How to Install Minecraft Modpacks on Your PC

Installing modpacks on your PC allows you to transform your Minecraft experience with curated collections of mods, custom configurations, and new gameplay mechanics. This guide covers the most popular methods for installing modpacks using dedicated launchers that handle all the technical setup for you.

Choosing a Modpack Launcher

Several launchers make installing modpacks simple by automatically downloading and configuring all required mods and dependencies. The most popular options are:

• CurseForge - The largest modpack library with thousands of packs for Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge.
• Modrinth - A modern, open-source alternative with a clean interface and fast downloads.
• ATLauncher - A long-standing launcher with support for many legacy and custom modpacks.
• Prism Launcher - An advanced open-source launcher with multi-instance support.

This guide focuses on CurseForge and Modrinth as they are the most beginner-friendly options.

Installing Modpacks with CurseForge

Downloading the CurseForge Launcher

1. Visit the CurseForge website and navigate to the Download App section.
2. Download the launcher for Windows, Linux or macOS depending on your OS and run the installer.
3. Complete the installation and launch the CurseForge app.
4. Log in with your account or create a new one to access modpack features.

Installing a Modpack

1. In the CurseForge launcher, select Minecraft from the game list.
2. Click Browse Modpacks to view the available modpacks.
3. Use the search bar or filters to find a modpack. You can filter by Minecraft version, mod loader (Forge, Fabric, NeoForge), and category.
4. Click on a modpack to view its description, mod list, and system requirements.
5. Click Install to begin downloading the modpack. The launcher will automatically download Minecraft, the mod loader, and all required mods.
6. Once installation is complete, click Play to launch the modpack.

The first launch may take a few minutes as Minecraft generates the necessary files and loads all the mods.

Installing Modpacks with Modrinth

Downloading the Modrinth App

1. Visit the Modrinth website and click Download App.
2. Download the launcher for your operating system and run the installer.
3. Launch the Modrinth app and log in or skip to browse as a guest.

Installing a Modpack

1. In the Modrinth app, navigate to the Browse section.
2. Select Modpacks from the content type filters.
3. Search for a modpack or browse by category, Minecraft version, or mod loader.
4. Click on a modpack to view details and click Install.
5. Choose the Minecraft version and any optional mods if prompted.
6. Click Create to install the modpack. Modrinth will download all required files automatically.
7. Once ready, select the modpack from your library and click Play.

Installing Modpacks Manually

If you have a modpack zip file that is not available on a launcher, you can install it manually:

1. Download and install the Prism Launcher or another multi-instance launcher.
2. In the launcher, click Add Instance and select Import from zip.
3. Browse to your downloaded modpack zip file and select it.
4. The launcher will extract and configure the modpack automatically.
5. Launch the modpack from your instance list.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Insufficient memory error. Most modpacks require more RAM than vanilla Minecraft. Allocate at least 4-6 GB of RAM in your launcher settings. Navigate to the modpack settings and increase the Memory slider.
• Missing Java version. Some modpacks require specific Java versions. Minecraft 1.17+ requires Java 17 or higher. Most launchers will download the correct Java version automatically.
• Mods failing to load. Ensure you are using the correct mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge) that matches the modpack. Check the modpack description for requirements.
• Slow download speeds. If downloads are slow, try changing the download region in your launcher settings or use a wired internet connection.