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 (the Software page in the client area) 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 client area and click on the server you wish to modify.
2. Open Software: Click the “Version” chip at the top of the console. This opens the Software page, 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. Your World Is Kept: Installing a new version keeps your world. Files the installer replaces are moved to a _previous folder instead of being deleted. If you want a completely fresh world, delete the world folder in Files before you start the server.

   Warning: Deleting a world is permanent. Click Back up now on the Backups page first 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 Your Server: 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 (or set the jar file name on the Settings page to match it).
4. Start the Server: Go back to the Console and click Start. The server 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 start with a fresh world or use a third-party world conversion tool.

Best Practices

1. Always Backup First: Before changing versions, click Back up now on the Backups page to create a restore point.
2. Match Your Java Version: Some newer Minecraft versions require specific Java versions (e.g., Java 17 or 21). The Software page picks the right one for you, and you can adjust it on the Settings page.
3. Update Plugins: If you change your version, remember to check if your plugins or mods need updates to remain compatible.