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How to Easily Update a Server in Minecraft without Losing Everything Download Article How to backup your files, download the new server, & install it Co-authored by Zac Churchill and Devin McSween
Last Updated: July 31, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,570,342 times.
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.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Backing Up the Current Server
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1 Open your Minecraft Server folder. 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]XResearch source
If you’re having trouble finding the server folder, search for “Minecraft” or “server” in your computer’s documents.
2 Create backups of your essential configuration files. 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]XResearch source Or, create a compressed Zip file by selecting “Send to” and “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
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3 Copy your "world" folder. 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 Copy your start script of batch files. 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 Delete everything in the folder. 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]XResearch source
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Downloading & Installing the New Server
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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 Copy the new server file into your Minecraft Server folder. Simply drag the JAR file you just downloaded into the Minecraft Server folder on your computer.
3 Rename the server file. 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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
4 Run the server file. 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]XResearch source
5 Close the server. Wait for the files to finish being created. Then, close the server.
6 Restore your backed-up files. 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 Open the eula.txt file in the Minecraft Server folder. 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 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]XResearch source
For instance, you can change the difficulty, game mode, the max number of players, and whether you can travel to the Nether.
9 Start your server. Launch Minecraft, click Play, and select Multiplayer. Simply choose the local server to start playing.[8]XResearch source
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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]XResearch source
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 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]XResearch source
Make sure to create a backup of the server folder just in case something goes wrong.
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.
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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 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
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Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 4,570,342 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 18Updated: July 31, 2025 Views: 4,570,342 Categories: Minecraft Servers In other languages Spanish Russian German Chinese Italian French Indonesian Dutch Thai Korean Vietnamese Turkish Japanese
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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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Download Article How to backup your files, download the new server, & install it Co-authored by Zac Churchill and Devin McSween 
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Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 4,570,342 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 18 Updated: July 31, 2025 Views: 4,570,342 Categories: Minecraft Servers In other languages Spanish Russian German Chinese Italian French Indonesian Dutch Thai Korean Vietnamese Turkish Japanese 
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1 Open your Minecraft Server folder. 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] 
2 Create backups of your essential configuration files. 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. 
3 Copy your "world" folder. 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 Copy your start script of batch files. 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 Delete everything in the folder. 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. 
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. 
2 Copy the new server file into your Minecraft Server folder. Simply drag the JAR file you just downloaded into the Minecraft Server folder on your computer. 
3 Rename the server file. 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] 
4 Run the server file. 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 Close the server. Wait for the files to finish being created. Then, close the server. 
6 Restore your backed-up files. 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. 
7 Open the eula.txt file in the Minecraft Server folder. 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 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] 
9 Start your server. Launch Minecraft, click Play, and select Multiplayer. Simply choose the local server to start playing.[8] Advertisement 
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 
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