> ## 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. # How to Update EXILED and SCP: Secret Laboratory on Your Server > How to update EXILED and SCP: Secret Laboratory on a FREAKHOSTING server: set Exiled Version, Pre-Releases and Beta Branch on Startup, back up and reinstall. On a FREAKHOSTING SCP: Secret Laboratory server, the EXILED version is set by the **Exiled Version** variable on **Startup** (`latest` by default), and **Exiled Pre-Releases** adds test versions. The game itself is updated through SteamCMD, and **Beta Branch** picks a Steam beta. EXILED is installed by the installation script, so after changing these, back up and use **Reinstall** in **Settings**. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page | | - | - | - | - | | Intermediate | 10 to 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING SCP:SL server | **Startup**, **Settings** | ## Before you start * Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). Reinstalling re-runs the installation script, and the panel warns that some files may be deleted or changed. * Check that your plugins support the new EXILED version. * Startup variables are explained in [startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md). ## What do the Startup variables do? | Variable | Default | What it does | | - | - | - | | **Exiled Version** | `latest` | The EXILED version to install. `latest` installs the latest release. You can also enter a specific version (up to 30 characters) | | **Exiled Pre-Releases** | Off | With **Exiled Version** set to `latest`, also includes pre-release (test) versions. Not needed when you enter a specific version | | **Beta Branch** | Empty | Installs a beta branch of the game from Steam. Switching branches needs a reinstall | The **Startup Command** (`./LocalAdmin` with your port) and the **Docker Image** are read only. ![SCP: Secret Laboratory Startup page with the Exiled Version, Exiled Pre-Releases and Beta Branch variables](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI/images/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scpsl-startup.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4aP1F1KWZ9A3tmJI\&q=85\&s=651d149c15eeff53a306b0b934959715) Exiled Version, Exiled Pre-Releases and Beta Branch on the Startup page ## How to change the EXILED version **1. Back up your server** Make a backup, and download your `.config` folder or at least `config_gameplay.txt`, `config_remoteadmin.txt` and `.config/EXILED/Configs/` to your PC. **2. Set Exiled Version** Click **Startup**. Leave **Exiled Version** on `latest` for the newest release, or enter the version your plugins need. **3. Choose pre-releases** Turn **Exiled Pre-Releases** on only if you want test versions. Leave it off for a public server. **4. Reinstall** Open **Settings**, click **Reinstall Server** and confirm. The server stops and the installation script runs again with your new values. **5. Check and start** Check that your plugins and config files are still there; restore them from your copy if needed. Then [start the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for errors. ## How to update the game When the server starts, the console shows SteamCMD checking SCP:SL's dedicated server (Steam app `996560`), for example `Success! App '996560' already up to date.` Restart the server after a game update is released. If plugins break after a game update, update them and EXILED to versions made for the new game version. ## How to use a beta branch Enter the branch name in **Beta Branch**, then reinstall as above. To go back to the normal version, empty **Beta Branch** and reinstall again. Players need a game version that matches the server to join. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which EXILED version is on my server? The one set in **Exiled Version** when the server was last installed. With `latest`, that is the newest release at that time. ### Will a reinstall delete my configs? The panel warns that some files may be deleted or changed during a reinstall. Always back up first and keep a copy of your config files. ### Why does my server not start after a game update? Usually a plugin or EXILED is not yet updated for the new game version. Remove plugins one by one, or update EXILED, then try again. See [connection and start errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-connection-errors.md). ## Related guides > [card] [SCP:SL server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every SCP:SL page in one place. > [card] [Install EXILED plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/how-to-install-exiled-plugins-on-scp-secret-laboratory.md) > > Upload and configure plugins. > [card] [Connection and start errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/scp-secret-laboratory/scp-secret-laboratory-server-connection-errors.md) > > Fix start problems. > [card] [Settings and reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-manage-server-settings-and-reinstall.md) > > The Reinstall card. > [card] [Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) > > Make and restore backups. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (SCP: Secret Laboratory dedicated server with EXILED). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!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 > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.