Deleting Minecraft Servers: A Beginner's Tutorial

16th February 2022

Creating and managing Minecraft servers is an exciting endeavor that allows you to build and share experiences with friends and fellow players. However, there may come a time when you need to delete a Minecraft server for various reasons, such as moving to a new host, ending a specific project, or simply decluttering your server list. If you're new to server management and unsure how to delete a Minecraft server, this beginner's tutorial will guide you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Backup Important Data

Before deleting a Minecraft server, it's crucial to back up any important data or files associated with it. This includes world saves, server configurations, plugin configurations, and any other custom files you may have added. Make sure to copy these files to a safe location on your computer or an external storage device.

Step 2: Access Server Control Panel

To delete a Minecraft server, you'll need access to its control panel. This control panel is typically provided by your server hosting provider or can be accessed through server management software such as Multicraft or Pterodactyl. Log in to your server control panel using the provided credentials.

Step 3: Stop the Server

Before deleting the server, you must first stop it to ensure that no data corruption occurs during the deletion process. In the control panel, locate the option to stop or shut down the server. This action will halt all server processes and make it safe to proceed with the deletion.

Step 4: Locate the Server Files

In the server control panel, look for an option that allows you to access the server files or file manager. This feature may be labeled differently depending on the control panel or hosting provider you're using. Once you've found the file manager, open it to view the files and directories associated with your Minecraft server.

Step 5: Delete Server Files

In the file manager, navigate to the main directory or folder of your Minecraft server. This is where the server files are stored, including the world saves, server properties, and plugin folders. Select all the files and directories related to the server and delete them. Exercise caution to avoid accidentally deleting any important files.

Step 6: Remove Server Entry (Optional)

If you want to remove the server entry from your Minecraft client's server list, you can do so by opening Minecraft and navigating to the server list. Find the entry for the server you just deleted and select it. Look for an option to delete or remove the server from the list. Confirm the action, and the server entry will be removed from your Minecraft client.

Step 7: Confirm Deletion

Once you've deleted all the server files and removed the server entry from your client, confirm that the server has been successfully deleted. Attempt to connect to the server using the server address or IP. If the server is no longer available, it means the deletion was successful.

Step 8: Maintain Data Backup

After deleting a Minecraft server, it's essential to maintain a backup of the server files and data you saved in Step 1. This backup ensures that you can restore the server if needed or access any important data from the server in the future.

Deleting a Minecraft server may seem like a daunting task for beginners, but by following this step-by-step tutorial, you can safely remove a server from your hosting environment. Remember to back up any important data, stop the server before deletion, delete the server files, and remove the server entry from your Minecraft client if desired. With proper care and attention, you can manage your Minecraft server list effectively and ensure a clutter-free experience.