---
title: Getting Started
description: Quick start guide to using DropOut Minecraft Launcher
---

# Getting Started

DropOut is a modern, reproducible, and developer-grade Minecraft launcher built with Tauri v2 and Rust. This guide will help you get started with installing and using DropOut.

## Installation

### Download Pre-built Binaries

Download the latest release for your platform from the [Releases](https://github.com/HsiangNianian/DropOut/releases) page.

| Platform       | Files                   |
| -------------- | ----------------------- |
| Linux x86_64   | `.deb`, `.AppImage`     |
| Linux ARM64    | `.deb`, `.AppImage`     |
| macOS ARM64    | `.dmg`                  |
| Windows x86_64 | `.msi`, `.exe`          |
| Windows ARM64  | `.msi`, `.exe`          |

### Linux Installation

#### Using .deb Package
```bash
sudo dpkg -i dropout_*.deb
# Fix dependencies if needed
sudo apt-get install -f
```

#### Using AppImage
```bash
chmod +x dropout_*.AppImage
./dropout_*.AppImage
```

### macOS Installation

1. Open the downloaded `.dmg` file
2. Drag DropOut to your Applications folder
3. If you see a security warning, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and allow the app

### Windows Installation

#### Using .msi Installer
1. Double-click the `.msi` file
2. Follow the installation wizard
3. Launch DropOut from the Start Menu

#### Using .exe Portable
1. Double-click the `.exe` file
2. DropOut will run directly without installation

## First Launch

When you first launch DropOut, you'll need to:

1. **Choose Authentication Method**
   - **Microsoft Account**: Recommended for official Minecraft
   - **Offline Mode**: For testing or offline play

2. **Configure Java Runtime**
   - DropOut will automatically detect installed Java versions
   - You can download Java directly from the launcher if needed

3. **Select Minecraft Version**
   - Browse available Minecraft versions
   - Choose vanilla or modded versions (Fabric/Forge)

## Quick Start Tutorial

### 1. Login

<Cards>
  <Card 
    title="Microsoft Account" 
    description="Login with your official Minecraft account"
  />
  <Card 
    title="Offline Mode" 
    description="Create a local profile for offline play"
  />
</Cards>

**Microsoft Login:**
1. Click "Login with Microsoft"
2. A device code will be displayed
3. Visit the URL shown and enter the code
4. Authorize the application
5. Return to DropOut - you'll be logged in automatically

**Offline Login:**
1. Click "Offline Mode"
2. Enter a username
3. Click "Create Account"

### 2. Install Minecraft

1. Navigate to the **Versions** tab
2. Browse available Minecraft versions
3. Click on a version to install it
4. Wait for the download to complete

### 3. Launch the Game

1. Go to the **Home** tab
2. Select your desired version from the dropdown
3. Adjust settings if needed:
   - Memory allocation (RAM)
   - Window resolution
   - Java path
4. Click **"Launch Game"**
5. Monitor the launch process in the console

## Next Steps

<Cards>
  <Card 
    title="Features" 
    href="/docs/features"
    description="Learn about all the features DropOut offers"
  />
  <Card 
    title="Instances" 
    href="/docs/features/instances"
    description="Create isolated game environments"
  />
  <Card 
    title="Mod Loaders" 
    href="/docs/features/mod-loaders"
    description="Install and manage Fabric and Forge"
  />
  <Card 
    title="Troubleshooting" 
    href="/docs/troubleshooting"
    description="Common issues and solutions"
  />
</Cards>

## System Requirements

### Minimum Requirements
- **OS**: Windows 10+, macOS 11+, or Linux (Debian-based)
- **RAM**: 4GB (8GB recommended for modded Minecraft)
- **Storage**: 2GB for launcher + game files
- **Java**: Auto-installed by DropOut if not found

### Recommended Requirements
- **OS**: Latest stable version of your OS
- **RAM**: 16GB for optimal performance with mods
- **Storage**: 10GB+ for multiple versions and mods
- **Java**: Java 17 or 21 (managed by DropOut)

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues:
- Check the [Troubleshooting Guide](/docs/troubleshooting)
- Report bugs on [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/HsiangNianian/DropOut/issues)
- Join our community discussions
