Changing Software or Version#

Update your Minecraft version or switch between server software options.

Changing Version or Software#

Step 1: Access the Control Panel#

Go to your control panel and select your server.

Step 2: Open Software Selection#

Click the Software button in the sidebar to view available options.

Step 3: Select New Software#

Choose your desired server software:

Paper, Purpur (plugins)
Fabric, Forge, NeoForge (mods)
Vanilla (unmodified)

Step 4: Choose Version#

Select the Minecraft version you want to run. Available addons (like Geyser for Bedrock support) will be shown.

Step 5: Install#

Click Install at the bottom. Your server will use the new software on its next startup.

Using a Custom Server Jar#

Want to use a custom or unsupported server jar?

Open the Files tab
Upload your custom .jar file
Rename it to server.jar
Restart your server

The server will automatically use your custom jar on boot.

Version Compatibility#

Important

Worlds generated in newer Minecraft versions cannot be loaded by older versions.

Upgrading (e.g., 1.20 to 1.21)#

Generally safe. Minecraft handles world format updates automatically. Create a backup first as a precaution.

Downgrading (e.g., 1.21 to 1.20)#

Requires one of:

Delete the world folder (loses all progress)
Use Chunker to convert world formats

Switching Software Types#

Plugins to Mods (Paper to Fabric)#

Plugins won't work on modded servers
Download mod equivalents for your plugins
Switch software and install mods

Mods to Plugins (Fabric to Paper)#

Mods won't work on plugin servers
Find plugin alternatives for your mods
Switch software and install plugins

Keeping Your World#

World data generally transfers between server software:

Your builds and terrain are preserved
Plugin/mod-specific data may not transfer
Custom dimensions from mods will be lost

After Switching#

Verify your server starts correctly
Check that plugins/mods load properly
Test world functionality
Update any custom configurations

Troubleshooting#

Server won't start after version change#

Check console for error messages
Mods/plugins may be incompatible with new version
Update or remove incompatible mods/plugins

World won't load#

Version downgrade attempted - world is too new
Corrupted during switch - restore from backup
Mod-specific world data incompatible

Missing features after switch#

Some mod/plugin features don't have equivalents
Check alternative software for similar functionality