Where do plugin files go?

Drop the .jar into the /plugins folder, then restart the server. The plugin creates its own config folder on first start.

Do players need to install plugins too?

No. Plugins run server side only, so players join with a normal vanilla client.

Why did my plugin fail to load?

Usually a version mismatch. Check that the plugin supports your Minecraft version and that you are running Paper or Spigot rather than vanilla.

How to Install Plugins on a Paper Server

Plugins are the fastest way to add features to a Minecraft server without touching the client. With a Paper or Spigot server you can add an economy, protect spawn, run minigames, and much more. Here is how to install them cleanly.

Make sure you are running Paper or Spigot#

Plugins only work on Bukkit based software. That means Paper, Spigot, or Purpur. A plain vanilla server from Mojang cannot load plugins, so if you are on vanilla, switch first. Paper is the recommended starting point for most servers.

Step 1: Find a compatible plugin#

Download plugins from a trusted source such as Modrinth, Hangar, or SpigotMC. Before you download, check two things:

The plugin supports your exact Minecraft version.
The plugin is meant for the server, not a client mod.

Version matching is the single biggest cause of plugins failing to load.

Step 2: Drop the jar into the plugins folder#

Every Paper server has a /plugins folder. Place the plugin .jar file directly inside it. Do not unzip it, the jar goes in as is.

your-server/
  server.jar
  plugins/
    EssentialsX.jar
    LuckPerms.jar
  world/

Step 3: Restart the server#

Plugins load at startup, so a live reload is not enough for a fresh install. Stop and start the server:

stop

Then start it again. On boot you will see each plugin load in the console, for example a line that reads Enabling EssentialsX.

Step 4: Configure the plugin#

On first load, most plugins create their own folder inside /plugins with a config.yml. Open that file to change settings. YAML is sensitive to spacing, so use spaces rather than tabs and keep the existing indentation.

After editing a config, apply it with the plugin's reload command or a full restart. Many plugins support:

/pluginname reload

Step 5: Manage permissions#

Plenty of plugins add commands that only operators can use by default. To give specific ranks access, install a permissions plugin such as LuckPerms. It lets you create groups, assign permission nodes, and control exactly what each rank can do.

Common problems and fixes#

Plugin does not appear in the console. The jar is in the wrong folder, or the file is corrupt. Re download and confirm it sits directly in /plugins.
Plugin loads then disables itself. Read the console. It usually prints the reason, often an unsupported version or a missing dependency plugin.
Commands do nothing. You likely need a permissions plugin to grant access to non operators.

Keep plugins updated#

When you update your Minecraft version, update your plugins too. Running an old plugin on a new server is a frequent source of crashes. See our guide on updating your server for a safe process.

If you would rather install plugins with one click instead of uploading jars by hand, Prism Nodes includes a plugin manager that pulls straight from Modrinth and Hangar. Use code IMSWITCHING for 15% off your first month.