How do I install a plugin manually from my computer? — Minecraft

Q: Do I need to restart, or is reload enough?

Restart the server fully after adding a plugin. A /reload can leave plugins in a broken state and isn't reliable for new installs.

Q: Can I upload several plugins at once?

Yes — upload all the .jar files into the plugins folder, then start the server once and check that each one enabled in the Console.

Sometimes the plugin you want isn't in the Plugins tab, or you've got a specific build you downloaded yourself. In that case you can upload the plugin's .jar straight from your computer using the Files manager or SFTP. It only takes a moment.

Before you start

Make sure your server software supports plugins — that means the Bukkit family (Paper, Spigot, or Purpur). Plugins won't load on Vanilla or Forge. Also download the plugin build that matches your server's exact Minecraft version, because a plugin made for one version often won't run on another.

Step-by-step

Download the plugin .jar from its official page, matching your server's Minecraft version.
Stop the server from the Console and wait for it to go Offline.
Open the Files tab and go into the plugins folder (or connect via SFTP using the details in the Settings tab).
Upload the .jar directly into the plugins folder — not a subfolder.
Start the server and watch the Console to confirm the plugin loaded.

Warning: Always use the plugin build made for your exact Minecraft version. A 1.20 plugin often won't load on a 1.21 server, and the Console will show a "failed to load" error.

Frequently asked questions

The plugin uploaded but isn't working — why? Most often it's a version mismatch, the wrong server software, or the .jar landed in a subfolder instead of directly in plugins. Check the Console at startup for the specific message.

Do I need to restart, or is reload enough? Restart the server fully after adding a plugin. A /reload can leave plugins in a broken state and isn't reliable for new installs.

Can I upload several plugins at once? Yes — upload all the .jar files into the plugins folder, then start the server once and check that each one enabled in the Console.