---
title: "NeoForge in Prism Launcher — Installation & Mod Setup"
description: "How to install and update NeoForge (1.20.1 – 1.21.4+) in Prism Launcher on Windows. Core dependency: Built-in NeoForge API."
canonical: https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/neoforge-loader
updated: 2026-10-17
---

# NeoForge in Prism Launcher

The modern community-driven successor to Minecraft Forge for 1.20.4 and 1.21+, supported natively in Prism Launcher's Version tab. Supports Minecraft 1.20.1 – 1.21.4+.

## Facts (2026-10-17)

- **Mod Loader:** NeoForge
- **Minecraft Versions:** 1.20.1 – 1.21.4+
- **Core Dependency:** Built-in NeoForge API
- **Best For:** Modern heavy tech/magic modpacks (All the Mods 10, Create, Mekanism) on Minecraft 1.20.4 and 1.21+

## Installing NeoForge in two clicks

The modern community-driven successor to Minecraft Forge for 1.20.4 and 1.21+, supported natively in Prism Launcher's Version tab.

In Prism Launcher, you never need to download a separate loader installer JAR from a browser. Right-click your instance, select **Edit** → **Version**, and click **Install NeoForge** on the right-hand sidebar.

## Adding mods and dependencies

- **Core requirement:** Built-in NeoForge API. Open the **Mods** tab and click **Download mods** to grab dependencies from Modrinth or CurseForge.
- **Best use cases:** Modern heavy tech/magic modpacks (All the Mods 10, Create, Mekanism) on Minecraft 1.20.4 and 1.21+.
- **Get the launcher:** Download the Windows installer or portable build at [/download](https://prismlauncher.ink/download).

## FAQ

### How do I update NeoForge to a newer version in Prism Launcher?

Open Edit Instance → Version, select the loader row, and click **Change version** on the right sidebar to pick the latest build.

### Why did my NeoForge instance exit with code 1?

Check that your Java version matches your Minecraft version (Java 21 for 1.20.5+, Java 17 for 1.18–1.20.4, Java 8 for 1.16.5 and older) under [Java Settings](https://prismlauncher.ink/java).

## Related

- [Prism Launcher Mod Loaders](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders)
- [Complete Minecraft Java Version Chart (Java 8, Java 17 & Java 21)](https://prismlauncher.ink/java/which-java-version-for-each-minecraft-version)
- [Prism Launcher Modpacks & Mod Downloader](https://prismlauncher.ink/modpacks)
- [How to Fix Minecraft Exit Code 1 & Exit Code -1 in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/howto/fix-minecraft-exit-code-1-prism-launcher)
- [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/neoforge-loader.md