View source for Minecraft:Minecraft Launcher

{{Italic title}}
{{redirect|Launcher}}{{Infobox program
|image=Minecraft Launcher.png
|title=''Minecraft Launcher''
|invimage = 
|developer=[[Minecraft:Mojang Studios]]
|platform = {{OS|win|mac|lin}}
|programming language = {{os|ts|react|C++}}<ref>{{tweet|dinnerbone|1037686466250530816| We're expanding our Minecraft Launcher team! We have a lot of exciting plans and are looking for another senior C++ developer to help make them happen. Know someone interested? Send them our way!|September 6, 2018}}</ref>
|version ={{#if: {{v|launcher-beta}} | '''Release''':&nbsp;}}{{v|launcher}}{{#if: {{v|launcher-beta}} |<br>'''Beta''': {{v|launcher-beta}}}}
|size = {{OS|w10+}} ~10.13 MB
|customlinks =
* [https://minecraft.net/download minecraft.net]
* [https://xbox.com/games/store/-/9PGW18NPBZV5 Microsoft Store]
|date = June 30, 2010
|source available= No
}}
[[File:Minecraft Launcher Xbox Horizontal Key Art.jpg|thumb|width=250x250|Key art by Mojang Studios]]

The '''''Minecraft Launcher''''' is the main game downloader and launcher for ''[[Minecraft: Java Edition]]'' and one of the game downloaders and launchers for {{BE}}, {{MCD}}, and {{MCL}}. It is available for {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|macOS}} and {{w|Linux}}, but ''Minecraft: Bedrock Edition'' and ''Minecraft Legends'' can be played only on Windows 10 & 11, and ''Minecraft Dungeons'' only on Windows 7 or later.

== Features ==
[[File:Launcher login.png|right|thumb|The initial login screen]]
[[File:Minecraft Launcher Animated Loading Screen.webp|thumb|The initial loading screen]]
On the initial login screen, users must log in with a pre-existing Microsoft account, otherwise they can create a new one by clicking the link. Subsequent logins can be done in the "Settings" tab.

On the left side, a "News" tab, a tab for each game, and the ''Minecraft Launcher'' "Settings" tab can be seen.

The top left corner of the ''Minecraft Launcher'' contains the user's Xbox gamertag for the currently active account (which might differ from their ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' username)<ref>https://help.minecraft.net/hc/articles/360052640612</ref>. By clicking on it, users can manage or log out of their active account, and see a "Help" page with various links to helpful resources.

== ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' ==
[[File:Launcher JE tab.png|alt=The default view of the Minecraft: Java Edition on the Minecraft Launcher|thumb|The default view of the ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' on the Minecraft Launcher]]
There are 5 tabs on the [[Minecraft:Java Edition]] page: Play, Installations, Realms, Skins, and Patch notes. 

The main "Play" section allows the user to download (if needed) and launch ''[[Minecraft: Java Edition]]'' with the "Play" button, and also includes an installation selection on the left (which sorts installations by last played), the user's ''Java Edition'' username on the right, and a list of the latest news for the game from [[Minecraft:minecraft.net]] below. 

* One can launch multiple instances of the game by pressing the "Play" button while the game is running. 
* If the device is not connected to the internet, the game can be run in offline mode, but only if the game has been initially downloaded.
* If the user isn't logged into an account that has purchased the game, the "Play" button appears as a "Play demo" button that downloads and launches the [[Minecraft:demo version]] of the game.

There is also a "Patch notes" section where the patch notes of the game's update can be seen, including the snapshots (if enabled).

=== Installations ===
[[File:New Installation.png|thumb|Creating a new installation.]]
{{anchor|Version Control}}
<!--The anchor for the Version Control page. Please move this with the version control information or update that page if this one splits.-->

In the "Installations" section, custom installations can be created and edited. There are buttons to sort and search installations, as well as checkboxes to enable installations with "Releases", "Snapshot", and "Modded" versions of the game. Installations are stored in [[Minecraft:launcher_profiles.json]] (or launcher_profiles_microsoft_store.json when using the new Minecraft Launcher for Windows) in the game's directory ([[Minecraft:.minecraft]]).

By default, there are installations for the "Latest release" and for "Latest snapshot" (if enabled), both of which the game versions cannot be changed. A new installation can be created by clicking the "New installation" button and an existing installation can be edited by clicking on it. There is a "Play" button that launches the selected installation and a folder icon that takes to the installation's game directory. The ellipses button contains the options to edit, duplicate, or delete an installation.

On the create/edit installation page, the following can be changed:
* Icon, by selecting one of the default ones or adding a custom one. Custom icons must be a <samp>.png</samp> and 128×128 pixels in size.
* Name, by default called "<unnamed installation>".
* Version, which includes access to older releases and snapshots (if enabled).
* Game directory, the location of where the game files are saved, the default being [[Minecraft:.minecraft]]. The location can be typed in or selected using the "Browse" button.
* Resolution, which changes the game's windows size. It has a list of resolutions, or a custom one can be typed in.
* Java executable, by default uses the bundled java runtime.
* JVM arguments, such as heap size or enabling [[Minecraft:debug renderer]]s not normally accessible in the [[Minecraft:debug screen]] such as mob pathfinding.

Before, it was possible for the users to manually set a [http://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/manual/configuration.html logging configuration] (see [[Minecraft:Minecraft Wiki:Projects/wiki.vg merge/Debugging|Debugging]] for more info), however this doesn't seem to work anymore.<ref>{{bug|MCL-17489||Launcher does not allow to use a custom Log4J configuration|Won't Fix}}</ref>

A specific game version's server jar can also be downloaded by selecting the version in the list and pressing the "Server" button next to it.

=== Backward compatibility ===
[[File:HowtoOldVersion2019.png|thumb|Selecting older versions in the create new installation screen.]]

The ''Minecraft Launcher'' has the ability to play most older releases of the game (and older snapshots, if enabled) by default, but also some older versions prior to [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.0.0]]. In order to see these versions in the installations section, the player must enable "Show historical versions of ''Java Edition''" in the ''Minecraft Launcher'' settings tab. Because these versions are outdated and unsupported, they may contain bugs and errors that are not present in newer versions. It is recommended to run old versions of the game in a separate directory and backup worlds to avoid save corruption or other problems.<ref>{{cite|url=https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/360034754852-How-to-Change-Game-Version-for-Minecraft-Java-Edition|title=How to Change Game Version for Minecraft: Java Edition|website=Minecraft Help Center}}</ref>

Once historical versions are enabled, the following can be accessed:
* Most [[Minecraft:Java Edition Beta|Beta]] versions. 
* Most [[Minecraft:Java Edition Alpha|Alpha]] versions. (however, [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.0]] and [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.1]] are duplicated from [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.0_02]] and [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.1_01]] respectively.)
* One [[Minecraft:Infdev]] version.
* Four [[Minecraft:Java Edition Classic|Classic]] versions.
* Five [[Minecraft:pre-Classic]] versions (however [[Minecraft:rd-20090515]] is a duplicate from [[Minecraft:rd-161348]]).<ref>{{tweet|dinnerbone|364762596387205120|2 classic versions, an infdev version and a version before minecraft was called minecraft have been added to the launcher!|August 6, 2013}}</ref>
This list of versions is populated by <code>[[Minecraft:version_manifest.json]]</code>.

Some issues with these older versions include:
* Some sounds are wrong; [[Minecraft:bow]]s, [[Minecraft:door]]s, and [[Minecraft:explosion]]s use their sounds from [[Minecraft:RC1]], even in versions released prior to it. In versions before [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.1.2_01]], sounds do not work at all.
* [[Minecraft:Skin]]s and [[Minecraft:cape]]s are missing in versions prior to [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.7.6|1.7.6]], as earlier versions used a different skin server, which has since been shut down.
* In [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.0.15]] and from [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.0]] to [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.6]], the ''Minecraft Launcher'' does not set the player's name properly, resulting in everyone using default names: "Player" followed by a random 3-digit number. This makes multiplayer difficult to play, as a player's location and inventory is reset every time they relaunch their client.
:* In [[Minecraft:Alpha v1.2.5]] and Alpha v1.2.6 specifically, players are always named "Player524". Playing multiplayer in these versions is impossible, as joining a server kicks off other players with the same name.
* As a side effect of the above, and as a result of old authentication servers being shut down, online mode no longer works in versions before [[Minecraft:Beta 1.8]].

=== Realms ===
In the "Realms" section, the user can buy, play, and manage a ''[[Minecraft:Realms|Minecraft Realm]]''. Players can choose their Installation of choice before launching a realm.

=== Skins ===
[[File:Minecraft Launcher The skin section *animated*.webp|thumb|The skins section]]
In the "Skins" section, the user can view and change their in-game skin. By default, the skin is either [[Minecraft:Player|Steve, Alex, Noor, Sunny, Ari, Zuri, Makena, Kai, or Efe.]]

In the Skins library, skin can be applied by clicking "Use". The skin can also be edited, duplicated, chosen to be either wide or slim, or delete by clicking the ellipsis button. By default, the library contains the default Steve, Alex, Noor, Sunny, Ari, Zuri, Makena, Kai, and Efe skins, which can be duplicated or applied, but not removed. Custom skins can also be uploaded by clicking the "New skin" button.

Visiting this section without purchasing the game displays a button that redirects to the [https://minecraft.net/store/minecraft-java-edition ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' store page].

=== Patch Notes ===
This section shows cards of the patch notes. Each card contains an image on top and the text below stating the name of the patch notes. When clicked, this displays the patch notes.

== ''Minecraft: Bedrock Edition'' ==
There are 7 tabs on the [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition]] page: Play, Realms, Creator Tools, Marketplace, FAQ, Installation and Patch notes.

The main "Play" section allows the user to download or purchase (if needed) and launch ''[[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition|Minecraft: Bedrock Edition]]''<ref name=":0">[https://x.com/MinecraftWikiEN/status/1833601184923361451?t=eVwtKRcXjZlqT9lp96oDSA&s=19 “Minecraft for Windows” has been renamed to “Minecraft: Bedrock Edition” in the Launcher] - [https://x.com/MinecraftWikiEN?t=w_1EMaIo-6Fw9Ud5C4Xzng&s=09 @MinecraftWikiEN] (Minecraft Wiki) on X (formerly Twitter), September 10, 2024</ref> with the "Play" button and also includes an installation selection on the left to choose between the latest release or the latest ''[[Minecraft:Preview]]''. The [[Minecraft:Minecoins]] balance is shown on the right which opens a Minecoins purchase screen when clicked. The latest game news from [[Minecraft:minecraft.net]] and [[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition#System requirements|system requirements]] are shown in a scrollable section below. [[Minecraft:Quick Play]] is accessible and can be managed from the top-right.

* If the device is not connected to the internet, the game can be run in offline mode, but only if the game has been initially downloaded.
* If the user is on an unsupported device, a warning appears with a link to a website with supported devices, the "Play" button got replaced with "Not Playable on this Device".
* If the user isn't logged into an account that has purchased the game, the "Play" button appears as a "Play demo" button that links the player to Microsoft Store to download and launch the [[Minecraft:demo version]] of the game.
The Play section is decorated with key art from the latest named update and allows ''[[Minecraft: Pixel Drift]]'' to be played in place.
[[File:Launcher BE tab.png|alt=The default view of the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on the Minecraft Launcher|thumb|width=283x283|The default view of the ''Minecraft: Bedrock Edition'' on the Minecraft Launcher]]

=== Realms ===
In the "Realms" section, the user can buy, join, and manage [[Minecraft:Realms]]''.'' Owned and joined Realms are shown with some server information, and a list of pending invites. Joined Realms can be left from here, but all other settings can only be managed in-game or from the minecraft.net page linked here.

=== Creator Tools ===
[[File:Bedrock Editor Section.png|thumb|width=282x282|The Creator Tools section]]
In the "Creator Tools" section, the user can launch ''Bedrock Edition'' with the ''[[Minecraft:Editor]]'' tools enabled, where players can use the advanced in-game tools to edit [[Minecraft:world]]s through projects and export them as world templates, and create custom [[Minecraft:Vibrant Visuals]] resource packs. The Editor can be launched for both the latest release and ''Minecraft Preview''.

This section has some links to articles about [[Minecraft:Blockbench]] plug-ins, [[Minecraft:Chunker]], and the [[Minecraft:feedback site]].

=== Marketplace Pass ===
[[File:Marketplace Pass Section.png|thumb|width=288x288|The Marketplace Pass section]]
In the "Marketplace Pass" section, the user can subscribe to the [[Minecraft:Marketplace Pass]] and access to the 150+ Marketplace content that changes every month. The links to packs and the subscribe page launch ''Minecraft'' with the respective pack or subscribe page opened in the [[Minecraft:Marketplace]]. Furthermore, this section contains information about the Marketplace Pass, the Marketplace in general, and [[Minecraft:Realms Plus]], as well as links.

=== FAQ ===
The "FAQ" section with frequently asked questions and answers about the ''Minecraft Launcher'', ''Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft:'' ''Bedrock Edition''.

=== Installation ===
The "Installation" section is used to install, repair, uninstall the game, or check for updates for {{BE}} & [[Minecraft:Minecraft Preview|''Minecraft Preview'']]. 

=== Patch Notes ===
The "Patch notes" section is where the patch notes of the game's major and minor updates can be seen (not including development versions and hotfixes). Each card contains an image on top and the text below stating the name of the patch notes. When clicked, this displays the patch notes, which are the same as the patch notes on minecraft.net or the feedback site.

== ''Minecraft Dungeons II'' ==
This tab appears shortly delayed after the launcher has been started. It shows some screenshots from ''[[Minecraft:Minecraft Dungeons II]]'' as well as a link to wishlist it on the Xbox store. The page features animations and an embed for the trailer.

== ''Minecraft Dungeons'' ==
[[File:Launcher MCD tab.png|alt=''Minecraft Dungeons'' default section|thumb|The default view of the ''Minecraft Dungeons'' section in the ''Minecraft Launcher''.]]
There are 5 tabs on the {{MCD}} page: Play, DLC, FAQ, Installation, and Patch notes. (Only Play, DLC, and Patch notes are shown on an unsupported platform.)

=== Play ===
The main "Play" section allows the user to download (if needed) and launch the latest version of ''Minecraft Dungeons'' with the "Play" button and also includes images from the game and a list of the latest news articles from [[Minecraft:minecraft.net]] below. This section also contains a notice that the game can be purchased separately from {{w|Microsoft Store}} for {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}. If the player is not playing on the supported platform, a small message on the bottom is shown that displays: {{cd|Where is the play button?! ''Minecraft Dungeons'' isn't available on (platform).}} 

=== DLC ===
[[File:Minecraft Dungeons DLC Page.png|alt=''Minecraft Dungeons'' DLC Page in ''Minecraft Launcher''|thumb|The DLC tab on the ''Minecraft Dungeons'' page in the ''Minecraft Launcher''.]]
There is a search bar and a filter option to narrow down the results when searching the DLCs. The bundle and the DLCs can be shown by checking the box. 

Each DLC is shown in a card-like structure with the DLC info on the left and a cover image on the right. There is also a slideshow on the bottom of the card. 

=== FAQ ===
[[File:Minecraft Dungeons FAQ Page.png|thumb|The FAQ tab in ''Minecraft Dungeons'' on the ''Minecraft Launcher''.|alt=''Minecraft Dungeons'' FAQ tab]]
The FAQ section is shown when pressing the FAQ tab. There are a list of troubleshooting sections and a link to the [https://help.minecraft.net/hc/articles/4409170005261 ''Minecraft Dungeons'' FAQ] on the ''Minecraft'' Help Center.

=== Installation ===
Visiting this section is one of the ways to install the game. If the game wasn't bought, the game purchased displays a button that redirects to the [https://minecraft.net/dungeons#buy ''Minecraft Dungeons'' buy page]. If the game was bought but wasn't installed, it displays the Install button and if the game was installed, it shows an uninstall, repair and check for updates button.

=== Patch Notes ===
This section shows cards of the patch notes. Each card contains an image on top and the text below stating the name of the patch notes. When clicked, this displays the patch notes.

== ''Minecraft Legends'' ==
There are 4 tabs on the {{MCL}} page: Play, FAQ, Installation, and Patch notes. (Only Play, DLC, and Patch notes are shown on an unsupported platform.)

=== Play ===
[[File:Launcher MCL tab.png|alt=''Minecraft Legends'' default section|thumb|The default view of the ''Minecraft Legends'' section in the ''Minecraft Launcher''.]]
The main "Play" section allows the user to download (if needed) and launch the latest version of ''Minecraft Legends'' with the "Play" button and also includes images from the game and a list of the latest news articles from [[Minecraft:minecraft.net]] below. If the player is not playing on the supported platform, a small message on the bottom is shown that displays: {{cd|Where is the play button?! ''Minecraft Legends'' isn't available on (platform).}}

=== FAQ ===
The FAQ section is shown when pressing the FAQ tab. There are a list of troubleshooting sections and a link to the [https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/sections/12618077269261 ''Minecraft Legends'' FAQ] on the ''Minecraft'' Help Center.
[[File:Minecraft Legends FAQ Page.png|alt=The FAQ tab in Minecraft Legends on the Minecraft Launcher|thumb|The FAQ tab in ''Minecraft Legends'' on the Minecraft Launcher]]

=== Installation ===
Like Minecraft Dungeon's page, visiting this section is one of the ways to install Minecraft Legends. If the game wasn't bought, the game purchased displays a button that redirects to the [https://minecraft.net/legends#buy ''Minecraft Legends'' buy page]. If the game was bought but wasn't installed, it displays the Install button and if the game was installed, it shows an uninstall, repair and check for updates button.

=== Patch Notes ===
This section shows cards of the patch notes. Each card contains an image on top and the text below stating the name of the patch notes. When clicked, this displays the patch notes.

== Settings ==
[[File:MC Launcher About Page.png|thumb|The "About" section in the ''Minecraft Launcher'' settings.]]
In the main "General" section, users can:
* Change the ''Minecraft Launcher'' language. There are 66 languages available, including 2 joke languages (as of February 2021).
* Use the beta version of the ''Minecraft Launcher'', which requires restarting the launcher to start downloading if there is one available.
* Keep the ''Minecraft Launcher'' open while games are running.
* Enable animations in the ''Minecraft Launcher'', which are disabled by default to avoid potential motion sickness for some users.
* Disable hardware acceleration.
* Review the launcher.
* Make text size bigger.
* Enable or disable [[Minecraft:Quick Play]] feature and delete all entries.

Options exclusively for ''Minecraft: Java Edition'':
* Open the output log when the game starts.
* Option to automatically send the game's crash reports to Mojang Studios.
* Show historical versions of the game (versions prior to [[Minecraft:Java Edition 1.0.0|Release 1.0]]) in the version selector in the Installations section.

In the "Accounts" section, users can add, switch, manage, or remove their Microsoft accounts.

The "About" section contains details about the ''Minecraft Launcher'' including its version, credits, and third-party licenses, as well as a list of patch notes by clicking the "What's New?" button.
{{-}}

== Command line usage ==
{{msgbox|title=Important Note|text=On Windows, this works only on the old Unified Minecraft Launcher and NOT the Microsoft Store version.|type=issue|mini=1}}
{{missing information|section|the default host of the proxy (if available) and the --nativeLauncherVersion flag}}
The ''Minecraft Launcher'' can be invoked using the command line by typing {{cd|%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Minecraft Launcher\MinecraftLauncher.exe}} in Windows, {{cd|minecraft-launcher}} in Linux or {{cd|/Applications/Minecraft.app/Contents/MacOS/launcher}} in Mac.[[File:Minecraft Launcher Command Line Args.png|thumb|The Help Message when using MinecraftLauncher.exe --help]]
As of version [[Minecraft:Launcher 2.2.25xx|2.2.25xx]], the ''Minecraft Launcher'' has these command-line options available for ''Minecraft: Java Edition'':
* {{cd|--demo}} - This launches the demo version of the game, much like if the game hasn't been purchased yet.
* {{cd|-h, --help}} - This option displays a help message on how to run it in the command line.
* {{cd|--clean}} – This option deletes the "<samp>game</samp>" and "<samp>runtime</samp>" folders, including their contents, from the working directory.
* {{cd|--launcherui}} - This option presents the login screen.
* {{cd|-w, --workDir}} – This option, followed by a path (relative or absolute), changes the location (and/or name) of the <samp>.minecraft</samp> folder.
** Can be used to create a portable installation of the game. For example, {{cd|--workDir}} (or {{cd|--workDir<nowiki>=</nowiki>.}}) can be used to make the ''Minecraft Launcher'' use the current directory (no matter what the current folder is called).
* {{cd|--nativeLauncherVersion}} - .
* {{cd|--tmpDir}} – This option, followed by a path (relative or absolute), changes the location (and/or name) of the <samp>tmp</samp> folder.
* {{cd|-l, --lockDir}} - This option, followed by a path, restricts the installation directory to a specified folder.
* {{cd|--winTen}} – This option adds support for Windows 10. Since the ''Minecraft Launcher'' now supports Windows 10 fully, this option is unnecessary and seems to have no effect.
* {{cd|--proxyHost}} - This option changes where the host of the proxy is.
* {{cd|--proxyPort}} - This option changes the default port from {{cd|80}} to a custom one.
* {{cd|--disableGPU}} - This disables GPU acceleration in the ''Minecraft Launcher'', which might fix issues when playing ''Minecraft''..
* {{cd|--debugGPU}} - This opens up a new window showing debug information, like "Graphic Feature Stats", which shows if Hardware acceleration is enabled on certain features, and an option to copy the content to the clipboard. These might be useful for troubleshooting purposes.
{{-}}

== Uninstalling the old ''Minecraft Unified Launcher'' ==
Source: [https://help.minecraft.net/hc/articles/4412266387213 "Uninstalling the Old Minecraft Unified Launcher"] – Minecraft Help Center.

This applies only to players using Windows 10 or newer. Older versions of Windows are not able to use the new ''Minecraft Launcher for Windows''. With the addition of a new launcher, you can uninstall the old launcher to remove any confusion between the two. For clarity, the new launcher is referred to as the "''Minecraft Launcher for Windows''" and the old launcher as the "''Minecraft Unified Launcher''". 

How to uninstall the ''Minecraft Unified Launcher'' (old launcher):

# Click the start menu in Windows (windows icon in the bottom left).
# Type in "Add or remove programs" and click the top entry.
# Search for "''Minecraft Launcher''". The launcher to uninstall displays '''Mojang''' underneath the title "''Minecraft Launcher''".
# Click the three dots shown to the left of the "''Minecraft Launcher''" title and select "Uninstall".

Now only one launcher should be installed. Run the ''Minecraft Launcher for Windows'' to ensure it still works; if it doesn't, reinstall using Microsoft Store.

Launcher or game mods may need to be migrated or re-installed to the new ''Minecraft Launcher for Windows'' installation location before uninstalling the old launcher. Check with the mod developer for more detail.

== History ==
{{Hatnote|The Launcher is a separate piece of software from ''Minecraft''. For its versions history, see [[Minecraft:Launcher version history]].}}

=== Java applets ===
'''Java applets''' were the original way to run ''Minecraft''. It worked using a {{W|Web browser|web browser}}, and was used by some players to play the game<ref>https://jvm-gaming.org/t/browser-applet-games/36314/2</ref>, even after the ''[[Minecraft:Minecraft Launcher]]'' was introduced.
* This software had a size of around 4.5 MB, excluding additional assets.
* The applet version relied on the Java plugin, which was later considered insecure and then discontinued.<ref>https://www.fortinet.com/blog/industry-trends/java-browser-plugin-is-dead-long-live-html5</ref>
* The applet was often used to violate the ''Minecraft'' [https://www.minecraft.net/eula EULA].

=== ''Java Edition'' ===
{{HistoryTable
|{{HistoryLine|java classic}}
|{{HistoryLine||0.0.11a|''Minecraft'' was announced on TIGSource<ref>https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=6273.msg200782#msg200782</ref>, and linked to a page on mojang.com.}}
|{{HistoryLine||0.0.13a|''Minecraft'' was moved to [[Minecraft:Minecraft.net]].<ref>https://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=6273.msg203297#msg203297</ref>}}
|{{HistoryLine|java infdev}}
|{{HistoryLine||June 29, 2010|link=Java Edition Infdev 20100629|Initial release of the ''Minecraft'' launcher in the form of a downloadable applet.
|The client requires an internet connection on the first run and for updates, but after that, the game supports playing offline.
|Command line arguments are accepted to launch the game. Using the format {{cd|java -cp Minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame ''username'' ''password''}} allows login without joining a server, while the format {{cd|java -cp minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame ''username'' ''password'' ''serveraddress'':''portnumber''}} allows joining a server.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java alpha}}
|{{HistoryLine||v1.2.2|Command line arguments format changed.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java beta}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.3|Released in February 21, 2011.<ref>[[Minecraft:wordofnotch:3428176687|Server downtime, and a new Launcher]]</ref> A technical sneak preview was published by Notch on February 18, 2011.<ref>{{tweet|notch|38621269331025921|This requires some technical know-how|February 18, 2011}}</ref>
|Added capability of automatic login to the game and/or server by command line arguments.
|Added smarter update system that updates only changed files, prompts the user to update, allows HTTPS logins for a more secure connection, and offers general UI improvements.
|Link to the ''Minecraft'' install directory for easy access.
|Added ''Force Update'' button under the ''Options'' dialog.
|The ''Minecraft Launcher'' also featured an inline "changelog" via a [http://mcupdate.tumblr.com/ Tumblr] called [[Minecraft:MCUpdate]], and supports command-line arguments.<ref>{{tumblr|MCUpdate|3427294253|Welcome to the new Minecraft Launcher|February 21, 2011}}</ref>
|Added the new ''Minecraft'' logo.|Added official links, community links and Mojang on Twitter links.}}
|{{HistoryLine|java}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.2.1|Properly selects 64-bit Java installations for macOS users.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120302113924/http://www.mojang.com/2012/03/minecraft-1-2-is-out/ Minecraft 1.2 is Out!] – Mojang.com, March 1, 2012</ref>}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.3.2|Added ability to launch [[Minecraft:demo mode]] for non-premium users.}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.6.1|dev=13w16a
|New launcher added.<ref>{{cite|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812032216/https://www.mojang.com/2013/04/minecraft-snapshot-13w16a-and-new-launcher/|title=Minecraft Snapshot 13w16a and New Launcher|website=Mojang.com|date=April 18, 2013}}</ref>
|The applet version was discontinued, in favor of the improved Minecraft Launcher.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GoldenAgeMinecraft/comments/1bjfhm6/comment/kvv941b/</ref>
}}
|{{HistoryLine||1.14|New 'beta' launcher added.  See [[Minecraft:Launcher version history]] for version history from this point onward.}}
}}

=== ''Minecraft Launcher'' ===
{{HistoryTable
|{{HistoryLine|launcher}}
|{{HistoryLine||February 24, 2020|link=none|With launcher version [[Minecraft:Launcher 2.1.1382x|2.1.1382''x'']], patch notes for the Launcher are added to the About section.}}
|{{HistoryLine||October 21, 2020|link={{ytl|i9cqIwrgz7w}}|It is announced that {{JE}} would be using Microsoft accounts for added security enhancements. With this, all Mojang Studios accounts would be migrated to Microsoft accounts.<ref>{{cite|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/java-edition-moving-house|title=Java Edition is moving house|date=October 21, 2020|website=Minecraft.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/mojang-account-move|title=Mojang Java Account Move|website=Minecraft.net}}</ref> Since December 1, 2020, new players are no longer able to sign up for a Mojang Studios account; they are instead required to use or create a Microsoft account to buy and play the game.}}
|{{HistoryLine||November 27, 2020|link=none|With launcher version [[Minecraft:Launcher 2.2.74x|2.2.74''x'']] it is now "Unified" and one can now log in with a Microsoft Account and launch ''Minecraft Dungeons'', which previously required a separate launcher.}}
|{{HistoryLine||October 16, 2021|link={{ytl|NRDlEGdgtLg}}|The ''Minecraft PC Bundle'' is announced at [[Minecraft:Minecraft Live 2021]] to be added to Xbox Game Pass for PC. The bundle includes ''Minecraft Launcher for Windows'' (the new ''Minecraft Launcher'') available from Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11,<ref>[https://xbox.com/games/store/-/9PGW18NPBZV5 Minecraft Launcher | Xbox]</ref> and for the first time includes ''Minecraft: Bedrock Edition'' in addition to ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' and ''Minecraft Dungeons''.}}
|{{HistoryLine||March 10, 2022|link=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/last-call-voluntarily-migrate-java-accounts|Mojang Studios and Legacy ''Minecraft'' accounts are no longer supported to play games in the launcher, and user who still haven't migrated to Microsoft accounts are directed to do so.
|The legacy ''Minecraft Launcher'' (version 1.6.x) is discontinued (along with support for Windows XP and Vista) since this launcher does not support Microsoft accounts.}}
|{{HistoryLine||July 2, 2022|link=none|A crown had been added to the [[Minecraft:pig]] on the menu image in memoriam of the popular [[Minecraft:YouTube]]r [[Minecraft:Technoblade]], whose death from Stage 4 cancer had been announced 2 days prior.}}
|{{HistoryLine||August 23, 2022 |link=https://twitter.com/JORAX79/status/1562196723706998785|''[[Minecraft:Minecraft Preview]]'' is added to the Launcher.}}
|{{HistoryLine||September 10, 2024|link=https://x.com/MinecraftWikiEN/status/1833601184923361451?t=eVwtKRcXjZlqT9lp96oDSA&s=19|Renamed the "Minecraft for Windows" tab to "Minecraft: Bedrock Edition."}}
|{{HistoryLine||February 27, 2025|link=none|Added a new section to showcase "A Minecraft Movie" content.}}
|{{HistoryLine||March 24, 2025|link=none|Added falling leaves to celebrate the [[Minecraft:Spring to Life]] update, along with the "Triple Bundle".}}|{{HistoryLine||April 1, 2025|link=none|Added the [[Minecraft:Launcher 3.12.20|Launchcraft]] update.}}}}

== Issues ==
{{issue list|projects=mcl}}

== Trivia ==
*In version 2.2.2529 release notes there's text that reads: T⍑ᒷ ᔑ ̇/𝙹ꖎ𝙹ℸ ̣ ꖎᓭ ᔑ∷ᒷ リ𝙹ℸ ̣ ∴⍑ᔑℸ ̣ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ|| ᓭᒷᒷᒲ - which translates to "THE AXOLOTLS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM".
*Both Alpha and Classic versions of ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' are listed as "old_alpha", despite them not being the same.<ref>{{bug|MCL-9589||Versions of Classic, Infdev, etc. are still labeled as being part of the Alpha development phase|Won't Fix}}</ref>
*The ''Minecraft Launcher'' doesn't store passwords locally. Instead, it uses a 'refresh token'.
*The current ''Minecraft Launcher'' is the eighth launcher for ''Minecraft: Java Edition'', and the third that was built to automatically update itself.
*Game crashes are reported to Mojang Studios through [[Minecraft:Hopper (crash utility)|Hopper]].
*The legacy ''Minecraft Launcher'' can be downloaded {{dl|eabbff5ff8e21250e33670924a0c5e38f47c840b|custom|name=launcher.jar|title=here}} (version 1.6.93, ~4.6MB as opposed to the modern launcher's ~85MB). However, the legacy ''Minecraft Launcher'' is incompatible with Microsoft accounts and was discontinued in Q2 2021 due to account migration.
*In version 2.3.240, the pig on the ''Minecraft Launcher'' screen was given a crown in light of popular ''Minecraft'' YouTuber [[Minecraft:Technoblade]] passing away due to [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351048 cancer].
*The Armadillo loading screen animation is scaled to 1280×720 (16:9) but was originally 646×364 (&approx;16:9.02), causing distortion to the animation.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Minecraft Launcher MS Icon.png|''Minecraft Launcher for Windows'' app icon
File:Legacy MCL icon.png|''Minecraft Unified Launcher'' app icon
File:Minecraft Launcher Logo.png|''Minecraft Launcher'' app icon on Mac-OS
File:MCL square key art.jpg|''Minecraft Launcher'' Microsoft Store square key art
File:MCL vertical key art.png|''Minecraft Launcher'' Microsoft Store vertical key art
File:Minecraft Launcher Xbox Horizontal Key Art.jpg|''Minecraft Launcher'' Microsoft Store horizontal key art
File:MCL horizontal key art.png|Old ''Minecraft Launcher'' Microsoft Store horizontal key art
File:MCL splash screen.png|''Minecraft Launcher for Windows'' splash screen
File:Launcher Armored Paws Loading.webp|The initial loading screen (2024-2025)
File:Minecraft Launcher Animated Loading Screen.webp|The initial loading screen (2025-present)
File:Launcher login.png|The initial login screen
File:Minecraft Launcher.png|The home tab
File:Launcher JE tab.png|The ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' tab
File:Launcher BE tab.png|The ''Minecraft: Bedrock Edition'' tab
File:Launcher MCD tab.png|The ''Minecraft Dungeons'' tab
File:Launcher MCL tab.png|The ''Minecraft Legends'' tab
File:A Minecraft Movie Launcher Section.png|''A Minecraft Movie'' tab
File:Technoblade On Launch Screen.png|Close up of the pig with Technoblade’s crown. Added as a memorial after famous YouTuber Technoblade had passed away.
File:Minecraft launcher.svg|Old Minecraft Launcher app icon
File:Poisonous-potato-Minecraft-Launcher-font.png|Poisonous Potato "play" font
File:Launcher 2.3.443 Minecraft Live Tab.png|Minecraft Live Tab
File:Launcher BE MacOS.png|The ''Bedrock Edition'' screen on MacOS  
</gallery>

=== ''Minecraft: Java Edition'' ===
<gallery>
File:Launcher installations.png|The default installations section (with snapshots enabled).
File:New Installation.png|Editing an installation.
File:ChangingSkinLauncher.png|Adding a new skin.
File:Mclauncher game crash debug 2020.png|A game crash
File:Mclauncher already running 2020.png|A warning about running another copy of the game if it is already running.
File:MC Launcher Safety Warning.png|A warning about playing a version that doesn't support the latest player safety features.
File:Launcher Alex.png|A removed Alex skin that used to represent the default [[Minecraft:Alex]] on the Skins tab. Selecting this would simply give the player the default one instead.
File:Launcher Alex (texture).png|A texture recreation of the removed Alex skin.
</gallery>

=== Backgrounds ===
<gallery>
File:Mounts of Mayhem Key Art.png|The background for ''[[Minecraft:Java Edition]]'' and ''[[Minecraft:Bedrock Edition]]'', featuring the [[Minecraft:Mounts of Mayhem]] official artwork.
File:Minecraft Dungeons Key Art (without logo).jpeg|The background for ''[[Minecraft:Minecraft Dungeons]]''.
File:MCLUltimateEditionArtwork.jpg|The background for ''[[Minecraft:Minecraft Legends]]''.
File:Launcher login background.jpg|The old background for the initial login screen.
</gallery>

=== Version history ===
<gallery>
AlphaLauncher.png|The first ''Minecraft Launcher''
NotchLauncher.png|In-development image of the second launcher, from Notch's blog.
Launcher-1.0.png|The second ''Minecraft Launcher''. The old ''Minecraft''  logo can be seen.
Oldlauncher2.png|The third ''Minecraft Launcher''
Oldlauncher3.png|The fourth ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 1.0.
Minecraft-launcher-old.jpg|The fifth ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 1.6.
Last-Legacy-Launcher-Update.png|The last update to the Legacy Minecraft Launcher, version 1.6.93.
2016Launcher.png|The sixth ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 2.0.
2016LauncherLogin.png|The sixth ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 2.0 - login menu.
2019Launcher.png|The seventh ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 2.1.
2019LauncherLogin.png|The seventh ''Minecraft Launcher'', version 2.1 - login menu.
</gallery>

=== 2013–16 ===
<gallery>
Grum Launcher.png|The 2013 launcher in development.
Dinnerbone Login.png|[[Minecraft:Dinnerbone]] logging into the launcher.
Old Versions.png|Selecting beta versions in the launcher.
Alpha Versions.png|Selecting alpha versions in the launcher.
Minecraft Launcher-Launcher Log.png|The ''Launcher Log'' tab after the Launcher starts
1.6DevLauncher Local Version Editer (NYI).png|The ''Local Version Editor (NYI)'' tab (replaced by Time Machine)
Development Launcher Outdated.png|Error message that is displayed if a development launcher is outdated
Used Newer Launcher.png|Error message that is displayed if an old launcher is opened after using the 9.0 launcher
Launcher-1.6.png|Notification for the end of support for the launcher.
</gallery>

=== 2016–19 ===
<gallery>
2016LauncherProfileIcons.png|Profile icons selection from the launcher.
2016LauncherOfflineMode.png|Launcher in offline mode
2016LauncherHelp.png|The Help page
GameCrashinNewLauncher.png|Game crash
GameisAlreadyRunninginNewLauncher.png|Launcher warning about running another copy of ''Minecraft'' if it is already running.
SkinLauncher.png|Older skin options.
HowtoOldVersion2016.png|Selecting an older version.
Launcher Creeper face.png|The creeper face that appears at the top left corner.
Launcher shrug emoji.png|The shrug emoticon that sometimes replaced the creeper face at the top left corner.
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[Minecraft:Tutorial:Programs and editors]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

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