Change your server's Minecraft version

Before changing versions

• Back up your server using the Backups tab in the panel. World data may not be compatible with older versions.
• Check that your plugins/mods support the target version
• Notify your players about planned downtime

Step 1: Change the server version

1. Log in to panel.baires.host
2. Select your Minecraft server
3. Go to the Startup tab
4. Find the Minecraft Version or Server Jar variable
5. Change it to your desired version (e.g., 1.21.4)
6. If using Paper/Purpur, also update the Build number to latest

Step 2: Reinstall the server jar

Some configurations require reinstalling:

1. Go to Settings → Reinstall Server
2. This downloads the new jar file for your selected version
3. Your world and plugin files are preserved

Step 3: Restart and verify

1. Start the server from the Console tab
2. Watch the console for errors
3. Verify the version in the console output:

[Server] Starting minecraft server version 1.21.4

Upgrading vs downgrading

Upgrading (e.g., 1.20 → 1.21)

• Generally safe for world data
• Plugins may need updates — check each plugin's compatibility page
• New chunks will generate with updated world generation

Downgrading (e.g., 1.21 → 1.20)

• Not recommended — newer blocks/items will be lost or cause errors
• Always restore from a backup made on the older version

Changing server software

You can also switch between server types:

• Vanilla → Paper: Better performance, plugin support
• Paper → Purpur: Additional configuration options
• Paper → Forge/Fabric: For mod support (different ecosystem)

Change the server type in the Startup tab and reinstall.

Tips

• Always test version changes on a backup first if you have important world data
• Paper and Purpur release builds within hours of a new Minecraft version
• Keep your server within 1-2 versions of the latest release for the best plugin compatibility