How do I install plugins? — Minecraft

Adding plugins is one of the quickest wins on a Minecraft server, and the Plugins tab makes it a one-click job — as long as you're on the right server software.

Prerequisites

Plugins run on the Paper / Spigot / Purpur (Bukkit) family — not on Vanilla or Forge. If you're not on one of those, switch in the Versions tab first.

Step-by-step

Make sure you're on Paper / Spigot / Purpur (a Bukkit-family server) — plugins don't run on Vanilla or Forge. Switch in the Versions tab if needed.
Open the Plugins tab, search by name (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, and more), and install — the panel drops it into your plugins folder.
Restart the server to load it.

Tip: On a Forge server the Plugins tab won't apply — mods and plugins are different worlds. Use hybrids (Mohist/Magma/Arclight) if you truly need both.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't the Plugins tab work on my server? You're likely on Vanilla or Forge — plugins need a Bukkit-family server (Paper/Spigot/Purpur). Switch in the Versions tab.

Can I run plugins and mods together? Only on a hybrid (Mohist/Magma/Arclight) — a normal Paper server runs plugins, a Forge server runs mods.