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Minecraft · Practical guide

How to back up and transfer a Minecraft world

Keep a copy of your Minecraft world or move your existing game to a new server. Choose your edition, then follow the actions and checks one step at a time.

In this guide

Choose your path

Your world’s edition
What you want to do

Transfer path: prepare a copy, install it on the new server and test your world.

Backup path: keep a copy outside your hosting account, then check that you can restore it.

Java example: download and upload with Aternos. Use your own provider’s import instructions if you host elsewhere.

Bedrock example: download a hosted world, then import it into Bedrock Dedicated Server.

This guide covers a world already on a hosted server. A local world, Realms or a console needs a different procedure. Java and Bedrock worlds cannot be swapped by simply copying files.

Record your setup

  1. Record your Java or Bedrock edition, game version and server software. List any plugins, mods or packs: these are extensions that change the game.
  2. Check that you can access the control panel and download your data.

Ask the new host whether it supports your edition, version, extensions and world size. Keep the same setup for the first test.

Find out how to restore a backup with your host too. Downloading a file is not enough if you do not know how to use it again.

Edition · version · software

JavaThe same setup for the first test
BedrockThe same setup for the first test
Learning diagram · example file names

Keep a safe copy

  1. Before manually copying files, shut down the source server cleanly and wait for saving to finish. For a provider-managed backup, follow its procedure and wait for confirmation.
  2. Aternos example: open “Worlds”, select your world and click “Download”. A ZIP archive is saved to your computer.
  3. Keep the original archive in a dated folder outside your hosting account. Duplicate it for the transfer or a test. Do not overwrite your only copy.
Aternos: download a world

Keep in mind. A world export is not a full server backup. Save the settings, plugins and their data as well. Some extensions use a separate database.

Paper: back up the server

On your computer

${world}-original.zipKeep this original
${world}-test.zipCopy for testing
Learning diagram · example file names

Import your copy

Stop the destination server before importing or replacing files. Back up anything already stored there too.

Java · Aternos

  1. On Aternos, open “Worlds”, then “Upload” and “ZIP Archive”. Select your copy of the Java world.
  2. Wait for the import to finish. Aternos states a 1 GB limit: check it before transferring. Other hosts may use different controls and limits.
Aternos: upload a world

Keep in mind. Changing Java server software, such as Paper to Vanilla? Dimension folders depend on the software and version. Use the matching migration instructions, including the distinction before and after 26.1.

Paper: version-specific migration

Bedrock Dedicated Server

  1. For Bedrock Dedicated Server, start with a Bedrock world folder. Extract your ZIP copy if needed.
  2. Copy the folder into worlds/. Our example folder is called MyWorld.
  3. In server.properties, set level-name=MyWorld. It must match the folder name exactly, including upper- and lowercase letters.
Microsoft: use an existing Bedrock world

Keep in mind. This path is for Bedrock Dedicated Server. It does not explain file access on PlayStation, Xbox or Switch.

Aternos · Java

${world}-test.zipCopy for testing
WorldsUpload · ZIP Archive
Learning diagram · example file names

On the Bedrock server

worlds/${world}/Copy for testing
server.propertieslevel-name=MyWorld

The folder and setting use exactly the same name.

Learning diagram · example file names

Check the result

  1. Start the new server and join it. Find a familiar build, then check your chests and inventory.
  2. Visit the Nether and the End if you use them. Test your extensions and ask a friend to join.
  3. After testing, share the new address. Keep the old server and original copy until you have checked the transfer. Avoid playing on both servers during the move.
  1. Find your copy on your computer and check that the download is complete. Open the archive to make sure it is not empty.
  2. Try restoring the copy in a separate test environment that supports your version and extensions. Do not replace your active world to run this test.
  3. In the restored copy, check your builds, chests, inventories and the dimensions you use. Until this test is complete, restoration remains unverified.

Keep in mind. An empty world appears? Stop the test and check the selected folder, edition and import. Keep your original copy.

Find the same world again

Learning diagram · example file names

If something goes wrong

The world is there, but my plugins are missing

Plugins are not necessarily included in a world export. Check your full server backup and any separate databases used by extensions.

Can I move from Java to Bedrock?

Not by simply importing the world. Conversion is a separate operation with its own limitations. This guide keeps the original edition.

My world is on a console or my PC

This path covers a hosted world. Follow your device’s or Realms’ instructions to obtain a copy before using a server import procedure.

Find a home for your world

Compare hosting plans, then ask the provider to confirm its import, restore and backup retention options.

Just looking for somewhere to play? Find a Minecraft server

Sources and scope

Instructions checked on September 27, 2026. Provider buttons and limits may change. The illustrations explain files; they are not screenshots of control panels.