Choose or change the Minecraft version

Which Minecraft version should my server use, and can I run old versions?

Use the version your players and plugins support; Versions lists every release including old ones like 1.8.9 and 1.12.2.

Before you start: Know which version your players and plugins use.

Step by step

1. Open Versions and pick the software, then the version (newest releases are at the top).
2. For big plugin servers, the latest version Paper supports is usually best.
3. Old versions (1.8, 1.12, 1.16) are available and get the right Java automatically; modern plugins may not support them.
4. Snapshots and pre-releases are for testing only; back up first.
5. Let newer clients join an older server with ViaVersion (and older clients with ViaBackwards).

Check it worked: The server runs the version you picked.

Why it happens: Clients need the same version unless ViaVersion is installed.

More guides on Java, Bedrock, and crossplay:

• Java or Bedrock: which server do you have?
• Let Bedrock players join with Geyser and Floodgate
• Bedrock player cannot connect