The Tool Desk
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Choose the route that matches your server
| Server type | How to get the world | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted Java | Copy the server’s world directory | Access to the server machine or its files |
| Self-hosted Bedrock Dedicated Server | Copy the active world folder from worlds/ |
Access to the server files and its server.properties |
| Java Realm | Use the Realm’s World Backups download control | Access to the Realm in Minecraft |
| Bedrock Realm | Use the world slot’s Download World control | Access to the Realm in Minecraft |
| Rented server | Use the host’s file manager, backup/export function, or transfer access | The provider’s supported file-retrieval method |
Copy a world from a self-hosted server
A server world is stored on the server, not automatically in the local singleplayer saves on your computer. First access the machine or server files by the method available to you. Stop the server cleanly before copying so the files are not changing during the copy.
Java server
- In the server console, run
/save-allto write pending world data, then run/stopto shut the server down. This save-and-stop-before-copying procedure is recommended by the community-maintained Minecraft Wiki server maintenance guide. - In the server directory, locate the world folder. It is commonly named
world, but the configured world name can differ. Checkserver.propertiesand the actual server directory rather than relying on the default name. - Copy the entire world folder to a safe location. If you want to load it as a local Java world, put the copied folder in Minecraft’s local saves directory; the default path depends on your operating system and installation.
- Restart the server when your copy is complete if you want it online again.
Bedrock Dedicated Server
- Stop the server before copying its files.
- Open the server’s
worlds/directory. Bedrock Dedicated Server creates this directory at startup, and each world is stored in a subfolder. - Check
level-nameinserver.propertiesto identify the active world; the setting determines which world the server uses. Copy the matching folder fromworlds/. See Microsoft’s Bedrock Dedicated Server getting-started guide for the directory and setting details. - Keep the copied folder intact. Microsoft’s guide also explains that an existing Bedrock world can be copied into the server’s
worlds/directory.
Download a world from a Realm
Realms provide an in-game download route, so you do not need direct access to a server filesystem. The downloaded world is added to your local worlds.
Java Realms
- Select your Realm and choose Configure.
- Open World Backups, choose Download Latest, then select Continue.
- Look for the downloaded world in singleplayer worlds. The steps are documented in Minecraft’s Java Realms download instructions.
Bedrock Realms
- In Minecraft, open Play, then the Realms tab and the Realm hub.
- Choose the relevant world slot and select Download World in its controls.
- Find the copy under All Worlds. Minecraft Help says, “The world will be downloaded and added to your All Worlds tab and can also be copied from your file storage.” Follow Minecraft Help’s Bedrock Realms download instructions if the controls look different; menu labels or placement may vary by client version.
Get a world from a rented server
For a rented host, stop the server first, then use whatever file-retrieval option the provider supports: typically a file manager, a backup/export function, or transfer access. The location and exact clicks vary by provider and plan, so check that host’s own instructions. If you need more than the world—such as server configuration—ask whether the provider can export the complete server directory.
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Protect the world before replacing or moving it
- Keep the original unchanged until you have confirmed the downloaded or copied world opens as expected.
- Before replacing a Realm world, download a copy if you need to keep its progress. Minecraft warns that Realm backups are not retained indefinitely; see its Realm backup guidance.
- For a self-hosted server, retain a separate backup of the complete server directory if you also need its configuration. The Minecraft Wiki maintenance guide recommends keeping a copy on another drive or storage location.
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