Change the server software or Minecraft version

How do I switch to Paper, Fabric or a different Minecraft version?

Use the Versions tab: choose the software and version, confirm, and restart; the right Java version is set automatically.

Before you start: A backup, because going to an older version or between software types can damage a world.

Step by step

1. Take a backup in Backups first.
2. Stop the server with the Stop button and wait for the status to say Offline, so nothing is written during the switch.
3. Open Versions. Choose the software (Paper, Purpur, Folia, Vanilla or Fabric; Forge is chosen when ordering, ask support to move to it).
4. Pick the Minecraft version. Newer is fine for an existing world; going back to an older version is not supported by Minecraft and can corrupt it.
5. Confirm the install. Your world, plugins and configs stay.
6. Start the server and read the console for plugin or mod errors; plugins and mods must support the new version.
7. Tell players which Minecraft version to use.

Check it worked: The console shows the new version on startup, for example "Starting minecraft server version 1.21.4".

Why it happens: Each software and version is a different server jar.

More guides on Control panel and server setup:

• Start your server for the first time
• Power buttons, and a server stuck starting
• Change the MOTD, max players, difficulty, gamemode or PvP
• Generate a new world or set a seed
• Edit server.properties and other configs
• Startup settings, Java flags and memory