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How to Install Minecraft Forge

Many of the best Minecraft mods depend on this flexible framework

By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 8, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide

What to Know

To install, go to the website, select Windows installer (for Mac or Linux, select Installer). Skip the ad. Select Install Client > OK. Launch the Minecraft client, select the up arrow, and choose Forge > Play. Allow the game to fully load and exit Minecraft. This article explains how to install Minecraft Forge. Instructions apply to Minecraft: Java Edition.

How to Install Minecraft Forge

The process of downloading and installing Minecraft Forge is very straightforward. You first need to download the installer from the official Forge website, run the installer with the correct options selected, then launch Minecraft. Once you've done that, you'll be able to install and run any Forge-compatible mod you like. To install Minecraft Forge, follow each of these steps in order:
Navigate to the official Forge website. Select Windows installer if you have Windows or click Installer if you have a Mac or Linux computer. If you don't have any specific mods in mind, download the recommended version. Some older mods will only work with older versions of Forge, in which case you need to select show all versions, then locate the compatible version. The next screen will show an advertisement. Wait for the ad timer to run down, then select Skip in the upper right corner. Don't click anything else on the page. If you have an ad blocker, or your browser blocks ads natively, you will see a blank screen. Do not click anything. Just wait, and the next page will load. Wait for Forge to download, then open the file you downloaded. With the installer open, select Install Client, then select OK. Launch your Minecraft client, and select the up arrow next to Play to open the profiles menu. Forge only works with Minecraft: Java Edition. If you're using Windows 10, make sure you have Minecraft: Java Edition installed and not the version of Minecraft sold in the Microsoft Store. Select the profile called Forge, then select Play. Wait for the game to fully load, then exit Minecraft. Loading and exiting Minecraft with the Forge profile selected completes the installation of Forge. Once you've finished this process, you're ready to start installing Forge-dependent Minecraft mods.

What Is Minecraft Forge

Minecraft Forge is a free application program interface (API) and mod loader for Minecraft: Java Edition. Mod developers within the Minecraft community use the API to simplify the creation of their mods, then players use Forge to automatically load compatible mods. Minecraft is great on its own, but installing community-built Minecraft mods opens up brand new ways to play, and some of the best ones are built on Minecraft Forge. Mods are literally user-created modifications for Minecraft that add new content, make it run better and look better, make your life easier in-game, and more. You need Forge first, so we'll show you how to install Minecraft Forge, and then provide some tips on what to do once you have it.

What Does Minecraft Forge Do

In less technical terms, Minecraft Forge is makes it extremely easy to install compatible Minecraft mods. If a mod supports Forge, then you can install that mod by literally dragging and dropping the files if you have Forge installed.

Forge vs the Vanilla Version

michal-rojek / iStock / Getty When you download and install Minecraft Forge, Minecraft: Java Edition provides you with the option to play the vanilla edition or your Forge-modded edition every time you play. Choosing Forge causes Minecraft Forge to automatically load all of your mods, while choosing the vanilla version allows you to play without any mods. Due to the way you can choose to load Forge or vanilla Minecraft, you never have to worry about Forge or an individual mod breaking your game. If something weird happens, you can always just play the vanilla version of Minecraft until a patch arrives for Forge, the offending mod, or Minecraft itself. Major Minecraft updates often cause bugs with Forge and individual mods. When that happens, you can choose to run the vanilla version until additional patches arrive, or try removing all your mods and adding them back in one at a time to see which one is causing trouble.

Minecraft Forge Is a Mod Loader

As a player, Minecraft Forge is an automated mod loader. It checks for compatible mods, then loads them up each time you play, as long as you choose Forge from the Minecraft: Java Edition profile menu. You can run as many mods as you want, although running too many can cause performance issues, and some mods don't work well with others. Mods can improve or alter the graphics of your game, introduce new game modes and mechanics, improve inventory and crafting systems, and more. There's even a mod to add the same type of virtual reality functionality to Minecraft: Java Edition that Minecraft for Windows 10 has right out of the box. The 15 Best Minecraft Mods

How to Use Mods With Forge

The best part is that, since Forge is an automated loader, all you have to do is download the mod you want, place it into your Minecraft folder, and launch Minecraft. As long as you have the Forge profile selected, your mod will load with no additional configuration or work required on your part. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Install Mods on Minecraft How to Fix It When a JNI Error Has Occurred in Minecraft How to Fix an Authentication Error in Minecraft The 15 Best Minecraft Mods How to Allocate More RAM to Minecraft How to Install Minecraft Resource Packs How to Install Minecraft Shaders How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer How to Play Minecraft on a Chromebook The 17 Best Minecraft Seeds in 2022 How to Play Minecraft on Meta (Oculus) Quest or Quest 2 How to Make a Beacon in Minecraft Minecraft Realms: Are They Worth It? How to Install Mac OS on PC FORGE File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Download and Install Minecraft Maps Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies