How to Allocate More RAM to Minecraft (Official & Third-Party Launchers)

If you’ve ever started up Minecraft and dealt with lag, crashes, or sluggish performance, you’re definitely not alone. Playing vanilla Minecraft, exploring modded adventures, or tackling intricate worlds can really push your system, but allocating more RAM can make a huge difference in how the game runs.

This guide will show you how to increase the memory allocated to Minecraft, with steps customized for your operating system and launcher. By following along, you’ll learn how to fine-tune your setup for smoother gameplay, minimize crashes, and get the most out of the game, all while working within your system’s limits.

Step 1: Check Your System’s Available RAM

Before tweaking settings, ensure your computer has enough free RAM to spare. Minecraft’s performance hinges on how much memory your system can dedicate to it.

How to Check Installed RAM (Windows):

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > About.
3. Under Device Specifications, locate Installed RAM.

RAM Guidelines for Minecraft:

• Vanilla Minecraft (no mods): At least 2GB of RAM.
• Modded gameplay (e.g., with Fabric or Forge): 6 GB+ recommended.
• Newer versions (e.g., Minecraft 1.20+): Up to 8 GB may be needed for large modpacks.

Pro Tip: Never allocate more RAM than your system has available. Doing so can destabilize both Minecraft and your PC.

Step 2: Allocating RAM via the Default Minecraft Launcher

The official Minecraft launcher (via Minecraft.net) allows straightforward RAM adjustments through its settings.

Steps:

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and click Installations at the bottom.
2. Select the version of Minecraft you want to modify.
3. Click Edit (pencil icon), then More Options.
4. Scroll to the JVM Arguments field and locate the -Xmx#G parameter.
   • Example: Change -Xmx2G to -Xmx4G to allocate 4 GB.
5. Click Save to apply changes.

Note: Avoid altering other parameters unless you’re certain of their purpose. Stick to adjusting the -Xmx value for safety.

Step 3: Allocating RAM via Third-Party Launchers

Many players use third-party launchers for modded gameplay. Here’s how to adjust memory settings for popular ones:

1. ATLauncher

• Default Allocation:
  1. Go to Settings > Java/Minecraft tab.
  2. Adjust Maximum Memory/RAM (in MB: 4GB = 4096MB).
• Instance-Specific Allocation:
  1. Right-click an instance's settings.
  2. Go to Profile Settings > Java/Minecraft tab.
  3. Set custom RAM.

2. Technic Launcher

1. Navigate to Settings > Java Settings.
2. Select your desired RAM allocation from the Memory dropdown.

3. CurseForge Launcher

• Default Allocation:
  1. Click Settings > Minecraft tab > Java Settings.
  2. Use the Allocated Memory slider.
• Profile-Specific Allocation:
  1. Go to My Modpacks > Profile Options.
  2. Uncheck Use System Settings and adjust the slider.

4. FeedTheBeast (FTB) Launcher

1. Open Options and adjust the RAM Maximum slider.

5. MultiMC

1. Right-click your instance.
2. Select Edit Instance.
3. Go to Settings > Memory and set the Maximum Memory Allocation.

6. Void Launcher

1. Click Options and use the Memory Size to Allocate dropdown.

Key Reminder: Always leave room for your operating system and background applications. For example, if your PC has 16GB of RAM, allocating 8GB to Minecraft is reasonable, but avoid using all 16 GB.

Conclusion

Boosting the amount of RAM allocated to Minecraft goes beyond simply addressing crashes; it helps you tap into the game’s full potential. From constructing expansive cities and venturing through modded dimensions to hosting servers, proper memory optimization delivers smoother gameplay and fewer disruptions.

Use the steps outlined above based on your launcher, keep your system’s limits in mind, and tinker with the settings to find the perfect balance. With everything dialed in, you’ll be able to focus less on fixing issues and more on bringing your ideas to life.