> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.empowerservers.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to Install Plugins


# 🔌 How to Install Plugins on Your Minecraft Server

| **Quick Tip:** Looking for a Minecraft server? Visit [Empower Servers](https://empowerservers.com/) and use coupon code **GETSTARTED** for **50% off** your first month!
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## 🧠 What Are Plugins?

Plugins are small add-ons that can enhance your Minecraft server by adding new commands, features, protections, ranks, and more.  
Plugins **only work** on servers running **Paper**, **Spigot**, or **Bukkit** — not Vanilla Minecraft.

> ⚠️ **Important:** Make sure your server is running **PaperMC** or **Spigot** before installing plugins!
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## 📥 Step 1: Find a Plugin

* Popular trusted sources include:
* [SpigotMC Resources](https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/)
* [BuiltByBit Plugins](https://builtbybit.com/resources/)
* [Polymart](https://polymart.org/)

> 💡 Always download plugins from trusted websites to avoid security risks.
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## 🔑 Step 2: Log Into the Control Panel

* Visit the [Empower Servers Control Panel](https://gp.empowerservers.com/) and log in.

[https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/image_o9d4ty.png](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/image_o9d4ty.png</s> =504x500)
 **
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## 🛠️ Step 3: Access Your Server

* Click **Manage** next to your server.

[https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/image_18lxo8f.png](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/image_18lxo8f.png</s> =501x300)
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## 🗂️ Step 4: Connect Using File Management

* Open **File Management** from the side menu.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_cvgzs8.png)
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## 📂 Step 5: Open the Plugins Folder

* Navigate into the `plugins` folder.
* If there is no `plugins` folder, your server is not running Paper or Spigot correctly.
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**
## 📤 Step 6: Upload the Plugin

* Upload the plugin `.jar` file you downloaded into the `plugins` folder.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_wq7aj4.png)
> ⚠️ **Tip:** Do not unzip the plugin file! Upload the `.jar` file directly.
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## 🔄 Step 7: Restart Your Server

* Restart your server to activate the plugin.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_3zn4pt.png)
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# 🎉 Done!

Your plugin should now be installed and running on your server.  
Some plugins may create their own folders for configuration files after the server starts.

> 💡 Always check the plugin’s documentation for extra setup steps, commands, or permissions you might need to configure.