How to Update a Minecraft Server

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If Minecraft gets updated, you'll need to update your server before players with the new version can connect. Luckily, updating your Minecraft server is fairly straightforward. You can even save all of your old configuration files so that you don't need to adjust any settings in the new version.

Steps

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    • This is the folder that contains all of the files for your server. [1]
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    • Make copies of the following files into another location so that you can restore them after updating the server:
    • banned-ips.txt
    • banned-players.txt
    • ops.txt
    • server.properties
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    • Place this copy with your backed up configuration files so that you can restore it after the update and access your saved world.
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    • If you use a script to start Minecraft, make a copy of it to another location. You can restore it later to easily start your server.
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    • 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.
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    • Visit minecraft.net/download and download the server file for your operating system. [2]
    • If you are using Windows, download the EXE file.
    • If you are using OS X or Linux, download the JAR file.
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    • If you use a script or batch file to start your server, you'll want to rename the new server file so that the old script still works. Remove the version number from the end of the new server file to make your old scripts compatible.
    • For example, minecraft_server.1.8.exe would be renamed to minecraft_server.exe
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    • Double-click the new EXE or JAR file to run the new server for the first time. It will create all of the files it needs to run.
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    • As soon as the files are finished being created, close the server.
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    • Move your files, script, and "world" folder back into the Minecraft Server folder.
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    eula.txt file.
    • Find the eula=false line and change it to eula=true . Save the file and exit the text editor.
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    • The update process is complete.
    • Players create servers for a chance to play with friends or random Minecraft users from different devices. [3]
    • For example, a Minecraft pocket edition server is a Minecraft world on the mobile version. [4]
    • Players may also create large servers that allow many players to join and play minigames that put a spin on the regular Minecraft mechanics. [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • 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
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 27
  • 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 17
  • 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
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft-wiki/how-to-update-server-minecraft
      2. ↑ https://www.idtech.com/blog/creating-minecraft-server
      3. ↑ https://www.idtech.com/blog/creating-minecraft-server
      4. ↑ https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2015/09/18/how-to-play-multiplayer-minecraft-pocket-edition/
      5. ↑ https://www.tynker.com/minecraft/server-setup-instructions

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      • Phillip Pullman

        Dec 21, 2016

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