Forge Server Installer Guide 2026: Linux and Windows Setup

Forge Server Installer Guide 2026: Linux and Windows Setup

Run java -jar forge-installer.jar --installServer to install the Forge server. This guide covers the full process for Linux VPS servers and Windows, including which Forge version to pick and how to configure startup flags.

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Pick the Right Forge Version

Go to https://files.minecraftforge.net and select your Minecraft version. You will see two options:

• Recommended - stable, well-tested, safe for production servers
• Latest - newest build, may have bugs

Always use the Recommended build unless your modpack requires a specific version number.

Note: For Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer, most modpacks use NeoForge instead of Forge. Check your modpack requirements before downloading.

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Installing Forge on Linux

Step 1: Install Java

Forge 1.21+ requires Java 21. Forge 1.18/1.16 requires Java 17 or 11.

apt update && apt install -y openjdk-21-jdk
java -version

Step 2: Download the Installer

mkdir minecraft-server && cd minecraft-server
wget https://maven.minecraftforge.net/net/minecraftforge/forge/1.21.1-47.3.0/forge-1.21.1-47.3.0-installer.jar

Get the exact URL from files.minecraftforge.net for your version.

Step 3: Run the Server Installer

java -jar forge-1.21.1-47.3.0-installer.jar --installServer

This downloads all required libraries and creates server files. Takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Accept the EULA

echo "eula=true" > eula.txt

Step 5: Configure JVM Flags

The installer creates run.sh and user_jvm_args.txt. Edit user_jvm_args.txt:

-Xms2G
-Xmx8G
-XX:+UseG1GC
-XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled
-XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200
-XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions
-XX:+DisableExplicitGC
-XX:+AlwaysPreTouch
-XX:G1NewSizePercent=30
-XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40
-XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M
-XX:G1ReservePercent=20
-XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5
-XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4
-XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15
-XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90

These are Aikar's Flags - the recommended JVM arguments for all Forge servers.

Step 6: Start the Server

chmod +x run.sh
./run.sh

For background operation:

screen -S minecraft
./run.sh
# Detach with Ctrl+A, D

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Installing Forge on Windows

Step 1: Install Java 21

Download Eclipse Temurin 21 from adoptium.net.

Step 2: Download the Installer

Go to files.minecraftforge.net, select your version, and click Installer.

Step 3: Run the Installer

cd C:\minecraft-server
java -jar forge-1.21.1-47.3.0-installer.jar --installServer

Step 4: Accept the EULA

Create eula.txt in the server folder:

eula=true

Step 5: Start the Server

Double-click run.bat or run it from Command Prompt:

run.bat

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Server Folder Structure After Installation

minecraft-server/
├── libraries/           # Forge libraries (do not delete)
├── mods/                # Place your mod .jar files here
├── config/              # Mod configuration files
├── world/               # World data
├── server.properties    # Server settings
├── eula.txt
├── run.sh / run.bat
└── user_jvm_args.txt    # JVM flags

To add mods: drop .jar files into the mods/ folder and restart.

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Common Forge Installer Errors

"Unable to access jarfile" The path or filename is wrong. Confirm the file exists with ls.

Java version mismatch Run java -version to check. Forge 1.21+ needs Java 21.

Libraries download failure Internet connection issue. Check firewall rules allow access to maven.minecraftforge.net.

Server crashes on startup Check logs/latest.log or crash-reports/ folder for mod conflicts.

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Forge vs NeoForge: Which Installer to Use?

For 1.20.2+, download NeoForge from neoforged.net. The install steps are identical to Forge.

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RAM Requirements

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