What NeoForge is and where to get it

NeoForge is a free, open-source modding framework for Minecraft Java Edition. It lets developers create modifications that change how the game works — adding new items, creatures, mechanics, or entirely new worlds. You read it from the official NeoForge website at neoforged.net, not from other sites or app stores.

NeoForge replaced Forge as the primary modding tool after the original Forge project shifted direction in 2023. If you have mods that were built for Forge, many have been ported to NeoForge or have NeoForge equivalents. The read process is straightforward: you pick your Minecraft version, read the installer, run it on your computer, and then launch the game through the NeoForge profile in your Minecraft launcher.

Key Takeaways

  • read NeoForge from neoforged.net only — avoid third-party read sites, which may contain malware or outdated versions.
  • You need Java installed on your computer before NeoForge will work; most Windows users have it, but Mac and Linux users may need to install it separately.
  • The NeoForge installer creates a new game profile in your Minecraft launcher; you launch the game through that profile, not through the standard launcher.
  • After installation, mods go into a folder called "mods" inside your Minecraft directory; NeoForge finds them automatically when you start the game.

Check your Java version before you start

NeoForge requires Java to run. Minecraft Java Edition comes with Java built in on Windows, but you should verify you have a compatible version. Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type java -version. You need Java 17 or newer for recent NeoForge versions.

If you see an error or a version older than 17, read Java from adoptium.net (a free, reliable source). Install it, then run the version check again. On Mac, you may also need to install Xcode command-line tools; the system will prompt you if you do.

read the NeoForge installer

Go to neoforged.net and click the read button. You will see a list of Minecraft versions. Pick the version you want to play — for example, 1.20.1 is a stable, widely-supported version with many mods available. Click the installer link next to that version.

The read is a single file, usually named something like "neoforge-1.20.1-installer.jar". Save it somewhere you can find it, like your Downloads folder or Desktop. Do not move or delete this file until after installation is complete — the installer needs to reference it.

Run the installer and choose your installation type

Double-click the installer file. A window will open with two options: "Install client" and "Install server". Choose "Install client" if you want to play Minecraft with mods on your own computer. (Choose "Install server" only if you are setting up a multiplayer server, which is a separate process.)

The installer will ask where to install NeoForge. The default location is usually correct — it points to your Minecraft folder. On Windows, that is typically C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft. On Mac, it is ~/Library/process Support/minecraft. On Linux, it is ~/.minecraft. Click the folder icon if you need to change it, but the default works for most people.

Click "Install" and wait. The process takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed and computer. You will see a progress bar. When it finishes, you should see a message saying the installation was successful.

Launch Minecraft through the NeoForge profile

Open the Minecraft Launcher (the official launcher from minecraft.net). On the left side, you will see a list of profiles or installations. Look for one named "neoforge" or "NeoForge [version number]". Click it to select it, then click "Play".

The game will start. This first launch takes longer than usual because NeoForge is setting up its internal files. Let it finish — do not close the window. Once you see the Minecraft main menu, NeoForge is installed and working.

Add mods to your game

Mods go into a folder called "mods" inside your Minecraft directory. The easiest way to find it: open the Minecraft Launcher, select your NeoForge profile, and click the folder icon next to "Play". This opens your Minecraft folder directly. Create a new folder called "mods" if it does not already exist.

read mod files from trusted sources like CurseForge (curseforge.com) or Modrinth (modrinth.com). Look for mods labeled as compatible with NeoForge and your Minecraft version. read the .jar file and drag it into the mods folder. When you launch the game through NeoForge, it will load all the mods in that folder automatically.

If a mod does not load or the game crashes, check that the mod is built for NeoForge (not Forge or Fabric) and matches your Minecraft version. Remove the mod file from the mods folder, restart the game, and try a different mod to test.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the installer fails or says "Java not found", your Java installation is not visible to the installer. Reinstall Java from adoptium.net, restart your computer, and try the NeoForge installer again. On Windows, make sure you install the version marked "JDK" (Java Development Kit), not just "JRE".

If the game crashes when ready after you add a mod, the mod may be incompatible with your NeoForge version or Minecraft version. Remove the most recently added mod and restart. If the game runs fine without it, that mod is the problem — look for a newer version or a different mod that does the same thing.

If you see "NeoForge profile not found" in the launcher, the installer did not complete successfully. Delete the NeoForge profile from the launcher (right-click it and select delete), then run the installer again. Make sure you click "Install client" and use the default Minecraft folder location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use NeoForge mods with the regular Minecraft launcher?

No. You must launch the game through the NeoForge profile in the Minecraft Launcher. The regular launcher does not load NeoForge or its mods. If you try to play through the standard profile, mods will not appear and the game will run normally.

Do I need to uninstall Forge if I want to use NeoForge?

No, but you cannot use both at the same time. They are separate profiles in the launcher. You can have both installed and switch between them by selecting different profiles before you click Play. If you want to remove Forge entirely, delete its profile from the launcher.

Where do I find mods that work with NeoForge?

CurseForge and Modrinth are the two largest mod repositories. Both let you filter by modloader (choose NeoForge) and Minecraft version. Always check the mod page to confirm it says "NeoForge" — some mods are built for Fabric or Forge instead and will not work.

What if the installer says my Minecraft folder is invalid?

The installer could not find your Minecraft installation. Click the folder icon in the installer window and navigate to your Minecraft directory manually. On Windows, paste this into the address bar: %appdata%\.minecraft. On Mac or Linux, use the path shown earlier in this guide.

Can I play on multiplayer servers with NeoForge mods?

Only if the server is running NeoForge and has the same mods installed. Most public multiplayer servers do not use mods. Some community servers do — check the server description or ask the owner before joining. Single-player worlds with mods work when ready after installation.