Minecraft errors and common problems

Can't sign in: Often the wrong Microsoft account

Means

Most platforms need a Microsoft account for Minecraft, and sign-in fails when you use a different account from the one that bought the game. A forgotten password or old login details can also block you.

First step

Make sure you sign in with the Microsoft account that bought Minecraft. All steps

Game crashes or lags: Old drivers, mods or heavy video settings

Means

Crashes and lag usually come from the device, the network or the game setup. Mojang points to old graphics drivers, low storage, add-ons or mods, and video settings that ask too much of your hardware.

First step

Sign out of Minecraft, then restart your device and your router. All steps

Can't join a server: Connection, firewall or router settings

Means

When Java Edition can't reach a multiplayer server, the cause is usually on your side of the connection. Mojang lists unstable Wi-Fi, programs eating bandwidth, and a firewall, antivirus or VPN that blocks the game.

First step

Close Minecraft and restart your device. All steps

Can't join a Realm: Old version, lapsed subscription or closed Realm

Means

Realm connections fail when your game is out of date, your device is no longer supported, or the owner's Realms subscription has run out. Console players also need an active online plan.

First step

Sign out of Minecraft, restart your device and sign in again. All steps

Launcher crashes: Damaged launcher install or Store cache

Means

On Windows the launcher can crash, freeze or say the app can't open. It relies on the Microsoft Store and Xbox services, so a damaged install or a bad Store cache can stop it.

First step

Run the Gaming Services Repair Tool from Xbox. All steps

Launcher stuck updating: Launcher or Store update stalls

Means

Launcher updates normally install by themselves when you open it. When the update hangs, the launcher app, the Microsoft Store or Xbox gaming services may need a repair.

First step

Search for Minecraft Launcher in the Start menu, right-click it and open App Settings. All steps

Drowned: Microsoft account sign-in failed

Means

Drowned means Minecraft could not sign in to your Microsoft account. It can also appear while your platform's online service has problems.

First step

Sign out of your Microsoft account in Minecraft and sign in again. All steps

Multiplayer is disabled: Account settings or old version block online play

Means

This message shows when your account is not allowed to join multiplayer games or your game is out of date. Mojang says you may need to allow multiplayer on the account even if it is not a child account.

First step

Update Minecraft and use the latest release, not a preview or snapshot. All steps

0X803F8001: Launcher license not found for your account

Means

The full message says the Minecraft Launcher license is not available for your account. It happens when the launcher, the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app are not all signed in to the account that owns the game.

First step

Open the Minecraft Launcher, check the account in the top left corner and switch to the right one. All steps

GLFW error 65542: Graphics driver has no OpenGL support

Means

Java Edition needs OpenGL to run. This error appears at launch on Windows when the graphics driver does not provide it.

First step

Download the OpenCL and OpenGL Compatibility Pack from the Microsoft Store and install it. All steps

Creeper: Weak connection during sign-in

Means

Mojang says Creeper appears when a poor internet connection stops Minecraft from signing you in to its authentication servers, so it can't reach your world.

First step

Restart Minecraft and let it finish loading before you try again. All steps

Deep Ocean: Minecraft Launcher sign-in problem

Means

Deep Ocean usually means the Minecraft Launcher could not sign you in. Mojang suggests the general error steps first and then a repair of Xbox gaming services on PC.

First step

Sign out of Minecraft, restart your device and sign in again. All steps

Can’t connect to Minecraft services: Store account mismatch or missing Xbox parts

Means

This shows on PC right after you sign in to the launcher. Mojang links it to a lost connection, a different account in the Microsoft Store, or missing Xbox components.

First step

Check that your PC is connected to the internet. All steps

launcher.dll: LoadErrorNotPresent: A launcher file is missing

Means

This error shows when you try to start Java Edition and a file the launcher needs is missing.

First step

Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar and open it. All steps