Change the software or version

The software decides what your server can run: plugins, mods or neither. You can change it, and the Minecraft version, at any time.

Caution

Changing the software or the Minecraft version reinstalls the server. Make a backup first. The world usually survives, but plugins don’t run on a mod loader, and mods don’t run on Paper.

Change the software or the version

1. Open your server, then Manage, then Settings.
2. Click the Software tab.
3. Under Server software, click Change software.
4. Pick the software and the Minecraft version.
5. Type the server’s name to confirm, then click Switch and reinstall.

The server stops, reinstalls with the new software, and is ready to start again in a minute or two.

Never move a world to an older Minecraft version than it was last played on. Minecraft can’t read newer worlds and may damage them.

Which software can I use?

This list comes from the panel, so it’s always current.

Software	Runs	About	Minecraft versions	Available
Paper	Plugins	Plugin support, best performance	1.13 to 26.3	Create or switch
Purpur	Plugins	Paper + extra features	1.14.1 to 26.3	Create or switch
Leaf	Plugins	Ultra-optimized Paper fork	1.21.4 to 26.3	Create or switch
Fabric	Mods	Lightweight mod loader	1.16.5 to 26.3	Create or switch
Forge	Mods	Legacy mod loader (FML3)	1.16.5 to 26.3	Create or switch
NeoForge	Mods	Modern Forge fork	1.20.2 to 26.2	Create or switch
Arclight	Mods	NeoForge mods + Bukkit plugins	1.16.5 to 1.21.1	Create or switch
Vanilla	Nothing extra	No extras, pure Minecraft	1.16.5 to 26.3	Switch only
Minestom	Custom code	Lightweight Java server engine	26.1.2	Create only
Pumpkin	Custom code	Rust Minecraft server	26.3	Create only
Velocity	Links servers	Network proxy	Latest	Create only

• Paper fits most servers. It runs Bukkit and Spigot plugins and is the fastest choice for plugin servers.
• Purpur is Paper with extra gameplay settings. Leaf is Paper tuned for many players.
• Vanilla is plain Minecraft with nothing extra. You can switch to it, but not create it.
• Minestom, Pumpkin and Velocity can only be picked when you create a server.

Pick a Java version

Newer Minecraft versions need newer Java. The panel picks the right Java for your Minecraft version, shown as Automatic. If a plugin or mod needs a different Java, pick it under Java version on the Software tab. It applies from the next start.