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How to add plugins and mods to your Minecraft server

Install Paper or Purpur plugins and Fabric or Forge mods on an ESN Hosting Minecraft server: where to upload the .jar, restart, and configure or remove them safely.

Plugins and mods are .jar files that you upload in the panel. Which kind you need depends on your server type:

• Paper / Purpur run plugins (Bukkit, Spigot and Paper plugins). They go in the plugins folder.
• Fabric / Forge run mods for that loader. They go in the mods folder.
• Vanilla doesn't run plugins or mods.

Installing a plugin (Paper / Purpur)

1. Download the plugin's .jar from a trusted source such as Modrinth, Hangar or SpigotMC. Check that it supports your Minecraft version.
2. In the panel, open Files and then the plugins folder. It appears after the first start.
3. Upload the .jar.
4. Restart the server. Don't use /reload, since many plugins break with it.
5. Check the console for a line saying the plugin is enabling, or type plugins in the console.

Most plugins create a folder like plugins/PluginName/ with a config.yml you can edit in Files. Restart after changing it.

Installing mods (Fabric / Forge)

1. Download mods built for your loader and your exact Minecraft version. Most Fabric mods also need the Fabric API mod.
2. Upload them to the mods folder in Files.
3. Restart and watch the console. A missing dependency is named in the error.

Players usually need the same mods installed on their own game to join a modded server.

Removing a plugin or mod

Stop the server, delete the .jar (you can keep its config folder in case you want it back), then start the server again.

Still stuck? Ask in the ESN Hosting Discord. Last updated October 27, 2026.