Is your Minecraft server not starting after installing or changing the server software? Then the issue is often caused by an incorrect Java version. In the console, you may see an error such as
Minecraft 1.19 requires running the server with Java 17 or above. In this guide, we explain step by step which Java version you need and how to change it for your Minecraft server at ConsulHosting.Changing the Java version
1
Log in to the game panel and go to your Minecraft server.
2
Open the Settings page.
3
Under Docker image, click the current Java version, for example
Java 21. This will open a dropdown menu.4
Choose the correct Java version based on the Minecraft version you are using:
- Java 25: Minecraft 26.1 and newer.
- Java 21: Minecraft 1.20.5 up to the latest 1.21 versions.
- Java 17: Minecraft 1.17 up to 1.20.4.
- Java 16: Minecraft 1.16.5.
- Java 11: Minecraft 1.12 up to 1.16.4.
- Java 8: Minecraft 1.8 up to 1.11.
5
Start your Minecraft server using the green start button and wait until the server has started.
Tip
Is your Minecraft server still not starting after changing the Java version? Check the console to see whether there is another error related to Java, the server software, plugins, or mods.