How to Install a Minecraft Plugin

This guide shows you how to install any Minecraft server plugin. While we'll use CraftGuard as a practical example, these steps work for every other Minecraft plugin — as long as it supports the server software you're running (Paper, Purpur, Folia, Spigot, etc.).

What is a Minecraft Plugin?

Plugins extend your server's functionality by adding new features, commands, and gameplay modifications. They run on supported server platforms like Paper, Purpur, or Spigot.

Requirements

Before installing plugins, ensure your server meets these requirements:

• Server Platform: Paper, Purpur, Folia, or another compatible server JAR
• Java: Version 17+ (some plugins require Java 21+)

Installation Steps

Step 1: Download the Plugin

Plugins can be downloaded from:

• Modrinth — Most popular plugin repository
• Spigotmc — Alternative marketplace
• GitHub — For open-source plugins

Example: Download CraftGuard from modrinth.com/plugin/craftguard

Step 2: Install to Your Server

1. Stop your server cleanly using /stop or the stop button
2. Navigate to your server's plugins/ folder
3. Drop the .jar file into the folder
4. Start your server

# Example folder structure
/server
  ├── craftguard-2.2.0.jar    # Plugin file
  ├── plugins/                 # Put .jar files here
  ├── server.jar
  └── spigot.yml

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check the console output when your server starts. Most plugins print a message like:

[Server]/[INFO] [CraftGuard] Enabling CraftGuard v2.2.0

You can also run /plugins in-game to see loaded plugins.

Configuration

After first launch, plugins typically create a config folder with settings.

Example for CraftGuard:

plugins/
└── CraftGuard/
    ├── config.yml      # Main settings
    ├── locales/        # Language files
    └── worlds.yml      # World data

Editing Configs

1. Stop the server
2. Open the config file in a text editor
3. Make your changes
4. Save and restart, or use /reload (if the plugin supports it)

# Example: config.yml
settings:
  enabled: true
  language: en-us
  default-state: true

Getting Started

Most plugins provide commands for configuration. Check their documentation.

Example commands for CraftGuard:

# Open management GUI
/cg

# Disable crafting in lobby world
/cg lobby crafting off

# Reload configuration
/cg reload

# Get help
/cg help

Troubleshooting

Plugin Won't Load

• Wrong version: Ensure the plugin supports your server version
• Missing dependencies: Some plugins require others (e.g., Vault, PlaceholderAPI)
• Invalid JAR: Re-download from a trusted source

Errors in Console

Check the plugin's documentation for known issues or enable debug mode in config.

Need to Remove a Plugin

1. Stop the server
2. Delete the .jar file from plugins/
3. Optionally delete the config folder
4. Restart

Next Steps

• Explore your plugin's configuration options
• Set up permissions for players
• Check for optional dependencies that add more features

Example: CraftGuard Features

As an example, CraftGuard provides these capabilities:

Learn more at modrinth.com/plugin/craftguard.