Before you start
PineconeMC is the current name of the launcher formerly known as ElyPrismLauncher. The download page lists the current release and separates Windows x64, Windows ARM64, macOS and Linux assets. Choose the platform first; installing a file for the wrong architecture can create confusing startup errors.
For a normal setup, use an installer when one is available. A portable ZIP or TAR.GZ is useful when you want the launcher and its files in a folder you control. Keep the original downloaded filename until you have checked the release tag and source URL.
Choose a data directory that is writable and easy to back up. Avoid putting instances inside a temporary Downloads folder or a cloud-synced directory until you know how the launcher handles simultaneous file changes. A stable location makes logs, saves and modpack files easier to find when you need to diagnose a failed launch.
- Use the official GitHub Release asset or the official release page.
- Keep several gigabytes free if you plan to install modpacks.
- Have Java available for the Minecraft versions you plan to run; PineconeMC can help manage Java settings, but it does not make every Java installation compatible.
Install on Windows
- Choose x64 or ARM64Most Intel and AMD Windows computers use x64. Choose ARM64 only for a compatible Windows-on-ARM device.
- Run the MSVC installerFor most users, download the Windows x64 MSVC Setup file, open it, and follow the normal installation prompts. If Windows shows a security prompt, confirm that the filename and source match the official release before continuing.
- Use portable mode when neededExtract the portable ZIP into a folder such as a dedicated games directory. Do not place the entire portable folder inside a temporary Downloads cleanup folder if you want to keep instances there.
- Start PineconeMCOpen the launcher from the Start menu or the extracted executable. If the window does not appear, check Windows Security history, file permissions and the launcher log before downloading a different repack.
Install on macOS
- Download the DMG or ZIPThe DMG is the simplest route for most Mac users. Use the ZIP if you prefer to extract the application manually.
- Move the applicationOpen the DMG, then drag PineconeMC to Applications. On the first launch, macOS may ask you to confirm that you want to open an app downloaded from the internet.
- Check architecture behaviorThe current macOS release is published as a macOS asset for Intel and Apple silicon systems. If macOS reports a compatibility issue, update macOS and use the official release page rather than an unknown mirror.
Install on Linux
- Choose x86_64 or aarch64Use x86_64 for most Intel and AMD Linux computers. Use aarch64 for compatible ARM hardware.
- Make AppImage executableAfter downloading the AppImage, open its file properties and enable execution, or use your desktop environment's permission control. Then launch the file from the file manager.
- Use the portable archiveExtract the Qt6 portable TAR.GZ into a stable directory and start the launcher from that directory. Keep the directory writable if you store instances beside the launcher.
- Use a distribution package when appropriateArch Linux users can use the published package asset or their normal package workflow. Always compare the package name and release tag with the official release.
What to do on the first launch
Choose a data directory that is easy to back up and has enough free space. The instance directory can grow quickly when you install Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, maps, resource packs and shader packs. Avoid a cloud-synced folder until you understand how the launcher writes files.
Add an account only through the supported login dialog. Then create a small vanilla test instance. If the test instance launches, add one loader or mod at a time so the first failure is easy to identify.
Before importing a large modpack, confirm that the launcher can create and start the Minecraft version you selected. Check the instance's Java setting, memory allocation and game directory, then close the launcher normally once so its configuration files are written. A clean first launch gives you a useful comparison point when a later mod, loader or shader causes a crash.
Practical summary
Verify the launcher before adding mods
A useful how to install ElyPrismLauncher result should end with a working PineconeMC window, a known data directory and one small test instance. A downloaded installer is only the first step. Open the launcher, confirm that it can read its own settings and make sure the selected folder is writable before importing a large pack or copying old instances.
When you follow how to install ElyPrismLauncher instructions on a different computer, repeat the platform checks instead of assuming the same file is correct everywhere. Windows x64, Windows ARM64, macOS and Linux builds can have different packaging and permissions. Match the operating system and architecture, then keep the release filename and tag available until the first launch succeeds.
The best how to install ElyPrismLauncher workflow is incremental. Start with the launcher, add an account through the supported provider flow, create a vanilla instance and launch it once. Only then add Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, OptiFine, Iris, resource packs or shaders. If something breaks, the last change gives you a clear starting point for the log.
If the launcher opens but a version list, account window or instance fails, do not immediately download a second repack. Check the relevant service, Java setting, permissions, proxy and log first. A clean installation can still show a network or compatibility error because installation and game configuration are separate layers.
Back up world saves and exported instances before changing data directories. A stable folder, a compatible Java runtime and a clean first launch make future troubleshooting much faster, especially when a modpack contains its own loader, memory recommendation or configuration files.
- Match the release asset to the operating system and CPU architecture.
- Create a small vanilla baseline before installing a modpack.
- Keep logs and backups when testing a new Java or loader configuration.
Common questions
Installation FAQ
Should I install the launcher or use portable mode?
Use the installer for the normal desktop workflow. Use portable mode when you need a self-contained folder or want to control where launcher files live.
Where does PineconeMC store instances?
The location depends on the data directory selected by the launcher. Open the instance or folder settings inside PineconeMC rather than assuming it uses the same path as another launcher.
Why will Windows not open the downloaded file?
Confirm that the file came from the official release, check Windows Security history, make sure the architecture is correct, and review the launcher issue tracker before trying an untrusted mirror.
Do I need Java before installing PineconeMC?
You can install the launcher first, but the Minecraft version and mod loader you choose may require a compatible Java runtime. Check the instance Java settings when a game fails to start.