This wikiHow teaches you how to install the Minecraft Forge program on a Windows or Mac computer. Forge is a free, open source application that is used to create mods for the game Minecraft: Java Edition.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Downloading Minecraft Forge
Step 1. Make sure you have Minecraft installed on your computer
To install Forge, you must have Minecraft installed and running at least once. This way, all the required files are available and stored in the appropriate directory.
- Minecraft Forge can only be used for Minecraft: Java Edition. XBox One and PS4 versions of Minecraft cannot add mods. However, you can use smartphone apps to add mods to the Android and iPhone/iPad versions of Minecraft.
- If you're planning to build a Forge server, you don't have to install the official Minecraft server program. The Forge installation package contains all the required server files.
Step 2. Visit https://files.minecraftforge.net/ via a web browser
You will be directed to the Minecraft Forge download page with the latest recommended version.
- It's a good idea to install a version of Minecraft Forge that matches the version of Minecraft you're playing. For example, if you play Minecraft 1.13, download Minecraft Forge 1.13. You can find links to different versions of Minecraft Forge in the "Minecraft Versions" list, on the left side.
- The latest version of Minecraft Forge is 1.16.1, but this version hasn't been tested much. The latest recommended version of Minecraft Forge is 1.15.2.
- Some mods require a specific version of Minecraft Forge. If the mod you want to install requires the installation of a specific version of Minecraft Forge, click “ Show all versions ” to see all available versions of Minecraft Forge.
Step 3. Click the Installer button under "Recommended Download"
This button is indicated by a file cabinet icon in the box labeled "Recommended Download" to the right of the screen. You will be taken to the website that is hosting the file.
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Warning:
The website that hosts the files is an ad wall website called adfoc.us. This site contains a lot of malware and fake download links. Do not click on any buttons or links on the site, regardless of the prompts or directions displayed. If you see a warning indicating that adfoc.us wants to send a notification, click “ Block ”.
Step 4. Wait for 6 seconds and click Skip
It's a red button in the upper-right corner of the adfoc.us page. You have to wait for 6 seconds before the button is displayed. Once the button is clicked, the Forge installation file will be downloaded.
- You may have to specify a save location for the file (eg desktop) or confirm the download before the file is downloaded.
- You may see a notification indicating that the download may be harmful to your computer. Click " Keep ” to save the file. If the downloaded file is named " forge-[version number]-installer.jar ", the file is safe. If you accidentally download other files from adfoc.us, delete them immediately.
Part 2 of 4: Installing Minecraft Forge on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Double-click the Forge installation file
This file is named " forge-[version number]-installer.jar ". You can open it via a web browser or the “Downloads” folder.
If you receive a pop-up message instructing you to install Java, access https://www.java.com/en/download/ through your browser, select " Free Java Download ", click " Agree and Start Free Download ”, then install Java after the installation file has finished downloading.
Step 2. Make sure the "Install client" radio button is checked
Otherwise, click the box or circle button next to "Install client" before moving on to the next step.
Step 3. Make sure the Minecraft installation location is correct
By default, the Minecraft installation directory address is "C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft" on Windows computers. If the address shown below the installation window is incorrect, click “ … ” to the right of the address. After that, find the Minecraft installation folder and click “ Open ”.
Step 4. Select OK
It's in the lower-right corner of the page. Minecraft Forge manager files and folders will be installed to your computer afterwards.
You can change the installation destination folder by clicking “ … ” and choose a new folder.
Step 5. Click OK when prompted
The installation process has been completed at this stage.
Part 3 of 4: Installing Minecraft Forge on a Mac
Step 1. Double-click the Forge installation file
Files with “.jar” extension are indicated by a cup of coffee icon.
Step 2. Click OK on the error message window
It's possible you'll get a message indicating that Forge is from an unidentified developer. Macs block files from unknown sources for security reasons. You will need to adjust the security settings for the computer to run Forge files.
Step 3. Click the icon
It's the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
If you do not receive the error message, skip to this step
Step 4. Click System Preferences
This option is shown above the drop-down menu.
Step 5. Select Security & Privacy
It's the home icon in the top row of the "System Preferences" menu.
Step 6. Click the lock icon
You'll find this icon in the lower-left corner of the window.
You must enter the administrator password before continuing
Step 7. Select Open Anyway
This option is on the “General” tab in the “Security & Privacy” window. The Minecraft Forge installation window will appear after that.
If the option is not available, open Finder and visit the “Downloads” folder. After that, double-click the Minecraft Forge installation JAR file
Step 8. Click Open
With this option, you confirm the opening of the file.
Step 9. Make sure the "Install client" radio button is checked
If not, click the box or circle button next to "Install client" before moving on to the next step.
If you are prompted to install Java, click “ More Info… ” in the first pop-up window, select “ Download ” under Java, click the Java DMG file, double-click the PKG Java folder, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 10. Make sure the Minecraft installation directory address is correct
The address is displayed at the bottom of the Forge installation window. By default, the Minecraft installation directory address is "/Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/minecraft/". If the address is incorrect, click the " … ” next to the address and look for the Minecraft installation location. After that, click " Choose ”.
Step 11. Click OK
It's in the lower-right corner of the page. The Minecraft Forge manager files and folders will be installed to your computer.
You can change the installation destination folder by clicking “ …" above the button " OK ”, and define a new folder.
Step 12. Click OK when prompted
The Minecraft Forge installation process is complete at this stage.
Part 4 of 4: Installing Minecraft Forge on a Linux Computer
Step 1. Locate the downloaded installation file
By default, the downloaded files are available in the " Downloads " folder. Open File Manager and access the “Downloads” folder.
Step 2. Right-click the Minecraft Forge installation file and select Properties
The file properties menu will appear. By default, the Forge installation file has the name “forge-[version number]-installer.jar”.
Step 3. Click Permissions
It's at the top of the “Properties” window.
Step 4. Check the box "Allow executing file as program"
With this option, the file can be run. Without checking this option, Linux will not allow you to run the file.
To make the file executable in Terminal, open the file address, type " sudo chmod +x forge-[version number]-installer.jar", and press " Enter ”.
Step 5. Double-click the Forge installation file
The file will run and the installation window will open. By default, the Forge installation file is named “forge-[version number]-installer.jar”.
Step 6. Make sure the "Install client" radio button is checked
If not, click the box or circle button next to "Install client" before moving on to the next step.
Step 7. Make sure the Minecraft installation directory address is correct
On Linux, the Minecraft install directory address is "/home/[username]/.minecraft". If the address is incorrect, click the " … ” next to the address at the bottom of the Forge installation window. Look for the exact directory address and click “ Ok ”.
Step 8. Click the OK button
Minecraft Forge will be installed after that.
Step 9. Click OK
Once the installation is complete, you will see a window with the message or button.
Tips
- To use Forge in Minecraft, select the option “ Forge ” from the “Profile” box on the Minecraft launcher page.
- Some mods add dimensions that are not compatible with other mods that add dimension. You can fix this error by editing the dimension ID.
