What Advanced Backups works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Paper, Spigot |
| Minecraft versions | 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.1, 1.20.6, 1.21, 1.21.4 |
Advanced Backups is a backup plugin for Paper and Spigot servers, with matching mod builds for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt. It runs zip, differential, or incremental backups on a schedule and ships a command line tool for restoring a single file or an entire world. The plugin build for Paper and Spigot currently reaches Minecraft 1.21.1.
Installation and setup
Drop the Paper or Spigot jar into the server's plugins folder and restart. On first launch, Advanced Backups writes an AdvancedBackups.properties file to the server config directory. Edit that file to set the backup schedule, backup type, and storage limits, then apply the change with /backup reload-config instead of restarting the server. Our guide on installing plugins on a Paper or Spigot server covers the general plugin folder setup if this is your first one.
Backup types and what they cost in storage
- Zip backups copy the whole world every time. Simplest option, largest storage cost.
- Differential backups keep one full backup plus a chain of partial backups that only hold changed files, cutting storage use.
- Incremental backups chain partial-of-partial changes for the smallest footprint, but restoring takes longer and losing one partial in the chain can affect every backup after it.
Restoring a backup from the command line
Restoration runs outside the server, either by running the jar directly with java -jar or by using the batch and shell scripts the plugin generates from version 2.0 onward. The tool asks whether you're restoring for a client or a server, lists the worlds it finds, and then lets you export a backup, restore the full world in place, or browse to a single file. Differential and incremental entries are labeled full or partial so you know what each one contains before you pick it.
Compatibility and version support
The Paper and Spigot build is a server side plugin. The Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt builds are mods that run on both client and server, and the client side is only needed to see backup toast notifications, which can be limited to server operators or opened up to every player. Spigot has no client, so toasts never appear there.
- Paper and Spigot: up to Minecraft 1.21.1
- Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt: up to Minecraft 1.21.4
- Forge: up to Minecraft 1.20.6
The most recent build shipped in February 2025. Minecraft has since moved to year based 26.x releases, and there is no published Advanced Backups build targeting a 26.x version, so treat support past 1.21.4 as unconfirmed until a new release lands.
Questions about Advanced Backups.
5 questions
How do I install Advanced Backups?
Download the Paper or Spigot build from Modrinth and drop the jar into your server's plugins folder, then restart the server. The plugin writes an AdvancedBackups.properties file to your config directory on first launch. Edit it to set your schedule and backup type, then apply the change with /backup reload-config instead of restarting.
Does Advanced Backups work on Paper and Spigot?
Yes. The Paper and Spigot build is the plugin version and runs entirely server side. A client only needs the Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt build installed to see backup toast notifications. Spigot itself has no client, so toasts never appear there.
Which Minecraft version does Advanced Backups support?
Support depends on the build. Paper and Spigot reach 1.21.1, Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt reach 1.21.4, and Forge stops at 1.20.6. The last release shipped in February 2025, before Minecraft moved to year based 26.x versions, so there is no confirmed build for a current 26.x release.
Does Advanced Backups need a permissions plugin?
No. Commands default to requiring operator status, and client toast notifications can be restricted to operators or opened to every player from the config file. There is no separate permission node system to install or configure.
Can Advanced Backups restore just one file instead of the whole world?
Yes. The command line restore tool can export a backup, restore the full world in place, or browse to a single file and restore only that one. Restoring while the server is still running risks corruption, so stop the server first.
