Want to mod your Minecraft? Read this guide on how to install mods in Minecraft using Forge fast! Includes easy to understand steps (Windows & Mac), and how to change Forge versions!!!
Table of Contents
How To Install Mods With Forge
Installing Mods Procedure Quick-Chart
| Installing Minecraft Forge | |
|---|---|
| 1 |   Go to the Minecraft Forge to download Forge |
| 2 |  Select the Forge version that you want to downloadThere are a lot of versions listed here but don't worry! If this is your first time, choose the latest Forge version |
| 3 | Run the downloaded .jar file. It should be named something like "Forge 1.16-xx-installer.jar" In order to install Forge, you need to have Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your PC or Mac |
| 4 |  Specify your Minecraft's install directory and select "Install client"There is no need to edit this if you installed Minecraft on your default directory |
 To confirm if you have successfully installed Forge, check the lower left corner of the Minecraft Launcher window | |
| Installing Mods | |
| 5 |  Go to a Minecraft mod websiteFor this example, we will use the website CurseForge.com |
| 6 |  Search for the mod that you need, then select a mod from the list |
| 7 |  Download the modCheck version compatibility before downloading. In CurseForge, you can check this using the "Relations" tab |
| 8 |  Move the mod from your download folder to your Minecraft's mod folderFor Windows, press the Windows Key + R, then type in '%appdata%\.minecraft\mods |
| 9 |  Open the Minecraft Launcher |
| 10 | At the lower left part of the window, choose the Forge version and press the green "PLAY" button |
| 11 | Run Minecraft with Forge enabled Running the mods require you to have a compatible version of Forge. Change Forge versions by repeating steps 1~4 and downloading a different version of Forge |
Default Install Minecraft
To make the modding process easier, we suggest that you install Minecraft on its recommended default directory. This makes other mods and version changing way easier as you don't have to edit the install directory.
(!) Download Mods From Safe Sites
Download mods from websites that are proven to be safe. Research which sites are okay and keep away from ones that are sketchy. Check the forums for site reviews and to know where most people download their mods.
| Mod Site |
|---|
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Ensure Mod Compatibility
Before downloading mods, make sure that they are compatible with your version of Minecraft Forge. If the mod is not compatible, an error screen will display, telling you what you need to do to run the mod.
Some Mods Require Other Mods
Some mods require different mods in order to run. Make sure that all mods are compatible with your version of Minecraft Forge first before running them.
In CurseForge, related mods can be viewed under the "Relations" tab.
Store Mods In A Separate Folder
It is very likely that you will download mods for different versions of Minecraft. When changing versions, do not delete them and just store them inside folders in your mod folder.
What Is Forge?
Mod To Use Mods
Forge is a mod that allows users to easily install and enable mods. It is highly compatible with the latest Minecraft Java Edition versions and is frequently being updated. Another thing is that you can easily change versions to play mods.
Alternative To Fabric
Fabric is another Minecraft mod that loads other Minecraft mods. You can also have Fabric on your Minecraft to increase your mod options. Unfortunately, some Fabric mods have no Forge equivalents and you may have to find alternatives to them.
How To Install FabricOnly Works With Java Edition
Forge is only compatible with the Java Edition of Minecraft. If you bought the Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10), you won't be able to use its features to install mods.
Check Out Which Editions To Get Here!How To Install Forge
| 1 | Go to the Minecraft Forge to download Forge |
|---|---|
| 2 | Select the Forge version that you want to download There are a lot of versions listed here but don't worry! If this is your first time, choose the latest Forge version |
| 3 | Run the downloaded .jar file. It should be named something like "Forge 1.16-xx-installer.jar" |
| 4 | Specify your Minecraft's install directory and select "Install client" There is no need to edit this if you installed Minecraft on your default directory |
| 5 | Open the Minecraft Launcher |
| 6 | At the lower left part of the window, choose the Forge version and press the green "PLAY" button |
How To Change / Switch Forge Version - Mac & Windows
How To Change Forge Versions
| 1 | Go to the Minecraft Forge website |
|---|---|
| 2 | Select the Forge version that you want to download |
| 3 | Run the downloaded .jar file. It should be named something like "Forge 1.1x-xx-installer.jar" |
| 4 | Specify your Minecraft's install directory There is no need to edit this if you installed Minecraft on your default directory |
| 5 | Open the launcher |
| 6 | At the lower left part of the window, choose the Forge version that you want to run |
| 7 | At the lower left part of the window, choose the Forge version and press the green "PLAY" button |
Works On Mac & Windows
The process outlined below is the same for both Windows and Mac. Although both systems are different, players can still follow the steps to easily and quickly install Forge.
Process Similar To Installation
The process to change Forge version is similar to the installation steps above. The only difference is that you need to download a different version of Forge.
How To Switch Forge Versions
If you have already installed different versions of Forge, you can change versions without redownloading using the Minecraft Launcher. Follow the steps below to switch between different Forge versions:
| 1 |  Open the Minecraft Launcher |
|---|---|
| 2 |  Go to the "Installations" tab |
| 3 |  Click the Forge Installation settings "..." |
| 4 |  Click on the "Version" drop down box and select the Forge version that you want to play with. After selecting, press "Save" |
| 5 |  Go back to the "Play" tab and check the lower-left for the Forge version. Press the green "Play" button to play Minecraft with your chosen Forge version. |
Recommended Minecraft Mods To Install
Performance Boosting Mods
Mods that help your PC run Minecraft faster and more efficiently are one of the most recommended to install. These will allow you to play Minecraft in a smoother manner so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Visuals-Enhancing Mods
There are tons of visual enhancement mods that you can find online for Minecraft. These change the lighting, textures, and shading of the game, making it more immersive and interesting to look at. Note that running these mods may require a more formidable PC hardware setup.
Check Out The Best Shaders Here!Additional Content Mods
Mods such as dungeon packs, botany packs, and decoration packs all make Minecraft a much more fun game to play.
Try Out These Mods!
What Are Minecraft Mods?
User Created Content To Enhance Minecraft Gameplay
Mods are mostly created by Minecraft fans and players to further enhance their experience in the game. These usually add more content, change visuals, or provide an easier time at surviving in every Minecraft biome.
Best Essential ModsMay Have Bugs & Errors
As mods are content done by users, some may have bugs or errors in them. This may appear in the form of some items not working as they are intended. Check the mod's changelog or updates to see if there are any errors to expect.
Can Have Compatibility Issues
When you're sure about adding mods to your Minecraft game, be sure to check the compatibility between your version of Minecraft, your mod loader software, and the mod itself to prevent errors in your games.
Related Articles
Minecraft Mod Guides & DatabaseUpdate 1.17 Related Guides
| Update 1.17.1 Patch Notes | |
| Forge 1.17.1 | Optifine 1.17.1 |
| Fabric 1.17.1 | - |
Must-Read Guides
| How To Install Mods (Forge) | How To Install Optifine |
| How To Install Forge & OptiFine | How To Change Textures |
| How To Install Fabric | - |
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