Forge you need to install but Optifine you just need the file in the mods folder along with OptiForge and it should work fine.
The installer window for Optifine is for if your installing Optifine to Vanilla only.
Otherwise make sure you have the installation of Forge directed to the default location (redirecting might be possible but I think the Universal or other files are better for that).
So you have Java installed, and have installed it to the default location (it may be possible to send it elsewhere but I've never had much success with directing it anywhere else)?
Is there any other things you have tried like another launcher for example (Twitch which uses the same launcher in different ways or MultiMC), or reinstalled Minecraft and still gotten this result?
Another thing I'm curious of is does installing Forge for older versions like 1.12.2 or 1.7.10 work for you and the 1.16.1 version doesn't?
I get the following error, even though i have played 1.16.1. I have tried several solutions from google. I have the same issue with installing Forge.
Are you using the official Minecraft launcher?
Yes. It is the fully licensed MineCraft launcher.
You need a mod called OptiForge now, you can get it here: https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/optiforge/files This it to make them both compatible.
Forge you need to install but Optifine you just need the file in the mods folder along with OptiForge and it should work fine.
The installer window for Optifine is for if your installing Optifine to Vanilla only.
Otherwise make sure you have the installation of Forge directed to the default location (redirecting might be possible but I think the Universal or other files are better for that).
Or you could use MultiMC/Twitch instead.
Niche Community Content Finder, Youtuber, Modpack/Map Maker, Duck
Forum Thread Maintainer for APortingCore, Liteloader Download HUB, Asphodel Meadows, Fabric Project, Legacy Fabric/Cursed Fabric, Power API, Rift/Fabric/Forge 1.13 to 1.17.
Wikis I Maintain: https://modwiki.miraheze.org/wiki/User:SuntannedDuck2
I cannot install forge,
So you have Java installed, and have installed it to the default location (it may be possible to send it elsewhere but I've never had much success with directing it anywhere else)?
Is there any other things you have tried like another launcher for example (Twitch which uses the same launcher in different ways or MultiMC), or reinstalled Minecraft and still gotten this result?
Another thing I'm curious of is does installing Forge for older versions like 1.12.2 or 1.7.10 work for you and the 1.16.1 version doesn't?
Niche Community Content Finder, Youtuber, Modpack/Map Maker, Duck
Forum Thread Maintainer for APortingCore, Liteloader Download HUB, Asphodel Meadows, Fabric Project, Legacy Fabric/Cursed Fabric, Power API, Rift/Fabric/Forge 1.13 to 1.17.
Wikis I Maintain: https://modwiki.miraheze.org/wiki/User:SuntannedDuck2