Java for your Minecraft server
Minecraft Java version checker
Choose your Minecraft version or paste the startup error. You get the matching Java version and Docker image.
Find the right Java version
Choose your Minecraft version. If your server already fails to start, paste the error below as well.
Or paste a startup error
As soon as a class-file version is detected, the result uses the startup error instead of the selection above.
Why this happens
Class files reveal the required runtime
Java bytecode stores a class-file version. A newer server build cannot start on a runtime that supports only an older class version. Docker still needs an intentionally selected Java image.
Read the full Java version guide| Minecraft version | Recommended Java | Class file |
|---|---|---|
| 26.1+ | Java 25 | 69.0 |
| 1.20.5 – 1.21.11 | Java 21 | 65.0 |
| 1.18 – 1.20.4 | Java 17 | 61.0 |
| 1.17.x | Java 17 | 60.0 |
| 1.12 – 1.16.5 | Java 8 | 52.0 |
FAQ