Why Minecraft Won’t Launch or Open On Windows PC 2025

Is Minecraft refusing to launch on your Windows PC? Don't fret.

Are you facing the frustrating issue of Minecraft refusing to launch or open on your Windows PC? You’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem, as indicated by the numerous searches for solutions.

Whether you’re experiencing a complete failure to launch, encountering errors after pressing play, or dealing with a persistent refusal to start, this article aims to provide comprehensive insights and troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

From examining common causes to offering step-by-step solutions, we’ll guide you through the process of getting Minecraft up and running on your Windows system.

Why Minecraft not Launching on my PC?

Building your dream blocky world shouldn’t involve a battle against launch errors. Yet, here you are, frustrated by Minecraft refusing to launch. Usually this problem occur because of;

  • Launcher recent updates that can trip up the launcher itself. Check for a stuck update or try re-downloading the launcher.
  • For Java edition players, outdated or missing Java runtime environments can throw a wrench in the works.
  • Background applications can sometimes clash with Minecraft.
  • Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements.
  • Outdated graphics card drivers can cause graphical glitches and even prevent launch.
  • Minecraft modding can overload the game. Try launching with a fresh, mod-free profile to see if it’s a mod-related hiccup.

How to Fix Minecraft Won’t Launch Issue on Windows

Before applying the fixes you need to check whether your computer is powerful enough to run the game which is a possible reason for this issue, you can check Minecraft system requirements first.

End all Minecraft Processes in the Background

Sometimes the Minecraft game won’t launch, because it got stuck in the background of Windows. When this issue occurs you will see that there are two MinecraftLauncher.exe. You need to end both tasks and reboot the game

Open task manager and close all the processes related to Minecraft and then play the game.

Update your Graphics Card Driver

Another reason why Minecraft won’t launch on Windows 11 and 10 PC is the outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. To improve gaming performance you need to update the graphics driver. There are two methods to update graphics cards i.e. Manual and Automatic.

In the manual method, you need to visit NVIDIA/AMD sites and search for the latest compatible drivers and download them on your PC. If you don’t have relevant skills then there are chances that you might install the wrong drivers.

So we suggest you adopt an automatic method in which you need to download Driver Easy on your PC. This tool will automatically scan your PC for outdated graphics drivers and update it instantly.

Delete Launcher Profiles

Minecraft launcher saves its profiles on your system that are loaded whenever you open up the launcher. Sometimes the profiles in the launcher get corrupted causing Minecraft won’t launch issue.

You need to delete the launcher profile from your system, follow these steps:

Use Bundled Version of Java

Having trouble launching Minecraft after the update? Java might be the culprit! If you previously set Minecraft to use a specific Java version, it might not be compatible with the newer versions bundled with the game. Here’s how to fix it:

Close Incompatible Software

Multiple apps running in the background puts more load on the PC causing conflicts with the game. If you are also running unnecessary programs or antivirus software then close them and then run the game.

This page, maintained by “Minecraft Community Support”, has information on what software may be interfering with the ability to update or log into Minecraft: Java Edition.

Run ADWCleaner Scan

If you’re trying to launch Minecraft but it’s refusing to open, the culprit might be malware lurking on your PC. Don’t worry, we can easily root it out with a handy tool called ADWCleaner.

ADWCleaner is a free, lightweight utility that specifically targets and removes adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and other malicious software that can interfere with your computer’s performance and stability. It’s known for being effective and user-friendly, making it a perfect choice for even novice users.

Remove Mods

If the modded Minecraft won’t launch then there is a simple solution that is to remove mods. Various Mods are available for Minecraft and it’s normal to use mods when playing Minecraft.

However, mods sometimes change your game’s behavior and may cause unknown problems. So if you use mods while playing Minecraft, remove all mods you’ve installed.

Repair Minecraft Launcher

The Minecraft not launching issue can also be linked with the launcher. Sometimes, is the launcher that won’t start up, so try repairing the application:

  1. Open the Start menu
  2. Right-click the Minecraft Launcher icon
  3. Select More
  4. Open App Settings
  5. Click Repair and Reset 

Clear Minecraft Launcher Cache

The corrupted cahe might be the culprit causing startup problems. So follow these steps:

  1. In the Launcher, click Settings
  2. Click the Accounts tab
  3. Click the Advanced Options at the bottom to open it
  4. Select Clean up cached account tokens

Reinstall Minecraft Launcher

In case the game is still not launching then youneed to reinstall launcher. Follow these steps:

Perform a Clean Boot

Running the PC in a clean boot state means that no other services will run except game services. When you turn on PC multiple services start running with it causing conflict. Simply close all these services and then play the game.

Follow these steps:

Reset Windows Store

In order to get rid of the Minecraft not launching issue, you can also consider resetting the Windows Store. Many Minecraft players claimed that this has worked for them. Follow the steps below to execute this tactic:

Try using the MultiMC launcher

While MultiMC is a third-party launcher, it allows you to better manage your Minecraft installations. Many users have confirmed that they were able to launch Minecraft through the MultiMC launcher as opposed to using the official one. Here’s how to download and install the MultiMC launcher: