Java Edition launcher

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Minecraft Launcher
2019Launcher.png
Developers

Nathan Adams
Petr Mrázek‎

Platforms

WindowsmacOSLinux

Written in

C++[1]

Current version
Release

Windows 2.1.3674
macOS 2.1.3677
Linux 2.1.3676

Beta

Windows 2.1.4974
macOS 2.1.4975
Linux 2.1.4976

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The Minecraft launcher is the login and downloader front-end to the stand-alone client. It is responsible for downloading the main Java packages, including minecraft.jar, which holds the code and resources of the game such as textures, and LWJGL. It also acts somewhat like a basic and easily bypassable copy-restriction by forcing the user to login to a paid account when running for the first time. It is possible to use the launcher to run versions of Minecraft from nearly any era. However, not every version of the game is included (to see a list of all missing versions, see missing launcher versions). The current launcher is the seventh launcher for Minecraft, and the third that was built to automatically update itself.

Launch[edit]

The login screen for launchers without being previously logged-in.

Every time the launcher is executed, it checks a specific directory where Minecraft stores its files called ".minecraft". It checks a file called "launcher_profiles.json" for login credentials. If the file does not exist, is corrupt, or no user is logged in, the user must login with a valid premium account, otherwise the user will be directed to play the Demo version or purchase the game.

When logging in, the launcher will first try to verify the login. If a valid "launcher_profiles.json" file exists but there is no Internet connection, the launcher will offer a "Play offline" mode if a player was logged in when it was last closed. If the connection is successful, the launcher will then, depending on profile options, compare the latest version in the latest "versions" directory to the latest version reported by the server. If the selected version does not exist or the latest installed version is outdated when "Use latest version" is selected in the profile, the launcher will download all Minecraft components and Java binary files. It will also synchronize everything in the "assets" folder (see Resource pack).

Finally, upon a successful update or installation, the launcher will execute the Minecraft jar (via "javaw.exe", Oracle's Java Virtual Machine executable.) It is possible however for there to be missing ".jar" files, in which case the launcher will attempt to replace the missing files automatically but will stop if there is no connection.

Currently, the Minecraft launcher supports 57 languages.

Features[edit]

Launcher[edit]

  • Manage multiple profiles (stored in "launcher_profiles.json"). Each profile can control:
    • Game version. Includes access to outdated development builds and previous releases. Older/custom versions can also be added manually.[2]
    • Mojang account used to play the game
    • Command line arguments for Java (such as heap size)
    • Game directory (where the game files are saved on disk)
    • Edit profile pictures or custom made ones
  • The launcher doesn't store the password locally. Instead of this, it uses a 'refresh token'
  • The launcher supports multiple instances (as the game also does)
  • Automatic updates for launcher
  • Ability to update libraries, such as LWJGL
  • Offline mode. (The first time launch requires an Internet connection to download required resources)
  • 57 languages available
  • Crashes can be reported to Mojang, through Hopper
  • Crashes are indexed through a database for information on how to fix the issue
  • Launcher Settings
  • Switching accounts or logging off
  • Changing skins
  • Downloads servers on versions
  • Help button
  • Shows you the launcher version information when you click the launcher version

Backward compatibility[edit]

A profile with Alpha and Beta versions enabled

The Minecraft launcher has the ability to play old Alpha and Beta versions of the game. Currently snapshots, Alpha, Beta, and all release versions are available to play. Four Pre-classic versions, four Classic versions, and one Infdev version are available under the name "old_alpha".[3] No Indev versions are currently available from the launcher.

These versions are very out of date and may be unstable. Any bugs, glitches, missing features, or crashes that result from instability will never be resolved as only later versions are supported. Mojang strongly recommends backing up any save data and playing through a separate directory in the case of corruption.[4]

To enable the old versions, click the "Installations", turn the "Historical Versions", make a new profile, select any of the versions in the "Version" box, then click "Save".

Skins[edit]

Skin options in the launcher

Note: The latest update has temporarily removed the ability to change skins through the launcher. Skins can still be edited on the Minecraft website.The image shows the previous version of the launcher's Skin Editor.

You can change or add your custom skin within the Minecraft launcher. To change or add your skin click the "Skins" button, then click the "Browse" button to navigate through your file system for your skin file. The file must have a resolution of 64×64 in order for the launcher to accept it as a skin file. Additionally, the skin file must be in a .png format. After you have found the skin file, click the "Save" button to confirm your in-game skin.

  • You can reset your skin to the Steve or Alex defaults by clicking "Click to reset".
  • You can choose between player models - either Classic (Steve) or Slim (Alex).

If the game is running when the user enters this menu, a warning appears at the bottom of the launcher: Minecraft is currently running. Skin changes may not take effect until the game is next started.

Installations[edit]

When you open the launcher for first time, it creates a profile that selects the latest version of Minecraft - it cannot be removed.

However, you may create a game profile of your own in the launcher. Click on the "Installations" button, then click "New..." to create one. After this, name your profile as you want it. If you leave it, it will be named "<unnamed installation>". Then, optionally, select a profile picture from the launcher or a custom one. However, it must be a 128×128 .png picture. Select the version you wish to play, and click "Create" to confirm your profile. If you want to edit a profile, just click it. The same applies if you wish to delete a profile. Simply click the profile you want to delete and then click the "Delete [X]" button to remove it.

  • Installations settings in the launcher
    You can download server versions by clicking "Server".
  • If you want to resize the game, turn "Resolution" on to change the game window size.
  • You can turn "More options" on to show more profile options.
  • If you want to change the .minecraft file path, turn the on the "Game directory" option. Now, navigate to the folder where you wish to relocate the .minecraft folder. You can also open the Minecraft profile by clicking the green arrow-shaped "Go to folder" button.
  • If you turned "Snapshots" check on, it creates a "Latest snapshot" profile automatically.
  • You can manually set a logging configuration (see the Debugging article on wiki.vg for more info)
  • You can also duplicate a profile by clicking the stacked 3 dots button while hovering a profile.

Command Line usage[edit]

As of 2.1.1432, the launcher has 9 command-line options available:

  • --clean - This option deletes the game and runtime folders, including their contents, from the working directory.
  • --launcherui
  • --workDir - This option, followed by a path (relative or absolute), will change the location (and/or name) of the .minecraft folder.
  • --nativeLauncherVersion
  • --tmpDir - This option, followed by a path (relative or absolute), will change the location (and/or name) of the tmp folder.
  • --lockDir
  • --winTen - This option adds support for Windows 10. Since the launcher now supports Windows 10 fully, this option is unnecessary and seems to have no effect.
  • --proxyHost
  • --proxyPort

The --workDir option can be used to create a portable installation of the game. For example, --workDir . (or --workDir=.) can be used to make the launcher use the current directory (no matter what the current folder is called).

History[edit]

Java Edition Alpha
v1.0.0Initial release. In this version users can choose not only the current version but also Infdev.
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 java -cp Minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame username password will allow login without joining a server, while the format java -cp minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame username password serveraddress:portnumber allows joining a server.
v1.2.2Command line arguments format changed.
Java Edition Beta
1.3Released in February 21, 2011.[6] A technical sneak preview was published by Notch on February 18, 2011.[7]Added capability of automatic login to the game and/or server by command line arguments.
Added smarter update system that only updates 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.
Add Force Update button under the Options dialog.
The launcher also featured an inline "changelog" via a Tumblr called MCUpdate, and supports command-line arguments.[5]
Added the new Minecraft logo.
Added official links, community links and Mojang on Twitter links.
Java Edition
1.2.1Properly selects 64-bit Java installations for Mac OS X users.[8]
1.3.2Added ability to launch demo mode for non-premium users.
1.6.113w16aNew launcher added. See launcher history below.

Minecraft Launcher[edit]

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Launcher version Release date Summary of changes
Linux 2.1.4976
Mac OS 2.1.4975
Windows 2.1.4974 		June 14, 2019
Main article: Launcher 2.1.497x
Mac OS 2.1.3677
Linux 2.1.3676
Windows 2.1.3674 		April 23, 2019
Main article: Launcher 2.1.367x
Windows 2.1.3610-beta
Linux 2.1.3609-beta
Mac OS 2.1.3608-beta 		April 12, 2019
  • Unknown
Linux 2.1.3514-beta
Mac OS 2.1.3513-beta
Windows 2.1.3512-beta 		April 9, 2019
  • Keyboard navigation is now supported for the username and password fields[9]
  • The game can now be started by pressing enter on any screen where the Play button is visible
  • Sound cues can now be enabled for login state and results
Linux 2.1.2496-beta
Mac OS 2.1.2495-beta
Windows 2.1.2494-beta 		February 21, 2019
  • New download system that should improve download reliability and speed.[10]
Linux 2.1.2482
Windows 2.1.2481
Mac OS 2.1.2480 		February 21, 2019
  • Fixed the launcher updater failing when the .minecraft folder is a symbolic link.
  • Added a function where the launcher will re-validate its files after failing to start on Mac.
  • Fixed the launcher stalling during startup if YouTube is not responding.
  • Updated translations.
Windows 2.1.2474
Mac OS 2.1.2473
Linux 2.1.2472 		February 18, 2019
Main article: Launcher 2.1.247x
Mac OS 2.1.2468-beta
Windows 2.1.2467-beta
Linux 2.1.2466-beta 		February 14, 2019
  • The progress bar now updates properly in the "Prepare" phase[11]
  • Speed of the "Prepare" phase has been improved on multi-core machines
  • Fixed a bug causing game launches to stall on Linux
  • Fixed an error that would pop up when changing game directory in any configuration
  • Fixed the launcher update progress bar not working on mac
  • Fixed sounds not working in Minecraft versions prior to 1.6
Windows 2.1.2366-beta
Mac OS 2.1.2365-beta
Linux 2.1.2364-beta 		February 11, 2019
  • Fixed a bug that caused the launcher to soft-lock when there was no launcher_profiles.json file on disk.
  • The launcher will now display a notification of new launcher versions, even if they release while the launcher is already running.
Windows 2.1.2358-beta February 8, 2019
  • Unknown
Windows 2.1.2350-beta February 7, 2019
Linux 2.1.2339-beta
Mac OS 2.1.2338-beta
Windows 2.1.2337-beta 		February 6, 2019
Linux 2.1.2033-beta
Mac OS 2.1.2032-beta
Windows 2.1.2031-beta 		December 18, 2018
  • Unknown
Windows 2.1.2024-beta
Mac OS 2.1.2023-beta
Linux 2.1.2024-beta 		December 14, 2018
Windows 2.1.1911-beta
Mac OS 2.1.1910-beta
Linux 2.1.1909-beta 		December 7, 2018
  • Restructured Code
Windows 2.1.1462 October 23, 2018
Mac OS 2.1.1433
Windows 2.1.1432
Linux 2.1.1431 		September 26, 2018
  • Added Kiosk Mode for event organizers, which removes logout/account info to keep users logged in.[12]
Windows 2.1.1351
Mac OS 2.1.1350
Linux 2.1.1349 		July 26, 2018
Linux 2.1.1218
Mac OS 2.1.1217
Windows 2.1.1216 		June 28, 2018
  • Added option to sort profiles either by name or by last played.
  • Added a "Copy" button next to profiles.
Mac OS 2.1.1144 June 21, 2018
  • MCL-9319 – Launcher crashes after staying on and exiting the game
  • Other unknown changes
Windows 2.1.1143 June 21, 2018
  • Other unknown changes
Java 1.6.91 June 21, 2018
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.1051 May 8, 2018
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.1049 May 8, 2018
Java 1.6.89 May 8, 2018
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.84 October 26, 2017
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.1007-stage October 25, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.1006-stage October 25, 2017
  • Unknown
Linux 2.0.1005
Mac OS 2.0.1004 		October 25, 2017
  • Support for arguments block instead of minecraftArguments template string in the version JSON
Windows 2.0.1003 October 25, 2017
Java 1.6.82 October 25, 2017
  • Support for arguments block instead of minecraftArguments template string in the version JSON
Mac OS 2.0.996 October 25, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.995 October 25, 2017
  • Support for arguments block instead of minecraftArguments template string in the version JSON
Java 1.6.81-stage October 25, 2017
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.79-stage June 13, 2017
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.935 June 13, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.934 June 13, 2017
  • Unknown
2.0.932-stage June 13, 2017
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.897 May 30, 2017
  • MCL-7333 – Minecraft Launcher 2.0.847 hangs at Preparing after clicking the Play Download 1.11.2 - Latest release
Windows 2.0.895 May 30, 2017
  • New translations[14]
Windows 2.0.847 April 10, 2017
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.834
Linux 2.0.833
Windows 2.0.832 		March 10, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.806
Mac OS 2.0.805 		February 9, 2017
Mac OS 2.0.775-stage
Windows 2.0.774-stage 		February 8, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.760-stage February 3, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.757-stage February 3, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.726-stage February 1, 2017
  • Fixed some issues with the update process.
Windows 2.0.710-stage January 31, 2017
  • Fixed some issues with mods.
Windows 2.0.700 January 31, 2017
  • First official release that replace the old launcher.[15]
Linux 2.0.682-dev January 30, 2017
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.673-stage January 27, 2017
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.73 January 26, 2017
  • Unknown
2.0.663-stage January 25, 2017
  • No security popups for Mac anymore.
Windows 2.0.581-stage
Mac OS 2.0.580-stage
Linux 2.0.579-dev 		January 18, 2017
  • Added a launcher version information tab.
  • Support for Linux
Mac OS 2.0.511-stage
Windows 2.0.510-stage 		January 3, 2017
  • Changed font from the Minecraft default to Segoe UI.
  • Fixed a bug where the resolution was 2304×1202 regardless of launch option or window size.
2.0.497-stage December 29, 2016
  • Added more languages.
2.0.490-stage December 27, 2016
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.465-stage
Windows 2.0.464-stage 		December 8, 2016
  • Unknown
2.0.455-stage December 7, 2016
  • Unknown
2.0.447-stage December 6, 2016
  • Fixed a crash when you launched any minecraft.jar except for "1.11 Latest release" or lower.[citation needed]
Windows 2.0.429-stage November 30, 2016
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.425-stage
Windows 2.0.424-stage 		November 29, 2016
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.414-stage November 28, 2016
  • Fixed a bug where the Launcher could get stuck on 'Loading...' everywhere.[16]
Mac OS 2.0.388-stage
Windows 2.0.387-stage 		November 25, 2016
  • Added language selection
Java 1.6.70 November 17, 2016
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.320-stage
Mac OS 2.0.319-stage 		November 4, 2016
  • Unknown
Mac OS 2.0.283-stage
Windows 2.0.282-stage 		November 2, 2016[17]
  • Now supports running multiple instances of Minecraft at the same time
  • Can now be kept open while the game is running
  • Now backs ups "launcher_profiles.json" before migrating settings to new launcher
  • Made launch options slightly smaller
  • The button to add a new launch option is now at the top of the list
  • "Keep launcher open" and "Show game log" are now separate settings
  • Multiple bug fixes:
    • Fixed running modded versions
    • Resolution setting should now work properly
    • Fixed an issue where opening the game directory would give an error message even when it worked
    • Pressing Del in input fields no longer removes the rest of the line
    • Pressing Tab ↹ on the news page no longer messes with the news carousel
    • Fixed a crash that sometimes happened when the game closed
    • Selecting input with your mouse and hitting backspace on the keyboard should now properly delete the input
    • The version information page no longer selects all text when you click it
Java 1.6.69 October 26, 2016
  • Unknown
Windows 2.0.164-stage
Mac OS 2.0.163-stage[18] 		October 26, 2016
  • New launcher iteration for testing initially for Windows and macOS
  • Runs as a native application that no longer requires Java
  • Interface redesign
Java 1.6.66 October 24, 2016
  • Now warns the player when their profile has been opened in the new launcher.
Java 1.6.61 March 3, 2016
  • Game Session ID is now hidden in the game output tab when launching the game, now says Session ID is <censored>
Java 1.6.59 February 25, 2016
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.57 February 24, 2016
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.51 February 4, 2016
  • Unknown
Java 1.6.48 October 9, 2015
  • Other unknown changes
Java 1.6.44 September 11, 2015
  • Added information about new OSX Installer. (Showing only on OSX)
Java 1.6.39 September 8, 2015
  • Fixed Launcher window closing.
  • Fixed closing the "Profile Editor" window.
  • Minor changes.
Java 1.6.19 July 24, 2015
  • Added Windows 10 support
  • Added new argument -winTen
  • MCL-3410 – Shows wrong OS
Java 1.6.13 July 1, 2015
  • Launcher now creating folder "server-resource-packs" in game directory.
  • MCL-3732 – Server Resource Packs not downloading: "Internal Exception: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Parameter 'directory' is not a directory"
Java 1.6.11 January 30, 2015
  • Installer uses Java 8[19]
  • Executable downloads its own runtime; Java no longer needs to be installed
Java 1.6.5 December 18, 2014
  • Test launcher
    • Launcher Log takes note of 'proxy', for instance showing 'proxy == DIRECT'
  • MCL-3287 – "unknown error" when running Minecraft.msi
Java 1.6.3 December 17, 2014
  • Test launcher[20]
    • Launcher for Windows now available as .msi, installs to the /Program Files (x86)/Minecraft directory
  • First installable launcher.
Java 1.5.5 December 16, 2014
  • Test launcher
    • Unknown
Java 1.5.4 December 12, 2014
  • Test launcher[21]
    • Update for the native bootstrap
    • Uses a local, launcher-managed Java runtime instead of system Java.
Java 1.5.3 September 1, 2014
Java 1.5.2 August 19, 2014
  • Re-launching Minecraft with a user used previously will override the game output tab for that user
  • MCL-2964 – Inherited JSON is overwritten when a library download takes place
Java 1.5.1 July 29, 2014
  • Fix launcher stuck on Loading...[22]
Java 1.5 July 28, 2014
  • Development Console tab renamed to Launcher Log
  • You can now run multiple instances of Minecraft at once, provided they're on different users
  • Play button renamed to Already Playing... if Minecraft is open while looking at launcher
  • New tab called Game Output (yourusername) appears after launching minecraft
Java 1.4.7 July 25, 2014
  • Prepend libraries instead of appending(?)
Java 1.4.6 July 25, 2014
  • Added some command-line switches on the Profile Editor(?)
  • Added version inheritance[23]
Java 1.4.5 July 25, 2014
  • Added a "Switch users" button to make switching users easier
  • Another attempt to fix MCL-2494, but the fix didn't work.
Java 1.4.4 May 19, 2014
  • Attempt to fix MCL-2494, but the fix didn't work.
Java 1.4.2 May 2, 2014
  • MCL-2490 – Custom Versions are not loading
Java 1.4 May 2, 2014
  • Loading bar displays file currently being downloaded
  • MCL-2350 – Slowly eats large amounts of heap
  • Removed tab Local Version Editor (NYI)
  • Auto cleanup unused libraries
Java 1.3.11 March 12, 2014
  • Update Notes website frame uses JavaFX if available
  • Profiles are now displayed in alphabetical order
Java 1.3.10 February 13, 2014
  • Libraries use SHA-1 for validation
Java 1.3.9 January 24, 2014
  • Updated bug tracker links
Java 1.3.8 January 8, 2014
  • Added "(Why can I only play demo?)" link for demo accounts, under the "play demo" button. The link redirects you here
Java 1.3.7 December 12, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 1.3.6 December 5, 2013
  • MCL-1895 – Cannot play offline in 1.3.5 version - immediately gamecrash when launching
Java 1.3.5 December 4, 2013
  • Rearranged the assets folder for the new Assets Management System.[24]
Java 1.3.4 November 26, 2013
  • Faster downloading of some big files.[25]
  • MCL-1764 – "Play Offline" tries to download files with proxy connection active
Java 1.3.3 November 20, 2013
  • Bridging of Mojang and Twitch accounts.[26]
  • MCL-1672 – OS X: Minecraft cannot download
Java 1.3.2 November 18, 2013
  • Added time it took to finish jobs.
  • Faster resource downloading.[27]
Java 1.3.1 October 29, 2013
  • Speed improvements
  • Basic read-only popup on version list tab
  • Misc fixes and cleanups
Java 1.2.8 October 25, 2013
Java 1.2.7 October 18, 2013
  • Added an open game directory button in the profile editor.
  • MCL-1664 – Launcher doesn't work
Java 1.2.5 September 23, 2013
Java 1.2.4 September 19, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 1.2.3 September 12, 2013 [28]
  • MCL-1270 – Can not log out of launcher
Java 1.2.2 September 3, 2013 [29]
  • MCL-1461 – Many versions makes the launcher slow
Java 1.2.1 August 7, 2013 [30]
  • 5 old Minecraft versions from Classic and Pre-classic have been pushed to the launcher.
  • MCL-1421 – Selecting Alpha 1.2.0 version launches Alpha 1.2.0_02 instead
August 6, 2013 [31] [32]
August 2, 2013
  • Added a warning about using Beta, Alpha, and snapshot versions
Java 1.2 August 1, 2013
  • Added a "Time Machine" feature to use Beta versions.
    • An option for Alpha has been included but the versions are not available yet.
  • Also allows players to play versions 1.2.5-1.4.7
Java 1.1.4 July 31, 2013
  • Some small text updates
Java 1.1.3 July 27, 2013 [33]
  • Fixed low FPS issues on Intel HDXXXX chipsets.
Java 1.1.2 July 22, 2013
Java 1.1.1 July 19, 2013
  • New-look launcher and login screen
  • Launcher now closes automatically when game window opens
Java 1.0.10 July 12, 2013
  • Further support for Hopper
  • Client crashes can be flagged as Public
    • Nothing is currently done with these
  • Profiles have the option to disable Hopper support
  • Reporting directly to the bug tracker is only allowed if Hopper is turned off or the launcher can't connect to Hopper
    • Hopper will not send crash report to bug tracker if the game is modded
  • MCL-646 – "Report to Mojang" Button creates blank report without crash report
Java 1.0.9 July 10, 2013
  • Added support for the new crash-reporting system, Hopper[34]
    • Any client crash will automatically submit the crash report
  • MCL-862 – Client token collisions can prevent players from logging in to servers
Java 1.0.8 July 9, 2013 [35]
  • Fixes to the launcher having trouble playing 1.6.2 on OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard)
July 8, 2013 [36]
  • Fixes to the launcher having trouble playing 1.6.2 on OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard), doesn't work
July 2, 2013
  • The launcher now has a high-definition icon[citation needed]
  • Mac OS X 10.5.8 users have had Minecraft 1.6.1 disabled pending a LWJGL fix, however 1.5.2 is not affected[37]
Java 1.0.7 July 2, 2013
  • MCL-590 – Saves Password no matter what
Java 1.0.6 July 1, 2013
Java 1.0.5 July 1, 2013
  • Added a 'snapshot' setting in the profile editor, enabling/disabling snapshots.
  • MCL-546 – Unknown Publisher, Missing digital Signature
Java 1.0.4 June 28, 2013
  • Added a 'resolution' setting in the profile editor.
Java 1.0.3 June 27, 2013
Java 1.0.2 June 27, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 1.0.1 June 26, 2013
  • Yggdrasil authentication re-deployed
    • Fixed: MCL-568 – Migrated Account - Can't login in 1.6 prerelease on 1.0.1 launcher
Java 1.0.0 June 26, 2013
  • Launcher downgraded to 1.0.0
  • Disabled Yggdrasil because of login error
Java 1.0.1 June 26, 2013
  • Enabled Yggdrasil, The new auth system
  • More secure and much more featureful.
Java 1.0 June 25, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.9.5 June 18, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.9.4 June 18, 2013
  • Added "New Profile" and "Edit Profile" Buttons to the profile selection panel
Java 0.9.3 June 14, 2013
  • MCL-461 – Crash after using custom version
Java 0.9.2 June 13, 2013
  • MCL-434 – Unable to launch the game with custom JVM arguments
Java 0.9.1 June 10, 2013
Java 0.9 June 10, 2013
  • Now includes a Profile Editor tab.
    • Choosing the game's version can only be done by double clicking your profile and changing the version in the drop down list.
  • Changes to the Version Selector area.
  • MCL-87 – Version selection doesn't persist between launches
Java 0.8.3 June 7, 2013
Java 0.8.2 May 27, 2013
Java 0.8.1 May 21, 2013
  • Client window now uses Crafting Table icon for main window when a snapshot build is selected; Launcher window still uses Grass Block icon
    • Selecting release builds on Windows currently uses the basic Java icon
Java 0.8 May 20, 2013
Java 0.7.2 May 15, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.7 May 13, 2013
  • Launcher downgraded to 0.7
Java 0.7.1 May 4, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.7 May 2, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.6 April 25, 2013
  • Unknown
Java 0.5 April 23, 2013
  • Added 1.5.1 to the list of available versions in the launcher
  • MCL-123 – Mac Firewall Issue
Java 0.4 April 23, 2013
  • Re-enabled crash reporting
Java 0.3 April 22, 2013
  • Added Local Version Editor (NYI) tab to the launcher
  • Added window to check server status
Java 0.2 April 19, 2013
  • Added Development Console tab to the launcher
  • Fixed starting game trouble
Java 0.1 April 18, 2013
  • .minecraft directory structure is changed:
    • "assets" folder; stores resources such as language packs and sounds.
      • All music discs now use .ogg format instead of .mus format.
    • "library" folder; stores Java libraries such as LWJGL and jinput.jar.
    • "versions" folder; there are file "versions.json" (meta data) and folders that stores minecraft.jar for each versions (but its name is same as its version. e.g. for 13w16a, "versions/13w16a/13w16a.jar").
  • The launcher is an executable.

Gallery[edit]

Version history[edit]

  • The first Minecraft launcher.

  • The second Minecraft launcher. The old Minecraft logo can be seen.

  • The third Minecraft launcher.

  • The fourth Minecraft launcher.

  • The fifth Minecraft launcher, version 1.6.

  • The sixth Minecraft launcher, version 2.0.

  • The seventh and current Minecraft launcher.

2010–16[edit]

  • The Launcher Log tab after the Launcher starts

  • The Local Version Editor (NYI) tab (replaced by Time Machine)

  • Error message that is displayed if a development launcher is outdated

  • Error message that is displayed if an old launcher is opened after using the 2.0 launcher

2016–19[edit]

  • Profile icons selection from launcher.

  • Launcher in offline mode

  • The Help page

  • Game crash

  • Launcher warning about running another copy of Minecraft if it is already running.

2019–present[edit]

  • The News tab of the launcher.

  • The "Java Edition" tab of the launcher.

  • Launcher login screen.

  • Editing an installation.

  • The "About" section of the launcher.

Backgrounds[edit]

  • The background when logging in to an account.

  • The background for Java Edition.

  • The background for Minecraft Dungeons.

  • The background for Dungeons when purchased.

Trivia[edit]

Launcher Creeper face.pngLauncher shrug emoji.png
  • In the top left corner of the 2016–19 launcher, a barely visible button could be found which randomly shows either a creeper face or a shrug kaomoji ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. It glowed white when clicked, but had no use at all. This was removed in the 2019 redesign of the launcher.
    • The creeper face as well as shrug were used for the language selection menu during the beta phase of the launcher, but when a globe was added instead both were simply moved downwards to be kept as an Easter egg.
  • Hovering long enough over the "Play" button in the 2016–19 launcher will cause random mobs appear on the right side of the window.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/1037686466250530816
  2. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/344164561701724160
  3. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/364762596387205120
  4. ↑ https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/1475923-changing-game-versions
  5. ↑ http://mcupdate.tumblr.com/post/3427294253/welcome-to-the-new-minecraft-launcher
  6. ↑ http://notch.tumblr.com/post/3428176687/server-downtime-and-a-new-launcher
  7. ↑ https://twitter.com/notch/status/38621269331025921
  8. ↑ http://www.mojang.com/2012/03/minecraft-1-2-is-out/
  9. ↑ https://twitter.com/slicedlime/status/1115610896242495488
  10. ↑ https://twitter.com/slicedlime/status/1098875758607519744
  11. ↑ "A new beta version of the Minecraft Launcher is rolling out." – @slicedlime, February 14, 2019
  12. ↑ "Event organizers: try out Kiosk Mode in the Java Minecraft launcher! This removes logout/account info. Keep users logged into that station!" – @Marc_IRL, September 26, 2018
  13. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/408246271921901568[verify]
  14. ↑ "A new version of the Minecraft Launcher will be going out shortly, it has new translations & a fix for those stuck/crashing on "Preparing"" – @Dinnerbone, May 30, 2017
  15. ↑ https://twitter.com/MansOlson/status/826116586515865601
  16. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/803235460386537472
  17. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/5apvpl/help_us_test_the_new_minecraft_launcher_todays/?st=iv1jq8z1&sh=7908cfe7
  18. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/59b7m0/help_us_test_the_new_minecraft_launcher_check_the/
  19. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/561096640086700032
  20. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/2pkxpx/we_need_your_help_testing_the_new_minecraft
  21. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/2p31cu/we_need_your_help_testing_a_new_launcher
  22. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/494220782244208640
  23. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/492715318645882880
  24. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/408246271921901568
  25. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/405366855785021440
  26. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/403111179859812352
  27. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/402434001451098112
  28. ↑ https://twitter.com/Marc_IRL/status/378280823180361729
  29. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/374887108932288512
  30. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/365040968644296705
  31. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/364699262233223169
  32. ↑ https://twitter.com/_grum/status/364699271708151808
  33. ↑ https://twitter.com/_grum/status/361126093777936384
  34. ↑ http://hopper.minecraft.net/
  35. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/354595929925496832
  36. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/354351963288248321
  37. ↑ https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/352109843731070976

See also[edit]

Java Edition
Versions
Development
Version history
Technical
Development resources
Legacy development resources
Multiplayer
Game customization
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