Table of Contents
Who this is for: Server administrators and Minecraft enthusiasts who want to keep their multiplayer worlds running on the latest version.
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Backup Your World First
Before touching anything, create a complete backup of your server files. Copy your entire server folder to a safe location – this includes your world data, plugins, and configuration files. If something goes wrong during the update, you’ll thank yourself for having this safety net.
Download the New Server Version
Head to the official Minecraft website and download the latest server.jar file. Make sure you’re getting the correct version – whether that’s the latest release, a snapshot, or a specific version your players need. Save this file but don’t replace your current one just yet.
Stop Your Current Server
Shut down your running server completely. If you’re using a hosting service, use their control panel. For self-hosted servers, type ‘stop’ in the console or close the server window. Wait until all processes finish before proceeding.
Replace the Server File
Now comes the crucial step: replace your old server.jar with the new one you downloaded. Keep the same filename that your startup script expects. Don’t delete your world folders, player data, or server.properties file – these stay exactly where they are.
Update Your Plugins and Mods
If you’re running plugins or mods, check that they’re compatible with your new Minecraft version. Download updated versions from their official sources. Some plugins might need configuration changes, so read their update notes carefully.
Test the Update
Start your server and watch the console for any error messages. Join the server yourself first to make sure everything loads correctly. Check that your world data is intact and that essential features work as expected before inviting players back.
Handle Version Conflicts
Sometimes players can’t connect because their client version doesn’t match your server version. Communicate the update to your community beforehand, and consider whether you want to allow older client versions to connect using compatibility plugins.
Regular server updates keep your Minecraft world secure and give you access to the latest features, and if you’re looking to explore different gaming experiences, you might enjoy checking out our collection of Minecraft-inspired adventures.
TL;DR
Update your Minecraft server by backing up files, downloading the new server.jar, stopping the current server, replacing the jar file, updating plugins, and testing everything works.
