Java 8 (64-Bit 1.8.0) for Minecraft 1.7.10, 1.12.2 & 1.16.5
Older Forge versions on 1.7.10, 1.12.2, and 1.16.5 rely on Java 8 reflection internals and will crash with Exit Code 1 if launched on Java 17 or Java 21. Applies to Minecraft 1.1 – 1.16.5.
Step-by-step fix for Java version mismatches and JVM launch errors on Minecraft 1.1 – 1.16.5.
If your instance on **Minecraft 1.1 – 1.16.5** exits immediately after clicking Launch, open the **Minecraft Log** tab. An `UnsupportedClassVersionError` or `Incompatible magic value` means the instance is overriding the global runtime with the wrong Java version.
Follow our Java 8 (64-Bit 1.8.0) for Minecraft 1.7.10, 1.12.2 & 1.16.5 reference to point the instance at a verified 64-bit `javaw.exe`.

You either selected a 32-bit Java installation or set Maximum Memory higher than the free physical RAM currently available on Windows.
Only enable that toggle for special backported modpacks (such as GTNH Java 17/21 builds on 1.7.10); for normal packs, switch to the matching Java version instead.
Free and open source. Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft, then create your first instance.
