Quick answer: Before every update: save-all, stop or quiesce, copy world* + plugins + configs. Panel backup and a local download.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What should I back up?
world folders, plugins + their DBs, server.properties, whitelist/ops, paper.yml, Forge configs.
Is a panel snapshot enough?
Good as the fast path – also download offsite weekly. Same-disk snapshots are not a disaster plan.
Stop the server for backup?
Best: save-off / save-all, copy, save-on. Live copies can corrupt regions.
How do I restore?
Stop, replace folders, check permissions, start. Don’t mix old plugins with a new world blindly.