Change Server Version

Before Changing Versions

Important Considerations

• Plugin Compatibility: Check if your plugins support the new version
• World Compatibility: Some versions may require world conversion
• Player Compatibility: Players must use a matching client version
• Downgrading Risks: Downgrading can cause data loss or corruption

Check Current Version

1. Check your server console on startup
2. Look for version information in logs
3. Or check the server JAR filename

How to Change Server Version

Step 1: Stop Your Server

1. Log in to your panel
2. Navigate to your Minecraft server
3. Click the Stop button
4. Wait for the server to fully stop

Step 2: Backup Your Server

1. Create a backup of your server files:
   • World folders
   • Configuration files
   • Plugin folders
   • Server JAR file
2. Use the panel's backup feature if available
3. Or manually download important files

Step 3: Download New Server Version

1. Visit the official Minecraft server download page
2. Or use your panel's version selector if available
3. Download the server JAR for your desired version
4. Verify the file is correct and not corrupted

Step 4: Replace Server JAR

1. Open the File Manager
2. Navigate to your server's root directory
3. Locate the current server JAR file (e.g., server.jar, minecraft_server.jar)
4. Delete or rename the old JAR file
5. Upload the new server JAR file
6. Rename it to match your server's expected filename if needed

Step 5: Update Server Settings

Some versions may require configuration updates:

1. Check server.properties for version-specific settings
2. Review plugin compatibility
3. Update any version-specific configurations
4. Save all changes

Step 6: Start the Server

1. Click the Start button in your panel
2. Monitor the console for startup messages
3. Watch for any errors or warnings
4. Check if world conversion is needed

Step 7: Verify the Version

1. Check the console startup messages for version information
2. Connect to the server and check version in-game
3. Verify all plugins loaded correctly
4. Test basic server functionality

Using Version Selector (One-Click)

Many panels offer a version selector feature:

1. Navigate to your server settings
2. Find the Version or Server Version option
3. Select your desired version from the dropdown
4. Click Update or Change Version
5. The panel will automatically:
   • Stop the server
   • Backup files
   • Download the new version
   • Replace the server JAR
   • Start the server

This method is safer and handles backups automatically.

World Version Compatibility

Upgrading Versions

• Most upgrades are automatic
• Server will convert worlds on first load
• Backup is still recommended
• Conversion may take time for large worlds

Downgrading Versions

Plugin Compatibility

Before Updating

1. Check plugin compatibility with the new version
2. Visit plugin pages for version support
3. Update plugins if needed
4. Remove incompatible plugins temporarily

After Updating

1. Check console for plugin errors
2. Verify all plugins loaded
3. Test plugin functionality
4. Update plugins to compatible versions

Troubleshooting

Server Won't Start After Version Change

1. Check Console: Look for version-specific errors
2. Verify JAR File: Ensure the file is correct and complete
3. Check Java Version: Some versions require specific Java versions
4. Review Logs: Check for detailed error messages
5. Restore Backup: If needed, restore from backup

Plugins Not Working

1. Check Compatibility: Verify plugins support the new version
2. Update Plugins: Download compatible versions
3. Remove Incompatible: Temporarily remove incompatible plugins
4. Check Dependencies: Ensure all plugin dependencies are updated

World Issues

1. Conversion Errors: Check if world conversion completed
2. Backup and Restore: Restore world from backup if corrupted
3. Manual Conversion: Use world converter tools if needed
4. Check Logs: Review conversion messages in logs

Players Can't Connect

1. Version Mismatch: Ensure players use matching client version
2. Check Protocol: Some versions have protocol differences
3. Update Clients: Have players update their Minecraft client
4. Verify Server: Confirm server is running the correct version

Best Practices

• Test First: Test version changes on a development server
• Read Release Notes: Check what changed in the new version
• Gradual Updates: Update incrementally rather than jumping many versions
• Monitor After Update: Watch for issues after updating
• Keep Backups: Maintain backups before every version change
• Document Changes: Note which version you're running