Will changing version or software delete my world, plugins, or files?

Worried that changing your version or software will wipe your world? The short answer is no — the Versions tab keeps your files unless you explicitly tell it not to. There are two cautions worth knowing, though.

What's kept and what to watch

The Versions tab keeps your world and files unless you tick Wipe Data. Two cautions:

Downgrading the Minecraft version can corrupt worlds (Minecraft worlds aren't backward-compatible). Back up first.
Switching software families (Forge ↔ Paper) leaves your files, but your mods won't load on Paper, and plugins won't load on Forge — you'll re-add the right kind.

Backing up first

Always take a backup before a version or software change:

Since the panel's Backups tab is temporarily offline for an upgrade, do this manually.
Open Files (or connect via SFTP).
Download your world folder to your computer.
Proceed with the change from the Versions tab.

Warning: Downgrading is the risky direction — always back up your world folder via Files/SFTP before changing versions.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Versions tab delete my files? No — not unless you tick "Wipe Data."

Why won't my mods work after switching to Paper? Mods only run on Forge/Fabric; plugins only run on Paper/Spigot. Your files stay, but you re-add the right add-on type.