Install or Change Server Version

Introduction

Whether you are looking to try out the latest Minecraft snapshots or want to roll back to a classic version for a specific modpack, changing your server version is a fundamental skill for any server owner. At HumbleServers, we provide two primary ways to handle this: our automated Version Changer and the Custom JAR method for total control.

Method 1: Automatic Version Changer

This is the recommended method for most users. It is fast, safe, and handles the heavy lifting of fetching the correct files for you.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Access Your Dashboard: Log in to the HumbleServers Game Panel and click on the server you wish to modify.
2. Navigate to Versions: In the sidebar, click the “Version” button. This will take you to our integrated version installer.
3. Select Your Version: Browse through the available versions (Vanilla, Paper, Spigot, Forge, etc.). Once you find your desired version, click on it.
4. Optional: Fresh Start: If you want to start with a completely fresh world and configuration, toggle the “Wipe Data” option.

   Warning: Wiping data is permanent. Ensure you have a backup if you wish to keep your current progress.

5. Install and Launch: Let the installer finish. Once complete, return to the Console and start your server!

Method 2: Using a Custom Server JAR

If you want to run a specific fork or a version not currently listed in our installer, you can use the manual method.

Manual Setup Process

1. Download your JAR: Download the server software of your choice (e.g., PaperMC , Purpur , or Fabric ).
2. Upload to Panel: Navigate to the “Files” page in your sidebar. Drag and drop your downloaded file into the browser window to upload it.
3. The “server.jar” Rule: For our startup script to recognize your custom file, you must rename the uploaded file to exactly server.jar.
4. Start the Server: Go back to the Console and click Start. The panel will now boot using your custom JAR.

Important Note on Version Downgrading

If you are moving from a higher version to a lower version (e.g., 1.20.4 to 1.18.2), please be aware:

• World Corruption: Minecraft worlds are generally not backward compatible. Loading a newer world in an older version will likely cause crashes or corruption.
• Solution: You should either click “Wipe Data” to start fresh or use a third-party world conversion tool.

Best Practices

1. Always Backup First: Before changing versions, use the Backups tab to create a restore point.
2. Match Your Java Version: Some newer Minecraft versions require specific Java versions (e.g., Java 17 or 21). You can adjust this in the Startup settings.
3. Update Plugins: If you change your version, remember to check if your plugins or mods need updates to remain compatible.