Minecraft Switch to a different modpack on your Minecraft server without losing your current world by archiving your server files before installing the new one.
Step 1: Archive Your Current Server
- Stop your server
- In the Game Control Panel sidebar, click File Manager
- Select all files and folders in the root directory
- Click Compress. This creates a
.tar.gzarchive in your root directory - Optionally, download the archive to your computer as an extra local backup
Step 2: Install the New Modpack
- In the File Manager, delete all files and folders in the root directory except the archive you just created
- Click Tools in the navigation menu, then select Modpack Manager
- Search for the new modpack, select it, and click Install
- Do not tick Format Server. Your directory is already clear
- Once the install finishes, start your server
- Connect using the matching client modpack to confirm everything works
Step 3: Switch Back to Your Previous Modpack
When you’re ready to return to your original modpack:
- Stop your server
- Open the File Manager and delete all current modpack files. Keep everything except the archive from Step 1
- Select the archive and click Decompress
- Start your server. It loads your previous modpack and world exactly as you left it
Automatic Backups
WinterNode automatically backs up your server every 12 hours, at approximately 2 to 3 AM and 2 to 3 PM Central Time. If you accidentally installed a new modpack with Format Server ticked and lost your files, contact support. We can often restore from a recent automatic snapshot as long as the data loss happened within the backup window.
Running Two Modpacks at the Same Time
A single server can only host one active modpack. If you and your friends want to play two different modpacks at the same time without switching back and forth, the only option is a second server running the other modpack.
Still Not Working?
If something goes wrong during the switch, contact our support team with:
- Your Server UUID
- Roughly when the issue started (so we can match it to an automatic backup)
- The names of the modpacks involved
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A single server can only run one modpack at a time. To play two modpacks simultaneously, you need a second server.
Not if you archive your server files first. Your world is preserved inside the archive and fully restored when you decompress it.
Contact WinterNode support. We take automatic backups every 12 hours and can often restore your server from a recent snapshot.