How to install Forge on a Minecraft server
Hostd installs Forge for you in one click. Pick the loader at order time or switch an existing server from the Settings tab.
Hostd installs Forge for you. You do not need to download the Forge installer, run it, edit run.bat, or chase the right Java version. Pick Forge at order time or switch an existing server, and the loader is ready on first boot.
At order time
On the Configure page for Minecraft Java, toggle Modded and pick Forge (or NeoForge, the maintained fork) under loader. The version selector defaults to the recommended Forge build for the Minecraft version you chose. Finish checkout and the server provisions with Forge already on it; drop mods into Files → /data/mods and restart.
On an existing server
Dashboard → your server → Settings → Loader. Switch from Vanilla (or Paper) to Forge. Pick the Forge build, save, and restart. We swap the server jar, leave your world and configs intact, and the next boot is on Forge. If you are coming from a Paper or Spigot setup, your plugins under /data/plugins will stop loading; Forge does not run Bukkit plugins. Take a backup before switching (Taking a manual backup).
Picking the right Forge version
Forge releases multiple builds per Minecraft version: latest (newest), recommended (most stable), and older pinned builds. Match the build to the mods you plan to install; a mod's CurseForge or Modrinth page lists the exact Forge version it supports.
NeoForge is the community fork that took over active maintenance after the 1.20 era. If you are installing a 1.20.4 or 1.21+ modpack, NeoForge is almost certainly what it uses; the dashboard selector lists both.
Mods folder
Drop .jar files into Files → /data/mods. Restart the server to load them. If a mod is for a different loader (Fabric mod on a Forge server) or a different Minecraft version, it will fail to load and you will see it called out in the console; remove or rename the file to .jar.disabled and restart.
Memory
Forge needs more memory than vanilla. Even a light Forge install on Vanilla (3 GB) will struggle; Modded (6 GB) is the practical floor. Heavy packs (ATM, FTB Skies, RLCraft) want Heavy (10 GB). See allocating more RAM for the upgrade flow.
Where to go next
- Install a Modrinth or CurseForge modpack if you want a pack rather than mods one at a time.
- Install Fabric on a server for the lighter, faster alternative loader.
Last updated 2026-05-23. Notice a mistake? Tell us.