Skip to content
Try a Minecraft server free. No card needed.48 hours free
AwakeNode
Find my serverMinecraft plansFree trialPay-to-PlayWikiSupport
Legacy billingClient DashboardView plans
Guides

Guide

How to Update Your Server to Minecraft 26.1 ("Tiny Takeover") Without Losing Your World

A step-by-step guide on updating your Minecraft server to version 26.1 (Tiny Takeover) safely, covering both AwakeNode panel tools and manual methods.

AwakeNode Team · Reviewed by Harry · Updated 15 Oct 2026

Preparation and Backups

Before updating your server to Minecraft 26.1 ("Tiny Takeover"), it is critical to create a full backup of your existing world data. Major version updates can occasionally cause compatibility issues with plugins or mods.

On AwakeNode

Navigate to the Backups tab in your panel and click Create Backup. This ensures you have a restore point if the update process encounters issues.

On other hosts

Use your SFTP client to download your world, world_nether, and world_the_end folders to your local machine. Ensure your server is completely stopped before initiating any file transfers.

Updating the Server

On AwakeNode

the Startup tab simplifies this process. Navigate to the Startup tab, select the 26.1 version from the dropdown menu, and restart your server. The panel will automatically handle the necessary environment updates.

On other hosts / manually

  1. Stop your server.
  2. Download the official 26.1 server JAR file from the Minecraft website.
  3. Replace your existing server JAR file via SFTP.
  4. If you use custom startup flags, ensure they are compatible with the new version. If you require specific JVM or GC adjustments for 26.1, please open a ticket with your host's support team, as these are typically restricted.

Post-Update Considerations

Once the server is running on 26.1, check your console logs for any errors related to plugins or mods. If you are using Paper or Fabric, ensure you have updated your server software to a build that supports 26.1. If you notice performance degradation, you may need to upgrade your plan to increase your allocated RAM; on AwakeNode, this will automatically update your -Xmx startup flags without further configuration.

Questions

Do I need to delete my world to update to 26.1?+
AwakeNode

Minecraft server hosting in UK or EU locations. Built by players, for players.

Open a support ticket

Minecraft

  • Minecraft plans
  • Modpack servers
  • Pay-to-Play with friends
  • 48-hour free trial
  • Common questions

Support

  • Wiki and guides
  • Client Dashboard
  • Open a support ticket
  • Legacy game panel (existing servers)
  • Legacy billing (existing accounts)

Company

  • Contact us
  • VPS hosting
  • Terms of service
  • Privacy policy
  • Uptime SLA

AwakeNode is a trading name of Falcon Hosting Ltd.
© 2026 Falcon Hosting Ltd.

Registered in England & Wales · Company No. 15676555 · ICO registration ZB377567
Registered office: Anglo Dal House, 5 Spring Villa Park, Spring Villa Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 7EB, United Kingdom

No, you do not need to delete your world. However, it is highly recommended to create a backup before updating in case of data corruption or compatibility issues.

Can I change my server's RAM allocation manually?+

On AwakeNode, RAM is managed automatically based on your plan. If you are on another host, you would typically edit the -Xmx flag in your startup script, though many hosts restrict this access.

What should I do if my plugins stop working after the update?+

Check your server logs for errors and visit the plugin developer's page to see if a version compatible with 26.1 has been released. You may need to update your plugins to their latest versions.

How do I revert to a previous version if 26.1 is unstable?+

If you are on AwakeNode, you can restore your backup via the Backups tab. On other hosts, you will need to re-upload your previous world files and the older server JAR file.

More guides

The Top 10 Fabric Optimization Mods to Boost Server TPSBoost your Minecraft server's performance with our curated list of the top 10 Fabric optimization mods, designed to improve TPS and reduce lag.Best optimization mods Fabric 2026Boost your Minecraft Fabric server performance in 2026. Learn which optimization mods provide the best FPS and TPS gains for your AwakeNode server.How to Monetize Your Minecraft Server Without Breaking the EULALearn how to monetize your Minecraft server while staying compliant with Mojang's EULA. Discover acceptable donation models and avoid common pitfalls.Minecraft server Java 25 error fixLearn how to resolve Java 25 compatibility errors on your Minecraft server. Follow our guide to ensure your server version matches your Java runtime.

On this page

  • Preparation and Backups
  • Updating the Server
  • Post-Update Considerations

Start a Minecraft server

Java or Bedrock, vanilla or modded, with a console, file manager and backups.

See plans