Switching your Minecraft server to a different version takes just a few clicks through the Apex panel’s Game File section. Whether you want to jump back to an older release, move to the latest version, or swap to a different game type entirely, the dropdown menu handles it without any manual file downloads.
Changing the Server Version
The new version will not take effect until the server restarts, and switching does not automatically delete any existing files.
- Navigate to your Apex server panel, then access your server.
- Scroll down to the Game File section, then open the dropdown menu.
- Locate the game or version you want to play, or use the search bar to find it.
- Click on your choice, then press Change Version when prompted.
- Continue with the remaining prompts to adjust the world as needed and restart the server.
Depending on your selection, the server may take a few minutes to fully download all of the files and start up. You can check the progress inside the server console, then join once it has fully started.
Using Server Profiles
An alternative to outright changing the server version is to use the server profiles guide. When enabled, this option lets you swap between different profiles that each have their own games and configurations.
All files are kept in their own folders, so there is no overlap when switching. This is a good choice if you want to try something new while keeping your original server files intact for later.
Removing Old Files
Before removing any files, consider taking a moment to back up your server so nothing important is lost. When you are ready to clean up, you can remove old files manually through FTP or automatically through the panel’s reset tool.
Manual Removal
- From the panel page, stop the server.
- In the left-hand menu, log into the FTP File Access with your panel password.
- Using the checkboxes, select any files or folders you want to remove.
- Click the Delete button at the top of the page, then press Submit.
- Change the version or restart the server as needed to generate new files.
Automatic Removal
Alternatively, files can be removed through the automatic server file deletion tool. This lets you choose which predefined files to remove with a few clicks.
- From the main panel page, stop the server until it is marked as offline.
- In the left menu, press the Reset Server Files button.
- Within the prompt, select which files you want to delete.
- Press Reset Server, enter the word reset, then click Reset Server again.
The selected files will then be removed, letting you change the server version or restart the server to generate new files.
Common Server Version Questions
My server is not loading after changing versions:
Check the console for specific messages. When switching to a new game, it must be installed to the server and can take a few minutes, which is reflected in the console text. If you have switched to a premade game type for Minecraft, there may be file conflicts, and you may need to install it on a fresh server profile for it to work correctly.
The version I want is not listed:
If you want a specific modpack installed on your server, in most cases Apex can install a modpack with a server version for free, or modpacks without a server version with the Premium Support add-on. You will need to create a support ticket with a link to the pack to use this service. For new games, consider joining the Apex Discord server and submitting a suggestion.
Can I switch back to my old version after changing?
Yes. If you used the server profiles feature before switching, you can swap back at any time without losing files. If you did not use profiles, your original world files may still be present as long as you did not delete them, though some configuration differences between versions may apply.
