> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Fix "Workshop Item Version Is Different" in Project Zomboid

> Project Zomboid "workshop item version is different than the server's" means a mod updated after the server started. Restart it, then players reconnect.

The Project Zomboid error "Workshop item version is different than the server's" means a mod was updated on Steam after your server last started: players have the new version, the server still has the old one. Fix it by restarting the server, which downloads the latest Workshop versions when it starts, then let players reconnect. If one player still gets it, they unsubscribe and resubscribe to that mod in Steam.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Project Zomboid server | **Console**, **Game settings** |

## How to fix "Workshop item version is different than the server's"

**1. Restart the server**

Click **Restart**. The server downloads the latest versions of its Workshop items when it starts.

**2. Players reconnect**

Once the server is back online, players join again. Steam has usually already updated their copy.

**3. Still failing for one player**

That player unsubscribes from the mod named in the error, subscribes again so Steam downloads it fresh, and rejoins.

**4. Still failing for everyone**

Open **Game settings** > **Mods and map** and check that each mod has its Workshop item and its mod id, with no duplicates or old ids. If a mod updated recently, remove it for now, save and restart to confirm it's the cause.

Mods that update often cause this error again and again. Restarting at a quiet time each day helps: set a nightly restart on the **Schedules** page. See [schedules and tasks](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-schedules-and-tasks.md).

## Other common mod errors

| Error or symptom | Cause | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| "File doesn't match the one on the server" | A player's mod file differs from the server's. | Restart the server; the player resubscribes to the mod. |
| Mod missing in game | Workshop item added but no mod id, or the other way round. | Add both in **Mods and map**. |
| Server stops after adding a map mod | Wrong name in **Map**. | Put back `Muldraugh, KY`, then add the map name correctly before it. |
| Mod does nothing or errors in the log | Build 41 mod on a Build 42 server. | Use a version of the mod made for Build 42. |
| Items invisible or silent | A required mod is missing or loads in the wrong order. | Add the required mods first in **Mod ids**. |

To see the exact error, watch the **Console** while the server starts, or open the game's logs in `.cache/Logs` in **Files**. See [read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does this error happen after every mod update?

The server only downloads new mod versions when it starts. Until it restarts, players with the updated mod don't match it.

### Do I need to delete the mods folder?

No. A restart downloads the new versions. Only remove a mod if a restart doesn't fix the error.

### Can I stop mods from updating?

The server always loads the current Workshop version. To avoid surprises, back up before restarting after a big mod update.

### Does Steam Auto Update fix mod errors?

No. **Steam Auto Update** on the **Startup** page updates the game itself, not Workshop mods.

## Related guides

> **[Project Zomboid guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Project Zomboid page in one place.

> **[Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/installing-mods-to-a-project-zomboid-server.md)**
>
> Workshop items and mod ids.

> **[Server won't start](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-server-wont-start.md)**
>
> Map names, memory and disk space.

> **[Brita's Weapon Pack](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/installing-britas-weapon-pack.md)**
>
> Mods with requirements.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Project Zomboid Build 42 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its mods change.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
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***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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