How to install Minecraft Forge and gain access to thousands of new Minecraft mods

• You can install Minecraft Forge from the Forge website, where it's free to download.
• Minecraft Forge is an add-on for Minecraft: Java Edition that lets you install and enable mods.
• Make sure that you download the version of Minecraft Forge that corresponds with your current Minecraft version.

Minecraft is famous for how many mods it has, and how easy they are to install. These mods can be practical - like creating a new item - or they can add fun thematic elements to your game, such as new game modes.

To install these mods, you'll need to use a free add-on called Minecraft Forge. This will let you customize Minecraft: Java Edition with mods.

Quick tip: Minecraft Forge can't be used to add mods to Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. You'll need to be playing the "Java" version.

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Here's how to install Minecraft Forge, and use it to install mods.

How to download Minecraft Forge

1. Go to the Minecraft Forge download page.

Quick tip: Minecraft Forge requires Java, so install that before beginning the download.

2. You'll see two download links: Latest and Recommended. Pick Recommended, as it has less bugs. Use the chart under Minecraft Version on the left to ensure you're downloading the version of Forge that corresponds with your current version of Minecraft and the mods you're running.

3. Once you click the installer link, you'll be shown an ad. Wait a few seconds, and then click Skip in the top-right corner. Once you click it, the download will start.

4. Open the Forge installer, and give the app the necessary privacy and access permissions when requested. If you're on a Mac, you might need to go into your computer's Security & Privacy settings to give it permission to open.

5. In the window that appears, select Install Client and click OK.

6. Forge will connect to the internet and download all of its data. Once it's done, a pop-up message will indicate Minecraft Forge has been successfully installed. Click OK to continue.

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher.

8. Open the drop-down menu next to Play, which lets you pick what version of Minecraft you want to open.

9. In the options that appear, click and select Forge.

10. Now press Play.

Quick tip: A pop-up message may appear asking the user to accept that the version has been modified and may not support the latest player safety features. This is standard and you should approve it.

11. After the game has loaded, check that the Mods option has appeared. This signals that you've installed Minecraft Forge successfully.

How to add a mod to Minecraft

Forge won't come with mods built into it, so you'll need to find them yourself. You can find all sorts of Minecraft mods through Google, and websites like minecraftmods.com.

Once you've found one that's appealing, save the file to your newly-created Forge mods folder.

• The address on your PC will be: C:Users[your username]AppDataRoaming.minecraftmods
• On a Mac, it'll be: [your computer's name] > Macintosh HD > Users > [your username] > Library > Application Support > minecraft > mods

In place of [your username], insert the name of the account you're using on your computer.

Once you've done that, you can check that the mod is enabled by clicking the "Mods" tab on the Minecraft main menu (see above), then confirming that the mod is listed in the left column beneath the Minecraft version you're running.

For more details on installing mods, as well as a guide on how to install resource/texture packs (a different type of mod), check out our article, "How to install Minecraft mods and resource packs to completely reinvent your game."

Quick tip: Like with any installation, you may need to restart your PC before seeing the mod's changes take effect.