How to install mods for Minecraft

Before you start

To mod Minecraft you need three things: Minecraft Java Edition (the PC version you buy at minecraft.net), Java (get a current version from adoptium.net if you do not have one) and at least 4 GB of RAM allocated to the game. Bedrock Edition on Windows, consoles and phones does not support traditional mods. It uses an add-on system, which is something completely different.

Make sure Minecraft starts correctly in vanilla before you install a mod loader. If the game crashes even without mods, a mod loader will not help. It is also worth checking your Java version with the java -version command in a terminal (cmd on Windows, Terminal on macOS).

Note down the Minecraft version you want to play (for example 1.21.4). All mods have to be built for exactly that version. A mod for 1.21.3 will not work on 1.21.4, and the other way around.

Installing Fabric (recommended)

Fabric is our recommended mod loader in 2026. It is lighter than NeoForge, updates to new Minecraft versions faster and is the foundation for the most popular optimization mods. If you have no reason to choose NeoForge, start with Fabric.

Step 1: download the Fabric installer

Go to fabricmc.net/use/installer and download the "Fabric Installer" file (Universal/.jar). Only download it from the official fabricmc.net site and do not trust any other source.

Step 2: run the installer

Double-click the downloaded .jar file. The installer window opens. Set:

• Minecraft Version: the Minecraft version you want to play (for example 1.21.4).
• Loader Version: leave the default (the latest).
• Install Location: the default .minecraft location is correct.

Click Install. After a few seconds you will see the message "Successfully installed". A new profile named "fabric-loader-..." appears in the official Minecraft launcher.

Step 3: download Fabric API

Fabric API is a separate mod that provides programming interfaces used by most Fabric mods. Most mods will not work without it. Download it from Modrinth and choose the version that matches your Minecraft version. Put the downloaded .jar file into the mods/ folder (described below).

Step 4: start the game

In the Minecraft launcher, choose the Fabric profile and click "Play". If the game starts correctly, Fabric works. In the bottom left corner of the title screen you will see a label showing that the game is modded.

Installing NeoForge

NeoForge is the successor to Minecraft Forge, created in 2023 after a split in the Forge team. In 2026 NeoForge is the recommended loader for large tech and magic modpacks, because many classic mods (Mekanism, Thermal Expansion) exist only on NeoForge.

Step 1: download the installer

Go to neoforged.net, find the Downloads section and download the installer for your Minecraft version. The file will have a name like neoforge-XX.X.X-installer.jar.

Step 2: run the installer

Double-click the downloaded .jar file. Choose the "Install client" option and point to your Minecraft location (the default is correct). Click OK. The installation takes a bit longer than Fabric, because NeoForge downloads additional libraries. When it finishes you will see a success message.

Step 3: start the game

A new "NeoForge" profile appears in the Minecraft launcher. Select it and click "Play". The first launch can take longer, because NeoForge initializes its libraries. On the title screen you will see a "Mods" button. If it is there, NeoForge works correctly.

The mods folder: where to put files

You put all mods (.jar files) in the mods/ folder inside the Minecraft directory. If the folder does not exist, create it manually. The location of the .minecraft folder depends on your operating system:

• Windows: %appdata%\.minecraft\mods\. Type %appdata%\.minecraft in the File Explorer address bar.
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods/. In Finder, press Cmd+Shift+G and paste the path.
• Linux: ~/.minecraft/mods/. The folder is hidden, so turn on showing hidden files (Ctrl+H).

Put mod .jar files straight into the mods/ folder, not into subfolders. Do not unpack .jar files, because they have to stay as archives. If a downloaded mod comes in a .zip archive, extract it and put only the .jar file you find inside into the mods/ folder.

To remove a mod, just delete its .jar file from the mods/ folder and start the game again.

Where to download mods safely

The internet is full of fake mod sites that serve viruses instead of mods. The only safe sources are:

• Modrinth: a modern platform with file verification and fast search. Our recommended source.
• CurseForge: the biggest mod database, with a long history. Use the official website or the CurseForge app.
• GitHub: many open-source mods publish .jar files in the Releases section of their repository. A reliable source, but you need to know the repository name.

Never download mods from sites like "9minecraft", "minecraftmods.com" or similar aggregators. These sites re-upload other people's mods, often bundling malware. If Google shows you a page with a "Download" button surrounded by ads and popups, close it immediately.

Common problems and fixes

The game crashes on startup. In 90% of cases this is a version mismatch. Check that the mod version matches your Minecraft version and that the mod is built for the right loader (Fabric vs NeoForge). Open the crash-reports/ folder in .minecraft and look for the "Caused by" line in the latest report. It points to the problematic mod.

A mod does not work despite a correct installation. On Fabric, check that you have Fabric API installed. Many mods also require additional libraries (for example Cloth Config, Architectury API). The required dependencies are listed on the mod's page on Modrinth.

Low FPS after installing mods. Add optimization mods: Sodium (rendering), Lithium (game logic), FerriteCore (memory). Increase the RAM allocated in the launcher settings: change -Xmx2G to -Xmx4G or more in the JVM arguments.

Two mods add the same item. This is normal with many mods. Use Roughly Enough Items (REI) or Just Enough Items (JEI) to see which crafting recipe belongs to which mod. You can also change recipes with the KubeJS mod.

The world does not load or generates incorrectly. This can mean a conflict between mods that change terrain generation. Remove the mods that add biomes one at a time until you find the problematic one. Always back up your world (the .minecraft/saves/ folder) before experimenting.

Fabric or NeoForge: which to choose

The short answer: if you are not sure, choose Fabric. It is lighter, loads faster and has better optimization mods. Most modern mods (Sodium, Iris Shaders, Cobblemon, Modern Industrialization) are available on Fabric.

Choose NeoForge if you need specific mods that exist only on that platform. Typically these are big tech and magic mods with a long history (Mekanism, Thermal Expansion, Blood Magic). NeoForge is also a better choice for large kitchen sink modpacks with 200+ mods.

You will find a detailed comparison in our article Fabric vs Forge (NeoForge). And if you are looking for ready-made sets of mods, check our guide to modpacks.