How to Easily Update a Server in Minecraft without Losing Everything

PDF download Download Article
How to backup your files, download the new server, & install it
PDF download Download Article

Joining Minecraft servers is a fun way to play with your friends and other Minecraft users. Whenever a new server version is released, though, you have to update your server before you can join it again. Luckily, updating your Minecraft server is fairly straightforward and doesn’t cause you to lose your world or other items. In this article, we’ll explain how to back up your existing files, download the new server file, and use it to upgrade your Minecraft server.

How do I update my Minecraft server?

Make a copy of your Minecraft Server folder. Then, download the new server JAR file from Minecraft’s website. Drag the new server file into your server folder and delete the old server file. Then, run the server file to finish the update.

Section 1 of 3:

Backing Up the Current Server

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is the folder that contains all of the files for your server. Simply find the server file on your computer and open it. [1]
    • If you’re having trouble finding the server folder, search for “Minecraft” or “server” in your computer’s documents.
  2. Make copies of the following files and place them in a separate folder named “Backup Server.” This allows you to restore them just in case something goes wrong when you update the server.
    • Make copies of the following files :
      • The current server.jar file
      • Banned-ips.txt
      • Banned-players.txt
      • Ops.txt
      • Server.properties
    • Alternatively, copy the entire server folder . Simply right-click the folder, select “Copy,” and paste the copied file on your desktop. [2] Or, create a compressed Zip file by selecting “Send to” and “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
    Advertisement
  3. Find the “world” folder in the main server folder. Copy it and place it with your backup configuration files so you can restore it after the update and access your saved world.
  4. If you use a script to start Minecraft, make a copy of it and place it in your copy folder with the other backup files. You can restore it later to easily start your server.
  5. Once you've backed up your important files to another location, delete everything in your Minecraft Server folder. This will keep old files from causing problems with your new installation.
    • Alternatively, just delete the current server file . Since this is the only file you’re updating and replacing, it’s really the only file you need to get rid of. [3]
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Downloading & Installing the New Server

PDF download Download Article
  1. Download the new server file from Minecraft.net . Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, visit Minecraft’s official website for the Java server download. Then, click the link for the newest update to download the JAR server file.
    • If you’re using a Bedrock server, visit Minecraft’s website for the Bedrock download. There are download options for Windows or Ubuntu (Linux).
    • If you’re searching for an older server file , visit MCVersions.net . This website provides downloads for all of the current and past server files officially released by Minecraft.
    • Make sure your computer is still able to run the server :
      • Ensure you have the latest version of Java downloaded. Visit Java’s website for the latest version files.
      • Ensure your computer has enough hard drive space and RAM.
  2. Simply drag the JAR file you just downloaded into the Minecraft Server folder on your computer.
  3. The new server file you downloaded is likely just named “server,” so you may want to rename it to “minecraft_server” with the current release number at the end. [4]
    • If you use a script or batch file to start your server , make sure to rename the new server file so it matches the file name in your script. Or, edit the script or batch file to change the name of the server file. [5]
  4. Double-click the new JAR file to run the new server for the first time. It will create all of the files it needs to run, so it may take a bit longer to start up than usual. [6]
  5. Wait for the files to finish being created. Then, close the server.
  6. If you deleted all the files in the Minecraft Server folder, move the files, script, and "world" folder that you copied back into the folder.
    • If you only deleted the old server file, you don’t have to move any files back into the Minecraft Server folder.
  7. This is the End User License Agreement file—you have to accept the agreement to run the server. Find the "eula=false" line and change it to "eula=true". Then, save the file and exit the text editor.
  8. 8
    Open the server.properties file to make any changes. The server.properties file contains lots of different settings that change how you play the game on the server. If you want to make any changes to the server, simply open up the file, make the appropriate edit after the “=” sign, and save. [7]
    • For instance, you can change the difficulty, game mode, the max number of players, and whether you can travel to the Nether.
  9. Launch Minecraft, click Play , and select Multiplayer . Simply choose the local server to start playing. [8]
    10. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    How do I update the server if I use mods? To properly run the updated server, you have to update each mod to the new server version. Create a new Minecraft Server folder and add the new version of the modded server. Then, move the folders and files from the previous server folder to the new one. Download the newest versions of the mods you use, delete the old files in the new folder, and add the updated mods. [9]
    • Always create a backup of your current server folder . Modded servers can be difficult to update because they’re easily corrupted.
    • If you use a lot of mods, you might want to keep using the current version of the server instead of updating it. Because you have to update every mod to the updated server version, this can be difficult and time-consuming to update. Plus, it increases the risk that the server will get corrupted.
  2. 2
    How do I update the server if I use plugins? You have to update each plug-in to the new server version. So, download the newest version of each plug-in you use. Simply open the plugins folder in the Minecraft Server folder and delete the old plugin files. Then, drag the new plugin files into the folder. [10]
    • Make sure to create a backup of the server folder just in case something goes wrong.
  3. 3
    How do I update the server if I use a server hosting program? If you’re using a server hosting program like Shockbyte or Apex, you can usually update the server using the host’s control panel. Most hosts have instructions on their website for updating the server using their control panel.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    On step 6, I have no .exe, only .jar, what do I do?
    CaptianYaya
    Community Answer
    The .jar file version works too, as long as you are running a version of Windows.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 28
  • Question
    How do I update a Minecraft server to 1.12 and 1.12.1?
    CaptianYaya
    Community Answer
    The steps are the same.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 18
  • Question
    I cant find my Minecraft server folder on my computer. What can I do?
    CaptianYaya
    Community Answer
    You have to make one, as it is not made for you. If you have already made one and you can't find it, search for it in Finder or click on the Windows button and enter its name.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you are running a CraftBukkit server, you may have to wait a few days after the update is released for the CraftBukkit version to come out.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server for Your Friends and You
      How to
      Make a Mushroom House in Minecraft
      How to
      Update Minecraft PE
      14 Ways to Troubleshoot Server Connection Error in Minecraft
      How to
      Host a Minecraft Server
      How to
      Create a Minecraft PE Server
      How to
      Portforward Minecraft
      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server With Hamachi
      How to
      Play Minecraft Multiplayer
      How to
      Make a Cracked Minecraft Server
      A User-Friendly Guide to Create a Free Minecraft Server
      How to
      Join Servers in Minecraft PE
      How to
      Make a Minecraft Server on a Mac
      How to
      Join a Minecraft Server
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/x_kWZKPIzko?si=mRsNCpHiuIytnY2O&t=138
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/-OSPr6ktMUs?si=cvebH4S8pKXlOOFY&t=17
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/x_kWZKPIzko?si=Tk1xkyHV4NAebIZx&t=179
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/-OSPr6ktMUs?si=kP77nVoLFNc1E2w0&t=74
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/-OSPr6ktMUs?si=InEC5ZLj5lSGKfuS&t=82
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/x_kWZKPIzko?si=H51QVaBEXZ_VpRl4&t=188
      7. ↑ https://minecraft.wiki/w/Server.properties
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/x_kWZKPIzko?si=HlXfiBW3arYeMQY0&t=200
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/_oAwrta8mNM?si=XZ6V1ZEwYqb0QSjK&t=302
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/_oAwrta8mNM?si=pUp5PkcWxNmbWcGf&t=715

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,562,501 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Phillip Pullman

        Dec 21, 2016

        "Really helpful updating to 1.11.2, thanks a lot. I would definitely recommend this site."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement