Outdated client or outdated server: matching versions

The client and server are on different Minecraft versions. Bring the client in line, or change the server version from the dashboard.

The short version

Outdated client or Outdated server means the two are on different Minecraft versions, and the message tells you which side is behind. If you own the server, change its version from the dashboard. If you are joining someone else's, switch your launcher profile to the version the server runs.

An Outdated client or Outdated server message in the Minecraft connect screen means the version of the client trying to join does not match the version the server is running. The fix is to bring one of them in line with the other; almost always, the client.

#Reading the message

Outdated client means your client is older than the server's version. Update the launcher profile to the version the server is on, or ask the server owner to downgrade.

Outdated server means your client is newer than the server's version. Pick an older version in the launcher, or the owner needs to upgrade the server.

#If you own the server

Open Dashboard → your server → Settings → Game version. Pick the version your players are on, save, and restart. A downgrade prompts a warning because chunks written on a newer version do not open cleanly on an older one; back up first (Taking a manual backup) before downgrading.

#If you are joining someone else's server

Open the Minecraft launcher → Installations → New installation → pick the version field and choose the exact version the server runs. Use that installation to launch the game, and the message clears.

#Modded servers

Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge servers pin the Minecraft version to whatever the pack uses. Joining an ATM10 server with a vanilla 1.21.5 launcher will fail; you need the matching loader and the pack installed. The pack's CurseForge or Modrinth page lists the exact loader version.

#Cross-version proxies

If you specifically want players on different Minecraft versions to connect to the same server, the answer is a proxy in front of the server with ViaVersion loaded. That is a per-server choice and not enabled by default; see Hostd Linkd: connect multiple servers into one network for the bigger picture.

#Where to go next

#Frequently asked questions

What does Outdated server mean in Minecraft?

The server is on an older Minecraft version than your client. Either the server needs updating or you need to launch the older version. The message names the version the server is running, which saves the guesswork.

How do I change my Minecraft client version?

In the launcher, create or edit an installation and pick the version the server runs, then launch that profile. You do not need to reinstall anything; the launcher keeps multiple versions side by side.

Can players on different versions join the same server?

Not on a plain vanilla server. Cross-version proxies such as ViaVersion allow a range of client versions to connect to one server, which is how large networks support players who have not updated.

Written and maintained by the Hostd engineering team. Last updated 2026-05-23. Notice a mistake? Tell us.

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