Minecraft regularly releases new versions with new features, bug fixes and security updates. Updating your server requires some preparation to avoid problems.
Step 1: Create a backup
Always make a full backup before updating:
- Go to the Files tab in the game panel.
- Back up your world folder (default
world), thepluginsfolder and theserver.propertiesfile. - For large files, use SFTP to download everything.
- Also read our detailed backup guide.
Step 2: Check plugin compatibility
- Make a list of all your installed plugins.
- Check on SpigotMC, Hangar or Modrinth whether each plugin supports the new Minecraft version.
- Download the updated versions of compatible plugins in advance.
- Plugins without an update for the new version should be temporarily disabled or removed.
Step 3: Update the server
- Go to the Startup tab in the game panel.
- Select the desired Minecraft version.
- Upload the updated plugins to the
pluginsfolder. - Start the server and check the console for error messages.
World format changes
With major version updates (for example from 1.20 to 1.21) the world format may change:
- Existing chunks are not automatically updated with new biomes or structures.
- New chunks (areas not yet visited) will contain the new content.
- Consider a world reset if you want to experience all new features.
After the update
- Check that all plugins load correctly with
/plugins. - Test your server's most important functions.
- Ask players to use the correct version, or install GeyserMC for cross-platform support.
Common issues
- Plugins not loading: the plugin does not yet support the new version. Wait for an update or find an alternative.
- World not loading: the world may be corrupted. Restore your backup and try again.
- Players cannot connect: check that players are using the same version as the server.
Tip: at HostValues you can easily switch Minecraft versions via the Startup tab.