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Minecraft

How to Install Mods, Add-Ons, and Shaders in Minecraft Java and Bedrock

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Start by checking which edition you play: Java Edition uses independently developed mods and shader loaders, while Bedrock Edition uses add-ons that you activate in a world. Java mod and shader steps depend on the game version, loader, and launcher profile; Bedrock add-ons are managed through world settings or the Marketplace.

First, identify your Minecraft edition

Java Edition is the PC version for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a community ecosystem of third-party mods. Bedrock Edition spans PC, console, and mobile platforms, and supports Marketplace content and add-ons. The available installation routes vary by platform, so check the current edition and device support in Minecraft’s Java and Bedrock comparison.

What you want to install Edition and route Where it is managed
Gameplay changes or other community modifications Java Edition; third-party mod and loader, with compatibility depending on the game version The loader’s profile or instance and its active mods folder
Shaders Java Edition; a shader loader such as Iris plus a separate shader pack Minecraft video settings and the shader-pack menu or folder
Extra content such as blocks, items, mobs, or recipes Bedrock Edition; an add-on enabled as a resource pack or behavior pack The settings for a new or existing world, or a Realm
Purchased or subscription content Bedrock Edition; Marketplace library Marketplace > My Library

Install Java Edition mods

Choose files for your version and loader

Java mods are made available through third-party websites, not through a universal Mojang installation system. Minecraft Help says Mojang Studios does not create, review, or endorse them, and advises treating them with the same precautions as other independently developed software. Research the source and check that a mod matches both your Minecraft version and the loader you intend to use. The precise installation steps depend on that loader, launcher, and whether you use a separate game instance.

When a loader’s instructions call for a mods directory, use the folder belonging to the active Minecraft installation or instance—not a different profile’s folder. Common default paths are:

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Those paths are not a universal installer: a launcher or instance manager may use a different game directory. Follow the loader’s current directions and confirm the profile points to the folder where you placed the mods.

Know the support and failure risks

Third-party modifications can add or remove content, alter gameplay, cause malfunctions, or make the game unplayable. Minecraft Help states that Minecraft Support cannot assist with problems arising from mod use. If a profile stops working after adding a mod, remove or disable the recently added files in that profile and consult the mod or loader’s own documentation; avoid changing files in another instance by mistake.

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Install shaders in Java Edition with Iris

Iris is a Java shader loader; it is not itself a shader pack. You need a compatible pack separately, and the Iris guide does not vet particular packs or download sites. Its installation documentation was last updated December 8, 2022, so check the current Iris release, supported Minecraft version, and interface labels before following version-specific steps.

  1. Choose an installation route. For standalone use, run the Iris universal installer and choose a Minecraft version. For a Fabric setup that also uses Fabric mods, install Iris through Fabric and place compatible Fabric mods in the active instance’s mods directory.
  2. Launch the correct profile. For the standalone route, select the resulting Iris profile in your launcher. For Fabric, select the Fabric profile that includes Iris.
  3. Add a shader pack. In Minecraft, open Video Settings and go to the Shader Packs tab. Drag the pack into the menu or open the shader-pack folder and place it there, then refresh the list if needed.
  4. Select the pack. Choose it from the Shader Packs list. If it does not appear or load, check that the pack and Iris support your Minecraft version and that you added it to the shader-pack folder for the profile you launched.

See the IrisShaders installation guide for its documented workflow.

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Activate Bedrock add-ons in a world

Bedrock add-ons may be enabled as resource packs or behavior packs. Minecraft Help describes add-ons as content that can introduce features such as custom blocks, items, mobs, and recipes. The activation path depends on whether you are setting up a new world, changing a single-player world, or updating a Realm.

New single-player world

  1. Launch Minecraft and select Play, then create a new world.
  2. Open the Marketplace content or the Create from screen, and choose Resource packs or Behavior packs.
  3. On the Available tab, activate the add-on you want.
  4. Create the world.

Existing single-player world

  1. Select Play and select the pencil icon beside the world.
  2. Open Resource packs or Behavior packs.
  3. On the Available tab, activate the add-on, then return to play the world.

Realm

  1. Open Play > Realms, choose the Realm, and open Settings.
  2. Select the world slot, choose Edit World, then open Resource Packs or Behavior Packs under Add-Ons.
  3. Activate the add-on and confirm the changes.
  4. Return and wait for the world upload to finish before joining.

Players who connect to a Realm automatically download and apply the add-ons enabled on that Realm. See Minecraft Help’s add-on instructions if the current interface differs from these labels.

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Download Bedrock Marketplace content

For content you have acquired, open Bedrock and go to Marketplace > My Library. Find it under Owned or Marketplace Pass, then choose the available action: Download, Create this World, or Equip. Purchased Marketplace content can be downloaded to your device after purchase.

Marketplace Pass access is conditional: the content must remain in the subscription catalog, your subscription must be active, and you must be signed into the account used to obtain it. For the official steps, see Minecraft Help’s Marketplace download instructions.

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Which route should you use?

Choose according to your edition, device, and the kind of content you want. Java provides a third-party mod ecosystem and a separate loader-and-pack route for shaders; that flexibility also means checking compatibility and handling independently developed software. Bedrock’s supported route is to obtain add-ons through the available content channels and activate them at the world level. Neither approach is universally better: platform availability, desired content, installation complexity, and support differ.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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