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# How to Update a Minecraft Server

By: Ali A. 

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Keeping your Minecraft server software updated is required to get access to the latest features. Whether you’re running a private server for friends or managing a larger community, staying up to date helps avoid potential issues with the newest game versions, mods, and plugins.

In this guide, we'll show you step-by-step how to update a Minecraft server and download the latest game versions.

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## When Should I Update My Minecraft Server?

**Update your Minecraft server** if you want to access/download new updated plugins, Minecraft mods, or Minecraft mod packs with new features and a better gaming experience. Newer versions can let you adjust server settings with access to more server features, items, creatures, ores, and much more.

Newer Minecraft versions can also fix performance issues and bugs, improving the overall gameplay experience.

**Do not update your Minecraft server** if you rely on specific plugins, mods, or modpacks. Minecraft updates can break compatibility with older mods and plugins, so always wait until your tools are confirmed to work with the new version.

## Updating Your Minecraft Server

Updating your Minecraft version is crucial, especially since some official Minecraft servers only support newer versions for certain game modes and popular features.

### Before Getting Started: Create a Server Backup

To avoid losing important files, create a backup of your server before updating or making changes. You can even save all your old configuration files.

[Check out our guide on how to back up a Minecraft server](https://help.sparkedhost.com/en/article/how-to-backup-your-server-2zb28p/) before continuing with this guide. 
---

## Method 1: Using Apollo Panel to Automatically Update (Java Edition)

To update your Minecraft server to the latest version:

1. Log in to the [Apollo panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
2. Navigate to your server.
3. Go to the **Version Changer**.

   ![Version Changer](https://images.surferseo.art/9bcb6bd0-5e6b-4dc3-bc9d-7668b487abca.png =256x793)

4. Browse the list of available Minecraft versions and select your desired version.

   ![Version List](https://images.surferseo.art/77bf6c82-e462-413e-ad50-eaaf349633a4.png =768x478)

5. After installing, start or restart your server. You’ll now be running the new Minecraft server version.
---

## Bedrock Edition

1. Log in to the [Apollo panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
2. Go to your server.
3. Open the **Startup** page.
4. Enter your desired Minecraft version (you can use `"latest"` to install the latest version by default).

   ![Startup Page](https://images.surferseo.art/668fe15c-9012-4b16-8638-3cbdf7cc5ca7.png =1024x404)

5. Navigate to the **Settings** page.
6. Click on the **Update Server** button.

   ![Update Server](https://images.surferseo.art/fd48ba71-b5f9-4e04-95dd-339b921db1fc.png =1024x307)

Your changes will be saved automatically. You can now run your server on the updated Bedrock Edition.
---

## Method 2: Manually Updating Your server.jar File

**Tip:** Always back up your server before manual updates. [Here’s how](https://help.sparkedhost.com/en/article/how-to-backup-your-server-2zb28p/).

To manually update your **server.jar** file:

1. Stop your server.
2. Download the latest **server.jar** [here](https://www.mcserverfuel.com/)

   ![Download server.jar](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/a/7/9/e/a79efd0b48a91800/image_bjgmlx.png)


3. Open the **Files** tab and navigate to your current **server.jar** file. Delete the old file.

   ![File Manager](https://images.surferseo.art/8d2ee07e-76c4-442b-9778-69423322d4ef.png =1024x889)

4. Upload the new **server.jar** to the same directory by using the **File Manager** or drag and drop the file.

   ![Upload server.jar](https://images.surferseo.art/9df5dd21-a841-413e-860d-936c2dd06555.png =1024x354)

5. Start your server and ensure everything is functioning correctly with the updated version.
---

## Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to [submit a support ticket here](https://billing.sparkedhost.com/submitticket.php).