Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
World desk11 min

Best Minecraft Server Backup Plugins for Paper and Spigot (2026 Guide)

DriveBackupV2 is the broadest Paper/Spigot choice; Advanced Backups excels at granular restores, while PaperBackup suits Paper/Purpur 1.21.1 servers streaming ZIPs to Google Drive.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

DriveBackupV2 is the best all-round backup plugin for a mixed Paper and Spigot network. It supports Bukkit-family servers from Minecraft 1.8 through 1.21.x, scheduled or interval jobs, configurable retention, arbitrary files and folders, and several remote destinations. Choose Advanced Backups when restoring one file or one world matters most, or PaperBackup for a Paper/Purpur 1.21.1 server that needs Google Drive streaming without first creating a full archive on local disk.

Whichever plugin you install, a backup is only useful if you can restore it. Keep copies away from the live server, verify that every world and dimension is included, and perform a test restoration on the exact server software and plugin set you run.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick comparison

The three plugins solve different operational problems. Use this table to narrow the choice before installing anything.

Plugin Platform and versions listed Backup modes Destinations Restore detail established Disk and authentication considerations Maintenance status
DriveBackupV2 Bukkit, Spigot, Paper and Purpur; Minecraft 1.8–1.21.x Scheduled or interval backups; archive and retention behavior configured by the administrator Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, remote FTP/SFTP, S3-compatible storage; can include remote FTP sources and MySQL databases Backs up arbitrary files and folders; the available documentation does not establish a single-file restore command, so validate your own restore workflow Cloud accounts must be linked. Retention limits can delete older copies. Local temporary-space behavior depends on configuration and should be measured on your server Not established by the available listings; check the current release and issue activity before deployment
Advanced Backups Paper and Spigot; versions listed from Minecraft 1.7.10 through 1.21.4 ZIP, differential and incremental Destination details are not stated in the available listing; confirm the release documentation for your target Its command-line tool can restore a single file or an entire world Differential and incremental modes can avoid repeating unchanged data, but dimension handling must be tested. Authentication requirements are not stated Not established by the available listings; verify current compatibility and release activity
PaperBackup Paper or Purpur 1.21.1; Java 21. Plain Spigot support is not guaranteed Scheduled ZIP backups and manual backup commands Google Drive Creates ZIP archives; restore granularity and an automated restore command are not stated Drive mode streams the ZIP directly to Google Drive, avoiding creation of a full local archive first. A Google Drive account must be authorized Not established by the available listings; recheck the project before relying on it

Compatibility and release information changes. Treat the versions in the table as the versions documented for these projects, not as a promise that a future Minecraft release will work unchanged.

#1 Best Overall
Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Deluxe Collection | Windows Digital Code
  • DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
  • CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
  • EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
  • SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
  • PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).

Which plugin fits your server?

Choose DriveBackupV2 for broad compatibility and multiple clouds

DriveBackupV2 is the safest default when one network contains both Spigot and Paper instances, or when you want more than one remote-storage option. Its project documentation covers Bukkit-family platforms, Minecraft 1.8–1.21.x, scheduled or interval runs, and retention rules that remove old backups after configured limits are exceeded. It can back up arbitrary server files and folders rather than only the main world directory.

The plugin’s documented destinations include Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and remote (S)FTP. The project repository also documents S3-compatible storage, remote FTP sources and MySQL databases. That combination is useful for a network with several servers or a mixture of cloud and self-hosted storage.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Choose Advanced Backups for restoration control

Advanced Backups is the better fit when the restore operation is the deciding factor. Its ZIP, differential and incremental modes let you choose between straightforward self-contained archives and schemes that avoid copying unchanged data repeatedly. The companion command-line tool can restore a single file or an entire world, which is materially more precise than replacing a complete server directory.

There is one important qualification: the Hangar listing warns of a known end/nether backup issue when server software or plugin combinations place those dimensions outside the main world directory. Test the exact directory layout used by your server before treating an Advanced Backups job as disaster-ready.

Choose PaperBackup for a small Paper or Purpur Google Drive setup

PaperBackup is intentionally narrow. It targets Paper or Purpur 1.21.1 on Java 21, creates ZIP archives, runs on a schedule, accepts manual backup commands and uploads to Google Drive. Its Drive mode streams the ZIP directly to Google Drive instead of first writing a complete archive locally, a useful property when the server disk is tight.

Do not select it as a universal Spigot solution. The listing explicitly says plain Spigot support is not guaranteed, so a Spigot server should use another option unless you have verified a compatible build and completed a restore test.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Ultimate Collection | Windows Digital Code
  • ULTIMATE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, five Bedrock add-ons, five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 Minecoins.
  • CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
  • EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
  • SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
  • PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).

What a Minecraft server backup must contain

A recoverable Minecraft backup is more than a copy of the visible world. Before choosing folders, decide what you would need after a disk failure or a bad plugin update.

  • World data: the main world and every dimension directory used by the server. This includes Nether and End data when they are stored separately.
  • Server configuration: server.properties, allowlists, bans, operator data and any startup or proxy configuration that lives with the server.
  • Plugin data: each plugin’s configuration, databases, player data and generated files. DriveBackupV2 can include arbitrary files and folders, which helps when plugin data is outside a conventional world path.
  • External data: databases or remote sources that your recovery plan depends on. DriveBackupV2’s project documentation specifically lists MySQL databases and remote FTP sources as supported inputs.
  • Credentials and secrets: store cloud tokens and database passwords separately and securely. Do not place long-lived credentials in a publicly downloadable backup.

Stop or quiesce writes when taking a manual copy if your operational procedure allows it. A backup made while a database or region file is being changed may be internally inconsistent even though the archive itself completes successfully.

DriveBackupV2: capabilities and setup decisions

Scheduling and retention

The listing and wiki describe an hourly default schedule. You can use that default or configure another schedule or interval to match player activity and recovery-point requirements. Retention limits delete old backups after the configured threshold is exceeded. Set the limits deliberately: a short interval with a large world can consume storage quickly, while an aggressive deletion rule can remove the only copy that predates a corruption event.

Use separate retention thinking for local and remote copies when your deployment exposes both. Keep at least one copy outside the live machine; a backup on the same disk does not protect against disk failure, accidental deletion or a compromised host.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Destination and authentication choices

Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox require linking the corresponding account before uploads can work. Remote FTP/SFTP and S3-compatible storage require the endpoint, credentials and permissions that your provider specifies. Test with a small backup first and confirm that the object appears at the intended path, not merely that the plugin reports a successful connection.

If your server uses MySQL or pulls files from another FTP host, include those sources only after confirming that the account has read access and that the resulting data is restorable. A job can be marked successful while omitting a source that was misconfigured.

Rank #3
Minecraft | Standard Edition | XBOX Digital Code
  • CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that is unique in every playthrough.
  • EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world full of surprises.
  • SURVIVAL ADVENTURES — Face mysterious foes, travel across varied landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
  • PLAY TOGETHER — Play solo or join friends in local split-screen and cross-platform play across console, mobile, and PC. Online multiplayer supports up to 8 players.
  • COMMUNITY PLAY — Connect with players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus (sold separately) to play with up to 10 friends on a private server.

When DriveBackupV2 is not the best fit

Choose another plugin if your primary requirement is a documented single-file restore, if you need differential or incremental modes specifically, or if you run Paper/Purpur 1.21.1 with very limited local disk and want Google Drive streaming. Those requirements map more directly to Advanced Backups or PaperBackup, respectively.

Advanced Backups: selecting a backup mode

Full ZIP

A full ZIP is the easiest archive to understand: each run contains the selected data in one package. It is straightforward to copy, inspect and move, but repeated full archives can require substantial storage and upload time for large worlds.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Differential

A differential backup records changes since a chosen full baseline. Restoring normally requires that baseline plus the relevant differential set. Keep those files together and protect the baseline from retention rules that would make later differentials unusable.

Incremental

An incremental backup records changes since the preceding backup. It can minimize each individual run, but a restore may depend on a longer chain of files. Document the chain and test it; deleting one link can make subsequent increments unusable.

Granular restoration

The command-line tool can restore one file or an entire world. Use a single-file restore for an accidentally removed configuration or player file, and a world restore when region data or a complete dimension has been damaged. Perform the operation on a stopped test server first, then compare permissions, ownership and plugin expectations before touching production.

Dimension warning

Advanced Backups’ Hangar listing identifies a known end/nether issue when server software or plugin combinations move those dimensions outside the main world directory. Record the actual paths of your overworld, Nether and End, run a backup, and inspect the archive or restore target to ensure all three are present.

Rank #4
Minecraft
  • Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
  • The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
  • Cross platform play for up to five players between Pocket Edition and Windows 10
  • Revamped touch controls, controller support, and a controller mapping screen
  • Enhanced Weather effects! Accumulating snow and more

PaperBackup: when streaming to Google Drive helps

Requirements

The listing specifies Paper or Purpur 1.21.1 and Java 21. Confirm both the server build and the Java runtime before installation. A server running another Minecraft version, an older Java runtime or plain Spigot falls outside the stated support and needs a verified compatible release before use.

Local-disk behavior

PaperBackup’s Drive mode streams the ZIP directly to Google Drive, so it does not first create a full local backup archive. This reduces peak local archive usage, but it does not remove the need for enough working space for the server itself or guarantee that a failed upload leaves a usable copy. Verify the object in Google Drive and download a test archive.

Scheduling and manual runs

The plugin supports scheduled jobs and manual backup commands. Use a manual run after installation to validate Google Drive authorization, archive naming and included directories before waiting for the first scheduled run. The exact command syntax can vary by release; use the command help exposed by the installed build rather than copying a command from an unrelated version.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Installing a backup plugin on Paper or Spigot

Paper’s documentation identifies Hangar, Modrinth and BukkitDev as common plugin sources. Download the build that matches your platform and Minecraft version, and keep the original JAR so you can roll back.

  1. Make a safety copy first. Stop the server or follow your normal maintenance procedure, copy the entire server directory to storage outside the live machine, and record the current Paper, Spigot or Purpur build and Java version.
  2. Verify the platform and version. Check the plugin listing against the exact server software, Minecraft version and Java runtime. PaperBackup’s stated Paper/Purpur 1.21.1 and Java 21 requirement is especially strict; DriveBackupV2 and Advanced Backups list broader ranges, but future releases still need verification.
  3. Place the JAR in the plugins folder. Upload only the platform-appropriate plugin JAR to the server’s plugins directory. Do not unzip the JAR or place it in a world folder.
  4. Start once and read the log. Let the server generate the plugin’s configuration, then check startup output for dependency, Java-version or permission errors. Stop the server before editing generated settings.
  5. Configure the destination. Link the cloud account or enter the approved FTP, SFTP or S3-compatible endpoint. Use a dedicated account with only the permissions needed to create and remove backup objects.
  6. Set schedule and retention. Pick an interval that fits your recovery-point objective, then set enough retained copies to cover the period in which corruption might go unnoticed.
  7. Run a manual backup. Confirm that the job finishes, that every expected world and configuration path is included, and that the remote object exists.
  8. Perform a test restore. Restore to a separate server or temporary directory, start it with the same software and plugins, and check world loading, player data, permissions and plugin databases.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to validate a backup before relying on it

Check the archive or remote object

  • Confirm the timestamp and expected size are plausible for the amount of world data.
  • List the archive contents or inspect the remote directory for the main world, Nether, End, plugin data and configuration files.
  • Check that retention has not removed the baseline needed by a differential or incremental chain.
  • Download at least one remote copy; a successful upload message is not a substitute for reading the object.

Restore without risking production

  1. Create a clean test directory on a different disk or host.
  2. Restore the backup using the plugin’s documented method. For Advanced Backups, use the command-line tool for either a single-file or whole-world test.
  3. Install the same server software build, Java runtime and plugin versions used in production.
  4. Start the test server and inspect console errors, world borders, inventories, player data and plugin functionality.
  5. Record how long the restore took and which files or credentials had to be supplied separately.

Repeat the test after changing server software, moving world directories or replacing a backup plugin. A restore procedure that worked on one layout may fail when dimensions are stored elsewhere.

Common failure modes and fixes

The job runs but a world is missing

Check the configured paths rather than assuming the plugin follows the default world directory. This is particularly important with Advanced Backups when Nether or End folders have been moved. Add the actual paths, run another backup and inspect the result.

Best Value
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4
  • Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
  • discover community creations in the new in-game store
  • access new mini games and game modes through servers

Uploads fail authentication

Reauthorize the cloud account or verify the FTP/SFTP/S3 endpoint, account permissions and system clock. Test with a small manual run, then confirm the object appears remotely. Do not solve a permission error by granting unrestricted access to the entire storage account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The server runs out of disk space

Review retention and archive mode. Full ZIP runs keep repeating unchanged data; differential or incremental modes can reduce repeated data when their restore chain is maintained. PaperBackup’s direct Google Drive streaming can avoid creating a full local archive first, but it still requires reliable remote storage and a tested restore.

A restore starts but plugins lose data

Include plugin-specific databases and folders, not only world directories. If a plugin stores data in MySQL or another remote source, back up that source as part of the same recovery plan and test credentials separately.

A new Minecraft version is unsupported

Do not force-load an older plugin JAR. Check the project’s current listing and release notes, keep the previous working plugin available, and test the new server build with a copy of production data before upgrading the live instance.

Operational checklist

  • Record the exact Paper, Spigot or Purpur build and Java version.
  • List every world and dimension path, including custom layouts.
  • Choose a plugin whose stated platform and version range includes that server.
  • Configure at least one destination outside the live host.
  • Link cloud or remote-storage credentials using least privilege.
  • Set a schedule and retention window that covers delayed discovery of corruption.
  • Run a manual backup and verify the remote object.
  • Test both a granular restore and a complete-world restore when the plugin supports them.
  • Keep a copy of the plugin JAR and configuration used to create the backup.
  • Repeat validation after upgrades, directory moves or plugin changes.

Decision guide

Your situation Most suitable starting point Reason
Several Spigot and Paper servers, with cloud or SFTP choices DriveBackupV2 Broad Bukkit-family compatibility, multiple documented destinations, scheduling and retention
You must recover one file without replacing a whole world Advanced Backups Its command-line tool documents single-file and whole-world restoration
Paper or Purpur 1.21.1, Java 21, Google Drive and limited local disk PaperBackup Google Drive streaming avoids first creating a full local ZIP archive
Plain Spigot with uncertain plugin support DriveBackupV2 or a verified Advanced Backups build PaperBackup’s listing does not guarantee plain Spigot support
Servers with relocated Nether or End directories Any plugin only after a path-specific restore test Advanced Backups has a documented warning for this layout, and directory assumptions can break any backup plan

For most mixed estates, start with DriveBackupV2, then prove recovery on a separate host. Select Advanced Backups when restore granularity outweighs destination flexibility. Select PaperBackup only when its narrow Paper/Purpur, Java 21 and Google Drive requirements match your server exactly.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 4
Minecraft
Minecraft
Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!; The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
$6.99
Bestseller No. 5
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4
Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10; discover community creations in the new in-game store
$42.98

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.