---
title: "Install mods and plugins on your Minecraft server"
description: "Install mods and plugins on a PaperMC, Fabric, or NeoForge Minecraft server hosted on the OVHcloud Game Panel to customise your gameplay."
url: https://docs.ovhcloud.com/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-install-mods-plugins
lang: en
lastUpdated: 2026-06-30
---
# Install mods and plugins on your Minecraft server

## Objective

The OVHcloud Game Panel lets you customise your Minecraft server by installing mods and plugins, depending on the server software you use.

**This guide explains how to install mods and plugins on your Minecraft server hosted on the OVHcloud Game Panel.**

## Requirements

- A [VPS](https://www.ovhcloud.com/en-gb/vps/) or a [dedicated server](https://www.ovhcloud.com/en-gb/bare-metal/) in your OVHcloud account with the Game Panel feature enabled.
- A Minecraft server running one of the following software variants: **PaperMC**, **Fabric**, or **NeoForge**.
- Access to the Game Panel. Refer to [Log in to the Game Panel](/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-log-in/index.md).

## Instructions

### Understanding the difference between PaperMC, Fabric, and NeoForge

While all three platforms allow you to customise your Minecraft server, they work differently.

- **PaperMC** is a high-performance Minecraft server software that supports **plugins**. Plugins are lightweight additions that can add new commands, gameplay mechanics, permissions systems, economy systems, and much more without requiring players to install anything on their game client.
- **Fabric** is a lightweight and modern **mod loader**. It supports a wide range of mods and is known for its fast updates and excellent performance. Both the server and, in most cases, connected players must have the required mods installed.
- **NeoForge** is a powerful and modern **mod loader** designed for larger and more advanced modpacks. It offers extensive modding capabilities and is commonly used for heavily modded Minecraft experiences with complex gameplay additions.

In short:

- PaperMC → Plugins
- Fabric → Mods
- NeoForge → Mods

### Step 1 — Download your plugins or mods

You first need to download the plugin or mod you want to install. Many websites provide Minecraft plugins and mods, but one of the most popular is [CurseForge](https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft).

1. Search for the plugin or mod you want.
2. Open its page.
3. Click <code className="action">Download</code>.
4. Make sure to select the correct **Minecraft version** and the correct **Plugin/Mod Loader** (Paper, Fabric, or NeoForge).

This ensures the plugin or mod is compatible with your server.

![Downloading a plugin or mod](/images/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-install-mods-plugins/download-plugin-mod.png)
### Step 2 — Stop the server

Before installing any plugin or mod, stop your Minecraft server.

1. Open your server in the Game Panel.
2. Click <code className="action">Stop</code>.

:::warning
Installing files while the server is running may cause issues or prevent them from loading correctly.
:::

### Step 3 — Upload the plugin or mod

1. Open your server in the Game Panel.
2. Navigate to <code className="action">Settings</code>.
3. Open the <code className="action">Game Config</code> tab.
4. Select either the <code className="action">Plugins</code> or <code className="action">Mods</code> tab, depending on your server software.

![The Plugins or Mods tab in Game Config](/images/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-install-mods-plugins/plugins-mods-tab.png)
Then upload the file:

1. Locate the plugin or mod file you downloaded on your computer.
2. Drag and drop the file into the upload area.

![Uploading a plugin or mod file](/images/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-install-mods-plugins/upload-area.png)
Once the upload is complete, the plugin or mod appears in the list.

### Step 4 — Start the server

After uploading your plugin or mod:

1. Start your Minecraft server.
2. Open the server logs.

Monitor the logs during startup to confirm that the server starts successfully, that no errors are reported, and that the installed plugins or mods are loaded correctly.

If everything loads without errors, your installation is complete. Repeat this process whenever you want to add content to your server.

## Go further

- [Edit Minecraft server configuration on the Game Panel](/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-edit-minecraft-config/index.md)
- [Deploy a Minecraft server on the Game Panel](/en/guides/bare-metal-cloud/virtual-private-servers/game-panel-quick-start-minecraft/index.md)

Join our [community of users](https://community.ovhcloud.com/).