---
title: "How to Change a Minecraft Server Version"
description: "Switching a Minecraft server to another version, or to Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge: how to pick the right one and what to check afterwards."
url: https://fps.ms/docs/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version
---
# How to change your Minecraft server version

Your players can only join when their Minecraft game matches the version of your server. On the **Versions** page you can switch your server to another Minecraft version, or to other server software like Purpur, Fabric or Forge.

!!! warning "Make a backup first" "A world that was opened on a newer version may not load on an older one. Make a backup before you change the version, so you can go back."

## Open the Versions page

1. Go to [panel.fps.ms](https://panel.fps.ms) and open your server.
2. In the top bar, click **More**, then click **Versions**.

![The More menu with Versions highlighted](https://assets.docs.fps.ms/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version/01-open-versions-ca557f49.webp)

## Choose the server software

At the top you see what your server runs now. Below it, under **Server software**, are the options:

| Software | Use it for |
|-|-|
| **Paper** | Plugins. The usual pick for most servers. |
| **Purpur** | Paper plugins, with more settings and gameplay options. |
| **Folia** | Very large servers. Most plugins do not work on it. |
| **Fabric** | Fabric mods. |
| **Forge** | Forge mods and most big modpacks. |
| **NeoForge** | NeoForge mods. |
| **Vanilla** | The official Minecraft server, without plugins or mods. |

1. Click **Browse** on the software you want. To stay on the same software and only change the version, click **Browse** on the card marked **Installed**.

![The Versions page with the Browse button on the Paper card highlighted](https://assets.docs.fps.ms/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version/02-browse-server-software-b140f8d2.webp)

## Pick a version

1. Click the Minecraft version you want in the **Versions** list, for example `1.21.11`. Use **Search versions** to find it faster.

![The Paper page with version 1.21.11 highlighted in the list](https://assets.docs.fps.ms/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version/03-pick-a-version-17cc5f0c.webp)

2. Click the **Install** button at the top. It shows the version and the build you picked.

![The Paper page with the Install 1.21.11 build 132 button highlighted](https://assets.docs.fps.ms/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version/04-click-install-62f85cfb.webp)

## Confirm the install

The dialog shows **What changes**, and warns you when the switch can break your world, plugins or mods.

1. Leave **Remove old server files** off, unless you know you need it. Your worlds and settings are always kept.
2. Leave **Start server after install** on if you want your server to start by itself when it is done.
3. Tick **I have a backup, or I accept that my world, plugins or mods may not work after this.** The **Install** button stays grey until you do.
4. Click **Install**.

![The Install Paper 1.21.11 dialog with the warning for an older version and the Install button highlighted](https://assets.docs.fps.ms/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-version/05-confirm-install-34c10eb3.webp)

Your server stops and the new server files are downloaded. If **Start server after install** is on, the server starts again when it is done.

!!! tip "A world you open on a newer version cannot go back to an older version. Going to an older version, or to other server software, can stop your world from loading. The dialog shows a yellow warning when that can happen."

## After the switch

- Check the **Console** for errors when the server starts.
- Plugins and mods are kept in their folders, but they may not work on the new version. Check them on the **Plugins** page. See [installing plugins](https://fps.ms/docs/minecraft/installing-plugins-minecraft.md).
- Tell your players which version to pick in their Minecraft launcher.

---

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