Minecraft

How To Install Mods In Minecraft (2025)

A full guide on how to download and install mods in Minecraft including how to use Forge and Fabric.

How To Install Mods In Minecraft (2025)

A guide on how to install mods in Minecraft (Java Edition) for singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. We’ll also cover popular mod loaders like Forge and Fabric, explain how to manage mods, and share trusted websites to download mods from.

This guide is primarily for Windows users, but Linux and macOS users can follow similar steps with minor adjustments.

Minecraft is one of the most heavily modded games of all time. Mods can add entirely new dimensions, overhaul game mechanics, and introduce simple QoL improvements. This guide should give you a basic understanding on how to download and install mods on Minecraft!

Table Of Contents

Requirements

  • Minecraft: Java Edition installed on your PC (you can also use others like Bedrock, but steps may differ)
  • A Minecraft Launcher
  • Java 17 or higher (required for modern versions).
  • Archive extraction software like 7-Zip
  • An Internet connection and basic undestanding of how to navigate and copy folders and files.

Game Version Notes & Folder Locations

Many mods are version-specific, meaning a mod for Minecraft 1.20.1 may not work with 1.20.2.

Always check which version of Minecraft your chosen mods require, and install the appropriate loader.

Minecraft Mods Folder

Depending on the operating system (OS) you're running, the path to the folder that most mod loaders run mods from differs.

Here are common paths to the main Minecraft folder for mods depending on your OS.

  • Windows: %appdata%\.minecraft\mods
  • MacOS: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods
  • Linux: ~/.minecraft/mods

Keep note of these folder location(s) above for your OS! You also may need to create the mods sub-folder if your mod loader uses the path above.

Backup Your Game Files!

Before installing mods, we strongly recommend backing up your Minecraft worlds. Mods can corrupt saves or cause crashes.

  1. Open the Minecraft folder (path above):
  2. Copy the saves folder to another location on your PC (e.g. your desktop).

Choosing A Mod Loader

There are multiple mod loaders that can be used in Minecraft. Here are a few of them that are popular.

  • Forge - Most widely supported by mod developers.
  • Fabric - Lightweight, faster updates, but fewer mods compared to Forge.
  • Quilt - A newer alternative that’s compatible with most Fabric mods.

Installing Your Mod Loader

After choosing your mod loader, you'll want to download the tool from the mod loader's website. Websites for popular mod loaders are linked above.

We've also included instructions on downloading and installing Forge and Fabric.

NOTE - Many Fabric mods require the Fabric API! If you're using Fabric, we recommend downloading and installing the Fabric API as well!

Installing Forge

  1. Head over the Forge downloads page here.
  2. Download the installer for your Minecraft version.
  3. Run the installer and select Install client.
  4. Launch the Minecraft Launcher and select the Forge profile.

Installing Fabric

  1. Visit Fabric's website here.
  2. Download and run the Fabric Installer.
  3. Choose your Minecraft version and click Install.
  4. Launch the Minecraft Launcher and pick the Fabric profile.

Where To Download Mods

There are many websites that host mods for Minecraft. Here is a list of the more common and trusted websites used.

NOTE - We recommend reading the mod's description along with the user comments before downloading mods to ensure it's safe and you haven't missed any additional steps or dependencies.

Downloading & Installing Mods

Downloading and installing mods depends on the mod loader and website you're using.

When finding mods from the websites mentioned earlier, many mods contain specific versions for mod loaders like Forge and Fabric. Make sure to select the correct version depending on your Minecraft version and mod loader!

  1. Download your mod’s .jar file from a trusted source.
  2. Navigate to the%appdata%\.minecraft\mods folder.
    • If the mods folder doesn’t exist, create it!
  3. Place the mod's .jar file into the mods folder.
  4. Launch Minecraft with the Forge or Fabric profile.

Your mod should now be active!

Managing Mods With Mod Managers

A dedicated mod manager can simplify the process of downloading, installing, and updating mods and their dependencies. It also helps manage mod packs as well!

Here are some popular mod managers!

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Game Crashes on Launch

  • Make sure the mod version matches your Minecraft and Forge/Fabric version.
  • Check for required libraries (e.g. Fabric API or Architectury).
  • Disable or remove mods one-by-one or in batches to narrow what mod is causing issues.

Incompatible Mods

  • Some mods conflict. Remove mods one by one to find the culprit.
  • Use the latest version of the mod loader.

Performance Drops

  • Install Sodium or OptiFine which help optimize Minecraft (just to note, OptiFine is less Fabric-compatible generally from our experience).
  • Use performance mod packs like Fabulously Optimized.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a basic understanding of downloadind and installing mods along with how to use mod loaders like Forge and Fabric!

With thousands of mods available, you can transform your Minecraft experience into anything you imagine!

See Also

This guide will be updated over time! If you see any improvements that can be made, please reach out!

Happy modding!

Read next