Use Versions under Minecraft to choose your server software and game version. Paper supports plugins. Fabric, Forge and NeoForge need mods made for their own loader. Check what your plugins or modpack require before changing software.
Prepare the change
- Stop the server and make a full backup of its files and world.
- Record the current game, software, plugin and mod versions, plus Java image and Startup values. File backups do not include those panel settings.
- Check compatibility and the target Java requirement before choosing a release.
Do not load a newer world in an older Minecraft version. To return to the old version, restore a backup from before the upgrade.
Choose the release
- Open Versions and choose Browse beside the software you need.
- Select the release or build, review the confirmation and wait for installation to finish.
- Check the launch settings in Startup or Variables. Use the Java version required by your selected software.
- Start the server. Confirm the installed version in Console, then join with the matching client and test your world.
If the launch files do not match
Paper and Fabric eggs normally use server.jar through Server Jar File. Modern Forge and NeoForge can use unix_args.txt instead. Keep the startup format required by the selected egg.
Editing an installer’s version field alone may not replace installed files. The Paper installer can fall back to the latest release after an invalid version, so check the actual version in Console.
If the world or startup fails
Use the Paper migration guide when changing software or dimension layouts. A world with modded blocks still needs those mods. To roll back, restore the complete old files and world, then restore the recorded Java and Startup settings.
Related: Choose Java · Install mods · Minecraft hosting.
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