, also check whether Geyser supports your new version yet.
Minecraft Bedrock
- Make a backup.
- Go to Startup and enter the version you want under Bedrock Version, or
latestfor the newest. - Go to Settings and choose Reinstall Server.
- Start your server.
Reinstalling replaces the server files. Your worlds stay where they are, and server.properties, permissions.json and allowlist.json are saved and put back. Bedrock players usually get updates automatically, so keep your server on the latest version.
Other games
For many games, such as Valheim and Palworld, there’s an Auto Update setting under Startup. When it’s on, your server updates itself on every start, so a restart is all you need. Hytale servers check for a new version every time they start. If your game has no automatic updates, make a backup and choose Reinstall Server under Settings.
