McSH review
A free, open-source launcher for configurable Minecraft instances on Windows and Linux.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
McSH is an open-source, command-line Minecraft launcher for Windows and Linux. It is aimed at players who prefer terminal workflows and want to manage separate game setups without relying on a graphical launcher. Its instance controls cover creation, cloning, renaming, and deletion, while support for Forge, NeoForge, Fabric, and Quilt gives players several mod-loader options. Modrinth search and installation, plus Microsoft account authentication, connect common game-management tasks to the launcher.
Instance and modpack management are a particular strength. McSH can search for, install, and update modpacks, and it can import and export .mrpack files. Players can also search for and install Modrinth mods, resource packs, shaders, plugins, and datapacks. Prism Launcher and MultiMC instance imports provide a route for bringing in existing setups from those launchers. Per-instance RAM, JVM arguments, environment settings, and hooks let players adjust launch behavior for each configuration rather than applying one set of controls everywhere.
Java installation detection and runtime management reduce the need to manage runtimes separately, while world backups include an automatic pre-launch backup option. Those features make McSH a practical fit for Windows or Linux players who are comfortable with a terminal and want configurable, isolated instances. It is less suitable for anyone who expects a graphical launcher or plays on macOS. Import support is specifically for Prism Launcher and MultiMC instances, so players moving from another launcher should not assume their instance can be imported directly.
McSH pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Create, clone, rename, and delete isolated instances.
- Install Forge, NeoForge, Fabric, or Quilt and find packs through Modrinth.
- Manage Java, back up worlds, and configure launch settings per instance.
- Where it doesn't
- Available for Windows and Linux, not macOS.
- Uses a command-line workflow rather than a graphical launcher interface.
- Instance imports are supported from Prism Launcher and MultiMC.
McSH fact sheet, pricing and score →
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