Change software and version
The Versions page is where you change what your server runs: the software (for example Paper to Fabric) and the Minecraft version. You do not need to upload jar files or edit any launch settings. The panel does it for you and protects your data while it works.
The page is titled Server version. At the top, three values show what you have now:
- YOUR SERVER: the software, for example Paper.
- INSTALLED VERSION: for example 26.1.2.
- JAVA: the Java version in use.
Change the software or version in 3 steps
Open Versions in the MINECRAFT group of the sidebar, then follow the three numbered sections on the page:
- 1. Server software: click the software you want.
- 2. Version: pick the Minecraft version. The page also shows Java that will be used. FenixHost chooses the Java version automatically, so you never have to pick or configure it.
- 3. Review and apply: check the summary and apply the change.
You can keep the same software and only change the version, or keep the version and only change the software.
Software options
JAVA EDITION
| Software | What it is |
|---|---|
| Paper | Fast, with plugin support. The best default for most servers. |
| Purpur | Paper with more gameplay options. |
| Vanilla | The official Mojang server. |
| Fabric | Lightweight mod loader. |
| Forge | Classic mod loader. |
| NeoForge | Modern, maintained Forge. |
| Arclight | Mods and plugins at once. |
| SpongeVanilla | Plugin API for Vanilla. |
CROSSPLAY
| Software | What it is |
|---|---|
| Crossplay | Java and Bedrock on one server. |
PROXY
| Software | What it is |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Modern proxy. |
| BungeeCord | Classic proxy. |
BEDROCK
| Software | What it is |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Bedrock | The official Bedrock server. |
The 2. Version list starts with Latest release and goes back through many older releases.
What happens when you apply
The panel shows live progress through these 7 steps:
- Stop the server
- Create a locked backup
- Apply the change
- Install the server
- Start the server
- Check the version
- Finish
You can keep the page open and watch each step turn to Done.
The automatic backup
Before anything changes, the panel creates a backup named Before changing to <Software> <version> (date UTC), for example Before changing to Paper 26.3 (2026-10-13 10:01 UTC). It is created locked, so it cannot be deleted by accident. You can find it in Backups, where you can download it or restore it like any other backup.
Automatic restore if it fails
If the server does not start with the new version, the panel restores everything on its own. You see the message The change could not be completed and your server is as it was before, with the failed step marked. The backup made for this change is unlocked, so you can delete it from Backups once you no longer need it. Press Got it to close the message, or Details to read more.
What is kept and what is not
- Worlds are kept. The change does not delete your worlds.
- Plugins and mods may not carry over. If you move between very different software, for example Paper to Forge, plugins and mods will not work on the new software. Even on the same software, a plugin or mod must support the new Minecraft version. After a change, check each one in Plugins or Mods and update or remove what no longer works.
Minecraft cannot safely load a world that was saved by a newer version. If you go back to an older version after the world was opened in a newer one, the world can fail to load or be damaged. Before downgrading, restore a backup made on the older version (see below) rather than reusing the current world.
Going back
You have two options:
- Choose the previous version on the Versions page and apply it. This is fine when you changed the version a moment ago and the world has not been played on much.
- Restore the backup named Before changing to ... from Backups. This brings back the files as they were before the change, including the world. It is the safest way back.
Tips
- Pick Latest release for new servers. Pick an older version only when your plugins, mods or modpack require it.
- Tell players about version changes in advance, and make sure their game version matches.
- Want a fresh world on the new version? See Worlds.
- If a change fails and you cannot see why, open Details, or ask FenixAI to read the console. You can also contact support.