---
title: How to Install Forge on Your Minecraft Server
description: Installing Forge is the first step to using mods on your Minecraft server. This guide walks you through the full setup, including download instructions, file uploads, and version selection.
source: "https://nodecraft.com/support/games/minecraft/mods/how-to-install-forge-on-your-minecraft-server"
image: "https://dynamic-assets.nodecraft.com/signedurl/w7vokBAexMnVlnMZ1Q/image.jpg?modifications=W3sibmFtZSI6ImdhbWVfYmciLCJpbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ntcy1hLm5vZGVjcmFmdC5jb20vZi8xMzM5MzIvMjAwMHg1NTAvZGNiMGFkNjkzOC9jYXZlcy1hbmQtY2xpZmZzLXB0LTItMS0yLTAucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiZ2FtZV9sb2dvIiwiaW1hZ2VfdXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbXMtYS5ub2RlY3JhZnQuY29tL2YvMTMzOTMyLzM3NXgxNTAvM2MxZGIyYmFiNS9taW5lY3JhZnQucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiY3RhX3RleHQiLCJ0ZXh0IjoiQ3JlYXRlIHlvdXIgb3duIHNlcnZlciEifSx7Im5hbWUiOiJ0ZXh0IiwidGV4dCI6IkhvdyB0byBJbnN0YWxsIEZvcmdlIG9uIFlvdXIgTWluZWNyYWZ0IFNlcnZlciJ9XQ&s=27d270edd329c7d9bf8d5c65ff561bbe6ea384f0906809ddd82d0378d0e0774b"
published: "2025-07-22T04:15:05.049Z"
updated: "2025-07-22T04:20:30.862Z"
---

# How to Install Forge on Your Minecraft Server

Installing Forge is the first step to using mods on your Minecraft server. This guide walks you through the full setup, including download instructions, file uploads, and version selection.

If you want to use a custom list of mods on your Minecraft server, installing Forge is the first step. Forge is a modloader that makes it possible to add custom content to your game, from new blocks and items to entirely new mechanics. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full installation process, from downloading the correct version to getting it set up and ready to use.

## Using the One-Click Installer

1. Navigate to your Nodecraft Dashboard.
2. Click the **Panel **button for your Minecraft server.
3. Locate and click **Installer**, under Server Files, in the menu on the left side.
4. Enter **Forge **in the Search box. The results will update automatically as you type. This is the modpack you’re looking for:

  ![Logo featuring a stylized white anvil on the left and the word "FORGE" in bold, tan letters on a dark background.](https://cms-a.nodecraft.com/f/133932/334x163/4b26914f0c/forge_1.png/m/)
5. In the **Selected to be Installed** box, choose the desired version of Forge you want to install.
6. For the Install Method, choose between **Archive** and **Fresh Install**, then click **Install** at the bottom.
7. Once the installation is complete, **start **your server.
8. After the server has been started the first time, you’ll have a mods folder where you can upload mods for your server to run.

## Manually Uploading the Files

1. Navigate to [https://files.minecraftforge.net/net/minecraftforge/forge/](https://files.minecraftforge.net/net/minecraftforge/forge)
2. Minecraft mod releases are specific to Minecraft versions, so find the Minecraft version you’re targeting in the list on the left side.
3. Download the recommended installer for the version you’ve selected (1). If a recommended download is not available, download the latest (2).

  ![Minecraft Forge download page for version 1.16.5, showing options for the latest and recommended installers.](https://cms-a.nodecraft.com/f/133932/1270x916/9639a245bb/forge_2.png/m/1000x0/smart)
4. Save the JAR file and run it to open the Forge installer.
5. Select **Install Server **(1) then choose an empty folder somewhere you can easily access (2), such as your desktop or Downloads folder, then hit **OK** (3).

  ![Forge Installer window with options: Install client, Install server, Extract, Offline Installer. Path input and OK/Cancel buttons visible.](https://cms-a.nodecraft.com/f/133932/315x318/5ec8633396/forge_3.png/m/)
6. The installer will begin downloading and installing the necessary files to run a Forge server in the folder you specified.
7. Navigate to your Nodecraft Dashboard.
8. Click the **Panel **button for your Minecraft server.
9. Locate and click **Server Files** in the menu on the left side.
10. Click **Upload** at the top, then drag the Forge files from your computer into the server.

  **Note: Wait until the upload is complete before closing the popup.**
11. Once uploaded, click **Server Settings** on the left side, then click the **Java** tab.
12. Under **Server Jar**, select the Forge jar that you just uploaded.
13. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click **Submit** to save your changes.
14. **Start **the server, and now you have Forge installed!

## Need Help?

If you have questions or run into any issues, our support team is here to help! Reach out using the support widget on our website or visit our [support center](https://nodecraft.com/support) for further assistance.