How to Update a Minecraft Server

Ever since the release of Minecraft back in 2009, Mojang has been constantly updating the game in order to keep things running smoothly on each device. The thing is, every time Minecraft gets a new update, it is important that you also update your server so that everyone can play in the world together.

How to Update a Minecraft Server to the Latest Version

While it may sound like a fairly difficult task, updating a Minecraft server is actually a very quick and easy process that anyone can do. To simplify things, we’ve even created a handy step-by-step guide on how to update a Minecraft server on your gaming PC. This way, you and your friends will be able to game in the latest version of Minecraft from the moment a new update is available.

 With all of that being said, let’s get into how to do it, shall we?

Create a Backup of Your Minecraft World

Before you start updating your Minecraft server, you’ll first need to back up your essential files to a brand new folder. Alternatively, if you’re running a server that’s enormous and important to you, I recommend you save the backup on a trusty external hard drive.

This way, you’ll be able to locate and restore them once you’ve updated the server. Here’s how to do it:

Important: Before starting, create backups of the following configuration files:

• banned-players.txt
• server.properties
• banned-ips.txt
• ops.txt

Now, proceed:

1. Locate the Minecraft server folder on your computer
2. Make a folder and name it “Backup”. You will need to place all of the copies into this folder
3. Make a copy of the “world” folder
4. Make a copy of the “Server_Start” file if you use a script to start the game
5. Delete all of the old files in the Minecraft Server folder

Download the Latest Version of Minecraft

Next, you’ll have to head over to the official Minecraft website in order to get the latest version of the game. Thankfully, Mojang has also made this very simple to do so that everyone can easily download a new server file.

1. Head to Minecraft.net (official Minecraft website)
2. Scroll down to “Download Minecraft Server Software” and click on the green “Get It Here” button
3. Copy this new file into the Minecraft Server folder
4. If you happen to use a script to start your Minecraft server, remove the version number from the end of the file
5. Run the new Minecraft server file

Close the Minecraft Server and Restore Your Files

After you run the new Minecraft server file, it’s time to immediately stop the server and restore your backed-up files. Once you’ve done that, you can begin playing on your updated Minecraft server.

1. Once the files are finished, close the Minecraft server
2. Move your backed up files/folders back into the Minecraft Server folder
3. Open up the eula.txt file and change “eula=false” to “eula=true”
4. Save the file before exiting
5. Start your updated server

Conclusion

Updating your very own Minecraft world to the latest version is a very quick and simple process that pretty much anyone can do. Especially if you follow our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to update a Minecraft server. Did you manage to successfully update your world? Let us know how you did in the comments below!

Want to learn more about Minecraft? Then you may be interested in reading our comprehensive guide on how to teleport in Minecraft. By following our guide, you’ll be able to zoom across the world within a matter of seconds, rather than a matter of hours.