To change the version of a Minecraft server, follow these steps. The process might vary slightly depending on your operating system and the platform you're using to host your server (e.g., hosting on your own computer or through a hosting provider). Here's a general guide:
Step 1: Backup Your Server
Before you start, it's a good idea to back up your worlds and server files. This is important in case something goes wrong during the version change process.
Step 2: Download the New Minecraft Server Version
- Go to the official Minecraft website and download the server version you want.
- Download the .jar file for the new server version.
Step 3: Replace the Old Server File
- Stop your server (if it's running).
- Locate the current .jar file in your server folder (typically named something like
server.jarorminecraft_server.<version>.jar). - Replace the old .jar file with the new one you downloaded. You can either delete the old file and replace it or rename the new file to match the name of the old file.
Step 4: Upgrade the Server
- Restart your server.
- If the new server version requires different configuration files, the server might generate new ones. Make sure the
server.propertiesfile and other settings are configured as you want them. - Check if everything is working correctly and that your worlds load without issues.
Notes
- If you're switching to a very different version (e.g., from 1.16 to 1.18), there might be compatibility issues with your worlds or plugins/mods. Ensure that your worlds and plugins/mods are compatible with the new version.
- It's a good idea to test the upgrade in a staging environment first, especially if you're running a public server with many players.
By following these steps, you can safely change the version of your Minecraft server.
