Skip to main content
Start with the first error that names the plugin. Most plugin failures come from unsupported server software, a missing dependency, an incompatible Minecraft or Java version, or an invalid configuration.

​
Identify the failure

Open the console during startup and compare the message with these common causes:

​
Fix one plugin at a time

1

Stop the server

Leave the server stopped while changing plugin files.
2

Create a backup

Back up the server and download the plugin configuration when it contains important data.
3

Verify compatibility

Confirm the plugin supports the Minecraft version, server software, and Java runtime used by the server. Install every dependency listed by the author.
4

Replace or isolate the file

Replace an invalid .jar with the correct release. To test removal, move the suspected plugin outside /plugins rather than deleting its data folder.
5

Start once and read the result

Watch the complete startup. If another error appears, diagnose that new first error before changing more plugins.
Avoid /reload when diagnosing plugins. Restart the server so plugins load through a clean startup sequence.
For installation steps, see Install Java plugins.