The basic steps work the same way for most mods

Installing a mod means putting game files into the right folder on your computer so the game reads them when it starts. The exact steps depend on which game you're modding and which mod you're using, but the pattern is almost always: download the mod file, find your game's folder, move the mod into the correct subfolder, and launch the game. Most mods come with a text file that tells you exactly where to put them — read that first, because some games need mods in different places.

The hardest part is usually finding your game folder, not the installation itself. Once you know where that is, you're halfway done. This guide covers the most common setup for PC games, which is where the vast majority of mods exist.

Key Takeaways

  • Read the mod's included instructions before you do anything else — they tell you exactly where the files go and what you need to do first.
  • Your game folder is usually in Program Files on Windows or Applications on Mac, but some games store it elsewhere; check the game's launcher settings if you can't find it.
  • Most mods go into a "Mods" subfolder inside your game folder, but some games use different folder names like "Plugins" or "Addons" — the mod instructions will specify.
  • If a mod doesn't work after installation, the most common causes are putting files in the wrong folder, using a mod made for a different game version, or needing to load mods in a specific order.

Find your game folder on your computer

On Windows, most games live in C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\. Open File Explorer, click the C: drive on the left, then look for a folder with your game's name or the publisher's name. For example, Skyrim lives in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition if you bought it through Steam.

If you can't find it by browsing, use your game's launcher. In Steam, right-click the game title, select Properties, then Local Files, then "Browse". This opens your game folder directly. Epic Games Launcher and other platforms have the same option — look for "Browse" or "Show in folder".

On Mac, games are usually in Applications or Applications/Games. Right-click the game icon and select "Show Package Contents" to see inside the application bundle, where mod folders typically go.

Download the mod file to your computer

Mods come from websites like Nexus Mods, ModDB, or the game's official mod platform. Download the mod file — it will usually be a .zip, .rar, or .7z file, or sometimes a folder. Save it somewhere you can find it, like your Downloads folder or your Desktop.

Before you download, check two things: first, that the mod is made for your game (not a different game with a similar name), and second, that it's made for the version of the game you own. A mod for Skyrim Special Edition won't work in regular Skyrim, and a mod made for version 1.5 might not work in version 1.6. The mod page always lists which versions it supports.

If the file is compressed (.zip, .rar, or .7z), you need to extract it first. Right-click the file and select "Extract All" on Windows, or just double-click it on Mac. This creates a folder with the mod's actual files inside.

Read the mod's instructions before moving anything

Open the extracted folder and look for a file called README, README.txt, or INSTALL. This file tells you exactly where to put the mod's files. Some mods include a folder structure that you copy as-is into your game folder. Others include loose files that go directly into a specific subfolder. Following these instructions exactly is the difference between a mod that works and one that doesn't.

If there's no README file, look at the mod's page on Nexus Mods or ModDB — the description usually explains the installation steps. If you still can't figure it out, the mod's comment section often has users asking the same question, with answers from people who've installed it.

Move the mod files into your game folder

Open your game folder and look for a subfolder called Mods, Plugins, Addons, or Data — the exact name depends on the game. If that folder doesn't exist, create it. Right-click in the game folder, select New Folder, and name it whatever the mod instructions say.

Now copy the mod's files into that folder. If the mod came with its own folder (like a folder named after the mod), copy the entire folder. If it came with loose files, copy those files directly. Don't put files one level too deep or one level too shallow — the game won't find them.

A common mistake is extracting the mod, then extracting it again, which creates an extra layer of folders. If you open the extracted folder and see another folder with the same name inside, you've done this. Delete the outer folder and keep the inner one.

Launch the game and check that the mod loaded

Start the game normally. Most games show a list of loaded mods when you start a new game or load a save, usually in a menu or on the loading screen. If your mod appears in that list, it installed correctly. If it doesn't appear, the files are in the wrong place or the mod isn't compatible with your game version.

Some mods require you to enable them in a launcher before the game starts. Steam games sometimes show a "Mods" button in the game's Properties menu — click it to turn mods on. Other games have their own mod manager that you run before launching the game. Check the mod's instructions again if the mod doesn't appear after launching.

Fix a mod that isn't working

If the mod doesn't appear in your game's mod list, first check that you put the files in the right folder. Open your game folder and trace the path: Game Folder → Mods (or whatever the subfolder is called) → the mod's files. If the path is wrong, move the files to the correct location and try again.

Second, verify that the mod is made for your game version. Check the mod's page and your game's version number (usually in the game's settings or launcher). If they don't match, the mod won't load. Some mods work across multiple versions, but many don't.

Third, if you have multiple mods, they might conflict with each other or need to load in a specific order. Try disabling all other mods and launching with just this one. If it works alone, you have a conflict — check the mod's page for known conflicts or load order instructions. If it still doesn't work alone, the mod itself may be broken or incompatible with your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a mod manager to install mods?

No, but a mod manager makes it easier. Tools like Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex handle the folder structure for you and let you enable or disable mods without moving files around. For your first mod, manual installation teaches you how it actually works. After that, a manager saves time.

What's the difference between a mod and a mod pack?

A mod is a single change to the game. A mod pack is a collection of mods that someone has bundled together, usually because they work well together. Installing a mod pack is the same process — extract it and move the folder into your Mods subfolder — but you get multiple mods at once.

Can I uninstall a mod by just deleting the folder?

Usually yes. Delete the mod's folder from your Mods subfolder and restart the game. Some mods make permanent changes to your save file, so old saves might look strange without the mod, but the mod itself uninstalls cleanly. If a mod added new items or characters to your world, they'll disappear from your save when you remove it.

Why does my game crash after I installed a mod?

The most common cause is a conflict between mods — two mods are trying to change the same thing. Try disabling all mods except the one you just installed. If the crash stops, you have a conflict. If it still crashes, the mod itself is broken or incompatible with your game version. Check the mod's comment section to see if other users reported the same crash.

Can I install mods on console games like PlayStation or Xbox?

Some console games allow mods, but the process is different from PC. PlayStation and Xbox have built-in mod menus in certain games — check your game's main menu for a Mods option. You download mods through the game itself, not from a website. Not all games support mods on console, so check your game's documentation first.