Update the Minecraft Server to the latest version

IONOS editorial team02/03/20232 mins

Learn how to update the version of Minecraft Server running on your Linux server, without losing any data or overwriting your world file. When Mojang issues a Minecraft update, Minecraft server administrators need to manually update the version of Minecraft running on their servers.

Requirements

A Cloud Server running Linux (Ubuntu 16.04)
Minecraft Server installed and running

VPS Hosting

Fully virtualized servers with root access

Unlimited traffic
Fast SSD NVMe storage
Free Plesk Web Host Edition

Create backups and download the new version

Before upgrading your Minecraft server, go to the Minecraft directory on your server:

cd /minecraft

Back up your world file with the command:

sudo cp -r world world-backup

Next, create a backup copy of your working minecraft_server.jar file:

sudo cp minecraft_server.jar minecraft_server.jar-backup

Go to the Minecraft server download page to get the URL for the new version. Download this version to your server with the command:

sudo wget [URL]

For example, the command to download the most current version (1.11.1) is:

sudo wget https://s3.amazonaws.com/Minecraft.Download/versions/1.11.1/minecraft_server.1.11.1.jar

Stop the Minecraft Server and upgrade

To stop the Minecraft server, attach to the screen session:

screen -r

Then stop the server with CTRL + C.

Swap in the new software version with the command:

sudo mv minecraft_server.1.11.1.jar minecraft_server.jar

Restart the Minecraft Server

Begin a new screen session with the command:

screen -r

Then start the Minecraft server with the command:

java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Use CTRL + A, CTRL + D to detach from this session.

Tip

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world right now. We’ve got a list of Minecraft servers to help you find the best servers for Minecraft for your gameplay style.

Was this article helpful?

Manage a Minecraft Server

After you get your Minecraft server up and running on a Cloud Server with Linux, there are many ongoing tasks to perform and changes you can make. Learn how to perform management and administrative tasks on a Minecraft server, including how to start and stop the Minecraft server,…

Tutorials
Game Server

Set up a Mumble server – a how to for mumble server hosting

Whether it’s a multiplayer game or a podcast project, the Mumble voice chat software is becoming increasingly popular. The open-source solution has an appealingly simple structure without scrimping on functions. Another advantage is that anyone can create their own Mumble server.…

Digitalization
Tutorials

one photoshutterstock

Assign a Minecraft server to a domain

Minecraft is way more fun when you play the creativity and adventure filled game with friends. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up your own server. In order for you and your fellow players not having to enter a bulky IP address for the connection, you can link the Minecraft…

Tutorials
Game Server

What are the 10 best Minecraft seeds?

With its open-world design, Minecraft offers a world of possibilities. But if you want to spawn in a specific environment, you’ll need a Minecraft seed. This is a unique code that you can use to generate a new environment. In this article, we’ll take a look at our ten favorite…

Tutorials
Game Server

How to install Minecraft mods on a server

Installing Minecraft mods on your server can add a lot of excitement to your game. To be able to use these player extensions, you need to install them on your server in advance. This can be done with external tools in just a few steps. In this article, we’ll provide you with…

Tutorials
Game Server