What Java do I need for Minecraft Forge?

To run Minecraft Forge, you need to have Java 17 installed on your computer, as it is the required Java Development Kit (JDK) version for Minecraft Forge to function properly. The Java 17 version is necessary for Minecraft versions 1.18 and higher, and it is recommended to use a 64-bit Java Virtual Machine (JVM), such as Eclipse Temurin, for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What Java version is required for Minecraft 1.12.2? Minecraft versions 1.12 through 1.17 require Java 8 (1.8.0) or newer to run, while Java 17 is required for Minecraft version 1.18 and up.
2. Can Minecraft 1.12.2 use Java 17? No, Java 8 is required to run Minecraft versions 1.12 through 1.17, while Java 17 is required for Minecraft version 1.18 and up.
3. Do I need Java to run Forge? Yes, Minecraft Forge requires Java to be installed on your computer, so you need to install Java before beginning the download.

Installing and Running Java

4. How to install Java 8? To install Java 8, you can download it from the Oracle’s Java official website, then run the installer, and follow the custom setup and installation process.
5. How do I know what version of Java I have? You can find the Java version in the Java Control Panel, under the General tab, in the About section.
6. Do I need to download Java to run Forge? Yes, Minecraft Forge only works for Minecraft: Java Edition, and you need to have Java installed on your computer to run it.

Java Versions and Compatibility

7. What is the difference between JDK and JRE? JDK (Java Development Kit) is the base software system that needs to be installed on an operating system if you want to program in Java, and it comes with JRE (Java Runtime Environment).
8. Do I need JDK or JRE for Minecraft mods? You need to have JDK 17 installed to work properly with Minecraft Modding, and JRE is included in the JDK installer.
9. Can I run Java 11 in JDK 17? Yes, Java 17 is mostly backwards-compatible with older Java versions, so existing modules will continue to work regardless of the compiler version used to create the module.

Troubleshooting and Performance

10. Why is my Java not working in Forge? It is likely that your present Java is outdated or too new, so you might need to upgrade or downgrade your Java to fix the issue.
11. How to fix broken Java? You can try closing all browser windows, then reopening any web pages that require Java, or restarting your system if the issue persists.
12. Should you use Java 17? Yes, Java 17 improves performance, readability, simplicity, and pattern-matching integration, making it a good choice for developers.

Minecraft Forge and Mods

13. Do I need Forge for mods? Yes, you need a mod loader like Forge or Fabric to run most Minecraft mods, as they make mods work in the first place.
14. What is the best Forge version in Minecraft? The best Java Minecraft version for mods can vary, but a widely recommended version for modding is Minecraft Forge for Minecraft version 1.12.2.
15. What is the difference between Curseforge and Forge? Forge is mod loader software, while Curseforge is a website that hosts mods, modpacks, and other Minecraft-related content.