# How to Configure Automatic Saving on Your Minecraft Server (/docs/minecraft/configure-auto-saving)



Minecraft automatically saves your world data periodically. Understanding how auto-saves work helps you protect your data and optimize performance.

How Auto-Saving Works [#how-auto-saving-works]

Minecraft saves world data (chunks, player data, entities) at regular intervals. On Paper/Spigot servers, this is controlled by the `max-auto-save-chunks-per-tick` setting which spreads saves across multiple ticks to reduce lag spikes.

Save Commands [#save-commands]

Use these in `Console` on the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com):

| Command           | Description                           |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| `/save-all`       | Force an immediate save               |
| `/save-all flush` | Save and flush all chunks to disk     |
| `/save-off`       | Disable auto-saving (use for backups) |
| `/save-on`        | Re-enable auto-saving                 |

> ⚠️ **Warning:** If you disable auto-saving with `/save-off`, always remember to re-enable it with `/save-on`. A crash with saving disabled means lost progress.

Paper Auto-Save Configuration [#paper-auto-save-configuration]

Go to `Files` and edit `paper-world-defaults.yml`:

```yaml
chunks:
  max-auto-save-chunks-per-tick: 24
```

* **Higher values** = faster saves, but can cause tick lag
* **Lower values** = smoother gameplay, but saves take longer to complete
* **Default (24)** is fine for most servers

Auto-Save vs Panel Backups [#auto-save-vs-panel-backups]

| Feature              | Auto-Save                     | Panel Backups                    |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **What it does**     | Writes world data to disk     | Creates a full server snapshot   |
| **Frequency**        | Every few minutes (automatic) | On-demand or scheduled           |
| **Protects against** | Server crashes                | User error, corruption, rollback |
| **Restoreable**      | No (overwrites current data)  | Yes (restore any backup)         |

> 💡 **Tip:** Auto-saves protect against crashes, but only panel `Backups` let you roll back to a previous state. Use both for full protection.

See also: [Backups vs Auto-Save Explained](/docs/minecraft/backups-vs-autosave) | [Performance Guide](/docs/minecraft/optimize-server)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).