Reference

Migrating Your Server to WinterNode

How to migrate your game server from another host to WinterNode. Backup your files, upload via SFTP, configure, and start.

Last updated: February 2, 2026

4.9

479+ Satisfied Customers

Moving your server to WinterNode means transferring your world data, configurations, and any mods or plugins. The process is the same for most games: download your files from your old host, upload them to WinterNode, and configure your server to use them.

Step 1: Download Your Files from Your Old Host

Before canceling your old service, download everything you want to keep. At minimum, you’ll need:

  • World/save files
  • Configuration files
  • Mods and plugins (if applicable)

Most hosts provide SFTP access or a file manager where you can download files. If your host supports compression, create a .zip or .tar.gz archive of your server files before downloading. This is faster than downloading files individually.

Step 2: Upload to WinterNode

Connect to your WinterNode server via SFTP and upload your archive or files.

If you uploaded a compressed archive, decompress it using the File Manager in the Game Control Panel:

  1. Navigate to Management → File Manager
  2. Find your uploaded archive
  3. Click the three dots on the right and select Decompress

Make sure your files end up in the correct locations. For most games, world files and configs go in the server root directory.

Step 3: Configure Server Options

Check your Server Options to make sure they match your previous setup:

  • Server version should match what your world was running on
  • Executable/jar file name should point to the correct file if you’re using a custom server software
  • Any game-specific settings that affect how your world loads

Server Options are found in the sidebar under Server Options.

Step 4: Start and Verify

Start your server and watch the console for errors. Common issues include:

  • Version mismatches between your world and server software
  • Missing mods or plugins that the world depends on
  • File permission or path issues

Once the server starts successfully, connect and verify your world loaded correctly.

Full Server Migration Guides

These guides cover migrating your entire server from another host, including world files, plugins/mods, and configuration:

World Import Guides

If you already have a WinterNode server and just want to upload a world or save file (from singleplayer, a backup, or another server), use these guides: