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Knowledge base

Update your Minecraft server to a new version

Update Java and Bedrock in SparkPanel without losing your world, and what to do with plugins and mods.

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Updated 22 October 2026

A new Minecraft version is out and your friends can't join any more? Then your server needs updating. In SparkPanel that takes a few clicks, and your world stays where it is.

First: a backup

Always make a backup first in SparkPanel under Backups → Create backup. If anything goes wrong, you restore everything in one click. A world opened with a newer version can not be opened with an older version afterwards.

Minecraft Java (Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Vanilla)

  1. Stop your server.
  2. Go to Settings → Server software.
  3. Choose the software you use now, enter latest as the version (or a version number, for example 1.21.4) and choose keep my world.
  4. Tick that the server will be reinstalled and click Switch. The new version is installed; your world, plugins and settings stay.
  5. Start the server once the console says the installation is done.

Plugins and mods

  • Plugins (Paper): most plugins keep working, but sometimes you need a newer version of a plugin. Check the console for a plugin that doesn't load, and download its newest version from Modrinth or Hangar.
  • Mods (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge): mods are made for one Minecraft version. Only update your server once all your mods have a version for the new Minecraft, then replace them all.
  • Modpack: wait until the modpack itself is updated and install it again via Server software → Modrinth modpack.

Minecraft Bedrock

  1. Make a backup and stop your server.
  2. Go to Settings and click the button under Reinstall (tick that you understand first).
  3. The newest Bedrock server is installed. Your world and your server.properties stay.
  4. Start the server again.

Bedrock players often get new versions automatically through the app store or console. So update your server soon after an update, or they can't join.

Prefer an older version?

Playing with friends who are still on an older version, or using mods that aren't updated yet? Enter the older version number. Note: this only works for a new world or a world that was never opened with a newer version. Otherwise choose "start a fresh world"; your old world is kept under a new name.

Frequently asked questions

"Outdated server" or "Outdated client"? Your server and your game run different versions. Update the server, or start the same version as the server in the launcher.

How do I see which version my server runs? In the console when it starts, or with our Minecraft server status tool.

Stuck? Email info@serverspark.nl and we'll update it for you.