How to Change Your Minecraft Server Version

Minecraft servers offer many possibilities when it comes to Minecraft versions, server software and configuration. Sometimes you may want to switch to a different version or different server software, for example to use new features, plugins, mods or specific gameplay settings. In this guide, we explain step by step how to change the version and software of your Minecraft server at ConsulHosting.

Note Always create a backup before changing the Minecraft version or server software. Some worlds, plugins and mods may not work correctly with a different Minecraft version or different server software.

Easily installing Minecraft server software

1. Log in to the game panel and go to your Minecraft server.
2. Open the Software page.
3. Click the server software you want to use and select the Minecraft version you want to install.

Note Only enable Wipe Server Files if you are certain that all files on your Minecraft server may be removed. These files cannot be restored without a backup.

4. Enable Accept EULA.
5. Click the Install button.
6. Start the Minecraft server by clicking the green start button in the top-left corner.

Tip Is your Minecraft server not starting? Check whether the server is using the correct Java version.

Manually installing Minecraft server software

Would you like to retain full control over the installation of your Minecraft server software? You can also download and install it manually. In the steps below, we explain how to download the correct software, remove the existing files and install the new .jar file.

Downloading Minecraft server software

1. Open the MinecraftVersion.net website.
2. Go to the download page of the server software you want to install. For a server that uses plugins, we recommend Paper. For a server that uses mods, you can use software such as Forge, Fabric or NeoForge.
3. Download the desired Minecraft version of the server software.

Uploading Minecraft server software

4. Log in to the game panel and go to your Minecraft server.
5. Open the Files page.
6. Create a backup of any important files if necessary. Then remove all existing server files to begin with a fresh installation.
7. Click the Upload button and upload the .jar file you downloaded earlier.

Completing the installation

8. Rename the uploaded file to server.jar.
9. Start the Minecraft server by clicking the green start button in the top-left corner.

Tip Is your Minecraft server not starting? Check whether the server is using the correct Java version and whether the SERVER JAR FILE value under Settings is set to server.jar.