A mod adds new features to Minecraft — new mobs, blocks, machines, better graphics and more. To run mods on Minecraft: Java Edition you install a small program called a mod loader, then drop mod files into one folder. This guide walks you through it from zero.

About 10 minutes Difficulty: Easy Windows · macOS · Linux Java Edition only
How to install mods for Minecraft Java Edition on PC
Playing on phone, tablet or console? That is Bedrock Edition, which uses Add-ons instead of mods. Jump to How to install Mods / Add-ons on Minecraft PE.

Follow these steps

1
Update Minecraft & Java
  • Open the official Minecraft Launcher and run Java Edition at least once, so all its files are created.
  • Decide which version you want to mod (for example 1.21.1, 1.20.1, 1.12.2). Your loader and every mod must match this exact version.
  • Modern Minecraft bundles its own Java, so you usually don’t need to install Java yourself. If a mod asks for a newer Java, grab it from Adoptium.
Back up your worlds first. Copy the saves folder somewhere safe before adding mods, so a broken mod can never lose your builds.
2
Pick and install a mod loader

A mod loader lets Minecraft read and run mods. There are four common ones — each mod is built for a specific loader, so check the mod’s page before you download. Install the loader that matches your mods and your version, then it appears as a new profile in the launcher.

LoaderBest forGood to know
FabricLightweight, fast, up‑to‑date modsMost mods also need Fabric API (install it like any mod).
ForgeHuge, classic tech/adventure modsThe largest mod library, especially on older versions.
NeoForgeModern Forge‑style mods (1.20.2+)A community fork of Forge, now the default for many new mods.
QuiltFabric mods + extra featuresCompatible with most Fabric mods; needs QSL/QFAPI.
Loaders are not interchangeable — a Forge mod will not run on Fabric, and vice versa. Match the loader on the mod’s download page.
3
Open your mods folder

This is where every mod file lives. On Windows, press Win + R, paste the path below and press Enter:

%appdata%\.minecraft\mods
The mods folder inside .minecraft where you drop your .jar mods
The mods folder inside .minecraft — drop every mod .jar here.
  • If a mods folder isn’t there yet, create one with exactly that name.
  • On macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods
  • On Linux: ~/.minecraft/mods
4
Download a mod and drop it in
  • Browse mods on 9Minecraft › Mods and open one you like.
  • Check it lists your version and your loader, then download the .jar file. Do not unzip it.
  • Move that .jar into the mods folder from Step 3. Add as many mods as you like — just keep them all on the same loader and version.
On Fabric or Quilt, also drop Fabric API into the folder — a lot of mods won’t start without it.
5
Launch the modded profile
  • Open the Minecraft Launcher and click the version dropdown next to Play.
  • Choose the profile your loader created (for example fabric-loader 1.21.1 or forge 1.20.1).
  • Press Play.
6
Check that it worked

Once you reach the main menu you should see your mods — a Mods button on the title screen (Forge/NeoForge), or new items, blocks and options in‑game. If they’re there, you’re done. Enjoy!

Fixing common problems

The game crashes right after I press Play

Almost always a version or loader mismatch. Make sure the loader profile, every mod and (for Fabric/Quilt) Fabric API are all for the same Minecraft version. Remove mods one at a time to find the one causing it.

There’s no “Mods” button and nothing changed

You probably launched the normal profile instead of the modded one. Re‑open the launcher, pick the loader profile in the version dropdown, then press Play.

A mod says it needs an API or library

Some mods depend on another file — most often Fabric API, or a library the mod page links to. Download it and place it in the mods folder just like a normal mod.

I can’t find the mods folder

Run the game once first so Minecraft creates its files, then use the %appdata%\.minecraft\mods path in Step 3. If the folder still isn’t there, create it yourself with that exact name.

Ready to add some mods?Browse thousands of free Minecraft Java mods, all version-tagged.
Browse Mods

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