To install CurseForge on a Windows PC, download it from the official CurseForge download page, choose either the standalone or Overwolf version, run the installer, and then configure your game. For Minecraft, the modding workflow described here is for Minecraft Java Edition, not Bedrock Edition.
Before installing CurseForge
You need:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11. CurseForge also has separate macOS 11+ and Linux versions, but this guide covers Windows.
- An internet connection.
- Permission to download and run an installer.
- A supported game if you want CurseForge to manage that game.
CurseForge is a desktop app and content platform for finding, installing, updating, and managing mods, addons, and modpacks. It is not the game itself, a replacement for Minecraft ownership, or a universal mod loader.
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For Minecraft modpacks, Java may be required when launching the pack. The required Java runtime depends on the Minecraft version, launcher, and modpack, so installing one Java version does not guarantee that every pack will use it. See CurseForge’s Minecraft troubleshooting guidance if a pack reports a Java problem.
Choose between Standalone and Overwolf
| Version | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone CurseForge | A simpler, lighter mod manager without the Overwolf platform | It may not provide Overwolf-specific in-game features and supports a narrower set of games |
| Overwolf CurseForge | Users who want Overwolf integration, in-game functionality, or support for a game available only in that edition | Adds the Overwolf platform and may show additional setup or permissions prompts |
For most beginners who mainly want to manage Minecraft, choose Download standalone. Choose Download on Overwolf if you specifically need Overwolf features or your game requires that edition. The official page describes standalone as lightweight and the Overwolf version as offering in-game features; it does not establish precise performance or memory differences.
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- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
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Download CurseForge from the official website
- Open https://www.curseforge.com/download/app.
- Check that the address is on curseforge.com. Avoid download mirrors, bundled installers, cracked software, and search advertisements imitating the brand.
- Under the Windows options, select Download standalone or Download on Overwolf.
The basic app download and ordinary mod-management workflow are free. CurseForge Premium is optional and is not required to install the app, create profiles, or manage normal mods.
Install CurseForge on Windows
- Open the downloaded installer from your browser’s download list or the Windows Downloads folder.
- Approve the Windows security or User Account Control prompt if one appears.
- Follow the installer’s instructions and allow the installation to finish.
- Launch CurseForge from the final installer screen or from the Windows Start menu.
Installer filenames, folder locations, consent screens, and button labels can change between releases. If the installer does not start, use the recovery steps below rather than downloading an installer from another website.
Set up your game
CurseForge normally detects supported games and their installations automatically. If your game is missing:
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- Open CurseForge settings.
- Click the + button.
- Choose Scan computer for games.
- If scanning does not work, choose Manually add a game and browse to the game’s main installation folder.
Exact menu labels may vary by app release. The current setup process is documented in CurseForge’s getting-started guide.
Set up Minecraft Java Edition
CurseForge’s Minecraft modding workflow applies to Java Edition. Java mods and loaders such as Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt do not work with Minecraft Bedrock Edition.
- Select Minecraft in CurseForge.
- Choose the standard modding-folder setup unless you have a reason to customize it.
- Use the default Windows location:
C:Users[user]curseforgeminecraftCurseForge creates a dedicated modding environment and game installation for its Minecraft profiles, so Minecraft does not necessarily have to be installed before you configure the folder. You still need valid Minecraft game access and a Microsoft account to play.
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- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
When creating or editing a profile, choose the correct Minecraft version and mod loader:
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- Fabric
- NeoForge
- Quilt
- Vanilla, for the unmodded game
Keep separate profiles for different Minecraft versions, loaders, modpacks, and experimental collections. A mod made for one version or loader may not work with another, and mixing incompatible content is a common cause of launch failures.
Install your first modpack
From inside the CurseForge app
- Open Browse.
- Choose Modpacks from the content-type menu.
- Filter by Minecraft version, mod loader, category, or another available filter.
- Open the modpack you want.
- Click Install.
- Wait for the installation to finish, then find the pack under My Modpacks.
Before installing, check the pack’s Minecraft version and loader. A pack that requires Fabric should not be installed into a Forge profile, for example.
Install a mod into a profile
- Search for the mod in CurseForge.
- Click Install.
- If you are creating a profile, allow CurseForge to identify a compatible Minecraft version and loader.
- Name the profile and create it.
- Use the profile’s content-management controls to add additional compatible mods.
Install from the CurseForge website
- Open the mod or modpack on the CurseForge website.
- Click Install.
- When the browser asks to open CurseForge, click Open.
- The desktop app should open and begin the installation.
Only compatible projects can be installed through the app. Some creators host their content elsewhere, so not every mod or addon is available on CurseForge.
Launch your profile or modpack
After installation, open the profile or modpack in CurseForge and select its launch option. CurseForge supports launching through the classic/Mojang Minecraft launcher, the Microsoft Store launcher, or the CurseForge launcher after Microsoft and Minecraft authentication.
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For beginners, retaining the normal Minecraft launcher is usually the safest default. If the profile fails to launch through CurseForge, try switching from Use CurseForge launcher to the Mojang or Microsoft launcher.
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Fix common CurseForge problems
The installer will not launch
- Download it again from the official CurseForge download page.
- Check whether antivirus software quarantined or removed the installer.
- Try downloading directly through a normal browser rather than a download manager.
- If you selected Overwolf, use the official Overwolf troubleshooter.
- If the problem continues, contact CurseForge or Overwolf support and include the requested logs.
Antivirus or firewall blocks the app
Security software can prevent CurseForge or Overwolf from connecting to its servers. Allow the relevant app through your firewall or security software if you trust the installation, but do not permanently disable antivirus protection.
“Missing required disk permissions for installation”
Open the app menu and choose Repair folder permissions. If Windows still prevents access, select a folder your account can read, write, and modify.
“Failed to create Minecraft directories” or “Access violation”
These errors commonly indicate that CurseForge cannot write to the selected folder. Avoid Desktop, OneDrive, the ordinary vanilla .minecraft folder, drive roots such as C:, and paths containing unusual or non-English characters. As a recovery option, choose a simple folder such as:
C:CurseForgeUse the Advanced setup option to select it, and confirm that your Windows account has full read/write access.
“Failed to download file” or “Error Code 0”
Use the profile or modpack menu and choose Repair installation. Also check your internet connection, firewall, and antivirus software. Do not assume this error is caused by Java alone.
A modpack will not launch
- Open the modpack menu and choose Repair installation.
- Try launching again.
- If it still fails, switch from the CurseForge launcher to the Mojang or Microsoft launcher.
- Check that the pack’s Minecraft version, loader, Java runtime, and installed mods are compatible.
- Submit logs to support if the problem continues.
“Play Demo” appears instead of “Play”
This usually indicates a Minecraft account-login problem. Log out of CurseForge or the selected launcher, log in again, and confirm that you are using the Microsoft account with Minecraft access.
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A mod or addon is missing
The project may still be pending moderation, may be hosted by its creator elsewhere, may belong to another game, or may not support the Minecraft version and loader selected for your profile.
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Disable hardware acceleration as an advanced troubleshooting step. In Overwolf, use its General settings. For standalone CurseForge, the support documentation lists this shortcut argument:
--disableHardwareAccelerationIs CurseForge Premium required?
No. Premium is optional. On August 18, 2026, CurseForge listed a monthly plan at $2.99/month and an annual plan at $30/year, displayed as $2.50 per month with “Save 16%.” Advertised benefits included ad-free use, instant downloads, premium themes, and enhanced author support. Prices and benefits can change; none is required for installing CurseForge or managing ordinary mods.
When another launcher may be better
CurseForge is a good fit when your game and desired projects are supported by its ecosystem. Consider Modrinth App if your preferred projects are hosted on Modrinth, or Prism Launcher if you want advanced Minecraft instance, account, and mod management. Prism can interface with both Modrinth and CurseForge, but may be less beginner-friendly. Minecraft Bedrock users or players whose content is not hosted on CurseForge may need a different solution.
Uninstalling CurseForge
Close CurseForge and Overwolf, if installed, then open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Find CurseForge, or Overwolf for the Overwolf edition, select the three-dot menu, and choose Uninstall. Removing the app does not necessarily remove your Minecraft profiles or modding folder; back up any saves or profiles you want to keep before deleting those folders manually.
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