---
title: "How to Set Up Minecraft Forge & Download Mods in Prism Launcher"
description: "Step-by-step walkthrough for creating a Minecraft Forge instance (1.1 – 1.20.1+), installing Built-in Forge API, and adding mods in Prism Launcher."
canonical: https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/minecraft-forge-setup-and-mods-guide
updated: 2026-10-17
---

# How to Set Up Minecraft Forge in Prism Launcher

Complete setup checklist for Minecraft Forge on Windows: version selection, Built-in Forge API, and shader/mod installation.

## Facts (2026-10-17)

- **Target Loader:** Minecraft Forge
- **Supported Versions:** 1.1 – 1.20.1+
- **Required Library:** Built-in Forge API

## Step-by-step Minecraft Forge instance creation

1. Launch Prism Launcher (available at [/download](https://prismlauncher.ink/download)) and click **Add Instance** on the top toolbar.
2. Pick your target Minecraft version (1.1 – 1.20.1+) and select [Minecraft Forge](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/minecraft-forge) under the Mod Loader section, then click **OK**.
3. Right-click the new instance → **Edit** → **Mods** → **Download mods** and install `Built-in Forge API` along with your favorite mods.

## Verifying Java and RAM before first launch

Open the **Settings** tab inside Edit Instance to confirm your Java installation matches the Minecraft version and set Maximum Memory to 4096 MiB (or 6144–8192 MiB for heavy mod lists).

If a newly added mod causes a crash, untick it in the **Mods** list without deleting the JAR file to test cleanly.

## FAQ

### Do I need to install Built-in Forge API manually?

When you use Prism Launcher's built-in **Download mods** browser, it automatically flags and queues required dependencies like Built-in Forge API.

### Can I add shaders to this loader?

Yes. Install Iris Shaders (for Fabric/NeoForge) or Oculus (for Forge 1.20.1) in the Mods tab, then add your shaderpack ZIP in the Shader Packs tab.

## Related

- [Minecraft Forge in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/minecraft-forge)
- [Prism Launcher Mod Loaders](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders)
- [How to Install Shaders (Iris + Complementary / BSL) in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/howto/how-to-install-shaders-iris-complementary-prism)
- [Prism Launcher Instance Management](https://prismlauncher.ink/instances)
- [Fabric Loader in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/fabric-loader)

## Download

Free and open source: [Download Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/download)

Markdown mirror: https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/minecraft-forge-setup-and-mods-guide.md