# How to Change Your Minecraft Server Version (/docs/minecraft/switch-version)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

You can switch your Minecraft server to any supported version through the panel. The most common reasons:

* **Upgrade** to a newer version after a major Minecraft update
* **Downgrade** to match a modpack or plugin's required version
* **Switch loaders** between Vanilla, Paper, Forge, Fabric, etc.

Change the Version [#change-the-version]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create a backup [#create-a-backup]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), go to **Backups** and save your current world. **Always back up before changing versions** — downgrades and major upgrades can corrupt worlds.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    Go to **Console** and stop your server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Startup [#open-startup]

    Click **Startup** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Set the new version [#set-the-new-version]

    Find the **Minecraft Version** (or **Server Version**) variable and enter the version you want, e.g.:

    ```
    1.21.4
    1.20.1
    1.19.4
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Update the Java version (if needed) [#update-the-java-version-if-needed]

    Different Minecraft versions require specific Java versions. Check the table below and update the **Java Version** variable if needed. See [Java Version](/docs/minecraft/java-version) for the full guide.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Reinstall (if changing major versions) [#reinstall-if-changing-major-versions]

    For major version changes, click **Reinstall Server** on the **Dashboard** to ensure the correct binaries are downloaded.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console** and watch the startup log to confirm the new version loaded.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Java Version Compatibility [#java-version-compatibility]

| Minecraft Version | Required Java |
| ----------------- | ------------- |
| 1.7.10 – 1.16.5   | Java 8        |
| 1.17 – 1.17.1     | Java 16       |
| 1.18 – 1.20.4     | Java 17       |
| 1.20.5 – 1.21.x   | Java 21       |
| 1.21.5+           | Java 21+      |

If you change the Minecraft version and the server fails to start, **check Java version compatibility first**. The error usually mentions `UnsupportedClassVersionError`.

Upgrading vs Downgrading [#upgrading-vs-downgrading]

| Direction                                | Safety           | Notes                                                             |
| ---------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Upgrading (1.20 → 1.21)**              | ✅ Generally safe | Minecraft auto-upgrades the world data format                     |
| **Downgrading (1.21 → 1.20)**            | ⚠️ **Risky**     | Newer blocks/items may corrupt the world. Always test on a backup |
| **Same major version (1.21.1 → 1.21.4)** | ✅ Safe           | Patch updates don't change world format                           |

> **Warning:** **Always back up before downgrading.** Restoring from a backup is the only reliable way to recover from a botched downgrade.

All Players Must Match [#all-players-must-match]

Every connecting player needs the same Minecraft version as the server. If you switch from 1.20 to 1.21:

1. Tell your players the new version
2. They install/select the matching version in their Minecraft launcher
3. They reconnect

To allow players on **multiple versions** to connect to a single server, install [ViaVersion](/docs/minecraft/allow-any-version) — it lets older clients join newer servers and vice versa.

Mod & Plugin Compatibility [#mod--plugin-compatibility]

Mods and plugins are version-specific. After changing the Minecraft version:

* **Plugins**: check each plugin's Spigot/Modrinth page for a compatible build
* **Mods**: download the correct version from CurseForge/Modrinth
* **Remove incompatible mods/plugins** before starting — leaving them in `mods/` or `plugins/` may crash the server

Switch Server Type (Vanilla → Paper, Forge → Fabric, etc.) [#switch-server-type-vanilla--paper-forge--fabric-etc]

To switch the **type** of server (not just the version), see [Install Custom JAR](/docs/minecraft/install-custom-jar) for detailed steps.

Common Issues [#common-issues]

| Problem                                 | Fix                                                                             |
| --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server won't start after version change | Check Java version compatibility                                                |
| World won't load                        | You downgraded — restore from backup                                            |
| Players see "Outdated server"           | Server is on a newer version. Players must update their client                  |
| Players see "Outdated client"           | Server is on an older version. Players must select matching version in launcher |
| Plugins/mods crash                      | Remove or update incompatible plugins/mods to match the new version             |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Java Version](/docs/minecraft/java-version)
* [Allow Any Version (ViaVersion)](/docs/minecraft/allow-any-version)
* [Install Custom JAR](/docs/minecraft/install-custom-jar)
* [Server Types Explained](/docs/minecraft/server-types-explained)
* [Server Properties](/docs/minecraft/server-properties)