How to change the Minecraft version of your server
Update or change the Minecraft Java version on your Schokr server through the Startup settings, and avoid breaking your world.
Updated · 2 min read
To change the Minecraft version, back up your server, set the version variable in your server's Startup settings, then reinstall so the template downloads the new server jar. Updating to a newer version is usually safe; going back to an older version is not.
Before you start
- Take a backup. Updating converts your world to the new format, and there is no undo. See back up your Minecraft world.
- Check your plugins or mods. Plugins and mods are built for specific versions. Make sure each one supports the version you are moving to, or the server may fail to start.
- Never downgrade a world. Opening a world in an older version than it was last saved in can corrupt chunks or wipe items and blocks. If you need an older version, start a new world or restore a backup made on that version.
Change the version
- Stop the server from the console.
- Open your server's Startup settings.
- Find the variable for the Minecraft version. Its exact name depends on the template (Paper, Forge, Vanilla or Sponge), but it is clearly labelled as the version. Some templates also have a build variable; leave it on
latestunless you need a specific build. - Enter the version you want, for example
1.21.4, orlatestfor the newest release the template supports. - Reinstall the server from its Settings so the new server jar is downloaded. Reinstalling replaces the server software; your world folders and config files normally stay, which is why the backup in step one still matters.
- Start the server and watch the console. The first start on a new version can take longer while the world is upgraded.
Updating your game client
Players need to use the same version as the server. In the Minecraft Launcher, open Installations, create a new installation, and pick the matching version. Forge servers also need players to install the matching Forge version and mods.
Version tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Paper, new Minecraft release just came out | Wait until Paper publishes a stable build and your key plugins update |
| Vanilla, want the latest | Set the version to latest and reinstall |
| Forge modpack | Use the exact Minecraft and Forge version the pack requires |
| Want to try a new version safely | Create a second server with a copy of your world and test there |
If the server will not start after updating
- Read the first error in the console. A plugin or mod that does not support the new version is the most common cause. Remove or update it.
- Make sure enough memory is assigned. Newer versions sometimes need a little more.
- If the world is broken, stop the server and restore the backup you made.
Still stuck?
Ask in the Schokr Discord with the console output from the failed start.