Normally you can find one of these anywhere, but our launcher is the best launcher, and we think you'd feel better if the launcher you use has our brand on it. Also more cracked Minecraft players find us, so it's a win-win-win! We think cracked users are great!
Java Edition only |
Developers | Nathan Adams |
---|---|
Platforms | |
Written in | C++[1] |
Current version | 2.1.3674 |
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 versions). The current launcher is the sixth launcher for Minecraft, and the second that was built to automatically update itself.
- 2Features
- 4History
Launch[edit]
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 If the selected version does not exist or the latest installed version is outdated when 'Use latest version' is selected in the profile, the launcher will download all Minecraft components and Java binary files.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]
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 'Launch Options', turn the 'Historical Versions', make a new profile, select any of the versions in the 'Version' box, then click 'Save'.
Skins[edit]
Best Mod Launcher For Minecraft
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.
Profiles[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 'Launch Options' button, then click 'Add New' to create one. After this, name your profile as you want it. If you leave it, it will be named 'Unnamed Configuration'. 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 'Save' 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.
- Profile settings in the launcherYou can download server versions by clicking 'Download Server'.
- If you want to resize the game, turn 'Resolution' on to change the game window size.
- You can turn 'Advanced Settings' 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 'Snapshot Versions' 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)
Command Line usage[edit]
As of 2.1.1432, the launcher has 9 command-line options available:
--clean
- This option deletes thegame
andruntime
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 thetmp
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
Minecraft Win 10 Mod
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 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
v1.0.0 | Initial 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 usernamepassword will allow login without joining a server, while the format java -cp minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame usernamepasswordserveraddress:portnumber allows joining a server. | |||||
v1.2.2 | Command line arguments format changed. | ||||
Java Edition Beta | |||||
1.3 | Released 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 | |||||
1.2.1 | Properly selects 64-bit Java installations for Mac OS X users.[8] | ||||
1.3.2 | Added ability to launch demo mode for non-premium users. | ||||
1.6.1 | 13w16a | New launcher added. See launcher history below. |
Minecraft Launcher[edit]
This section is a stub, meaning that it lacks some important information. You can help by expanding it with further information relating to the topic. |
It has been suggested that the contents of this page be split into two or more separate articles.Discuss The topics presented on this page may be diverse enough to warrant distinct pages. |
Launcher version | Release date | Summary of changes |
---|---|---|
2.1.3677 2.1.3676 2.1.3674 | April 23, 2019 |
|
2.1.3610-beta 2.1.3609-beta 2.1.3608-beta | April 12, 2019 |
|
2.1.3514-beta 2.1.3513-beta 2.1.3512-beta | April 9, 2019 |
|
2.1.2496-beta 2.1.2495-beta 2.1.2494-beta | February 21, 2019 |
|
2.1.2482 2.1.2481 2.1.2480 | February 21, 2019 |
|
2.1.2474 2.1.2473 2.1.2472 | February 18, 2019 | |
2.1.2468-beta 2.1.2467-beta 2.1.2466-beta | February 14, 2019 |
|
2.1.2366-beta 2.1.2365-beta 2.1.2364-beta | February 11, 2019 |
|
2.1.2358-beta | February 8, 2019 |
|
2.1.2350-beta | February 7, 2019 | |
2.1.2339-beta 2.1.2338-beta 2.1.2337-beta | February 6, 2019 | |
2.1.2033-beta 2.1.2032-beta 2.1.2031-beta | December 18, 2018 |
|
2.1.2024-beta 2.1.2023-beta 2.1.2024-beta | December 14, 2018 | |
2.1.1911-beta 2.1.1910-beta 2.1.1909-beta | December 7, 2018 |
|
2.1.1462 | October 23, 2018 | |
2.1.1433 2.1.1432 2.1.1431 | September 26, 2018 |
|
2.1.1351 2.1.1350 2.1.1349 | July 26, 2018 | |
2.1.1218 2.1.1217 2.1.1216 | June 28, 2018 |
|
2.1.1144 | June 21, 2018 |
|
2.1.1143 | June 21, 2018 |
|
1.6.91 | June 21, 2018 |
|
2.0.1051 | May 8, 2018 |
|
2.0.1049 | May 8, 2018 | |
1.6.89 | May 8, 2018 |
|
1.6.84 | October 26, 2017 |
|
2.0.1007-stage | October 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.1006-stage | October 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.1005 2.0.1004 | October 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.1003 | October 25, 2017 | |
1.6.82 | October 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.996 | October 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.995 | October 25, 2017 |
|
1.6.81-stage | October 25, 2017 |
|
1.6.79-stage | June 13, 2017 |
|
2.0.935 | June 13, 2017 |
|
2.0.934 | June 13, 2017 |
|
2.0.932-stage | June 13, 2017 |
|
2.0.897 | May 30, 2017 |
|
2.0.895 | May 30, 2017 |
|
2.0.847 | April 10, 2017 |
|
2.0.834 2.0.833 2.0.832 | March 10, 2017 |
|
2.0.806 2.0.805 | February 9, 2017 | |
2.0.775-stage 2.0.774-stage | February 8, 2017 |
|
2.0.760-stage | February 3, 2017 |
|
2.0.757-stage | February 3, 2017 |
|
2.0.726-stage | February 1, 2017 |
|
2.0.710-stage | January 31, 2017 |
|
2.0.700 | January 31, 2017 |
|
2.0.682-dev | January 30, 2017 |
|
2.0.673-stage | January 27, 2017 |
|
1.6.73 | January 26, 2017 |
|
2.0.663-stage | January 25, 2017 |
|
2.0.581-stage 2.0.580-stage 2.0.579-dev | January 18, 2017 |
|
2.0.511-stage 2.0.510-stage | January 3, 2017 |
|
2.0.497-stage | December 29, 2016 |
|
2.0.490-stage | December 27, 2016 |
|
2.0.465-stage 2.0.464-stage | December 8, 2016 |
|
2.0.455-stage | December 7, 2016 |
|
2.0.447-stage | December 6, 2016 |
|
2.0.429-stage | November 30, 2016 |
|
2.0.425-stage 2.0.424-stage | November 29, 2016 |
|
2.0.414-stage | November 28, 2016 |
|
2.0.388-stage 2.0.387-stage | November 25, 2016 |
|
1.6.70 | November 17, 2016 |
|
2.0.320-stage 2.0.319-stage | November 4, 2016 |
|
2.0.283-stage 2.0.282-stage | November 2, 2016[17] |
|
1.6.69 | October 26, 2016 |
|
2.0.164-stage 2.0.163-stage[18] | October 26, 2016 |
|
1.6.66 | October 24, 2016 |
|
1.6.61 | March 3, 2016 |
|
1.6.59 | February 25, 2016 |
|
1.6.57 | February 24, 2016 |
|
1.6.51 | February 4, 2016 |
|
1.6.48 | October 9, 2015 |
|
1.6.44 | September 11, 2015 |
|
1.6.39 | September 8, 2015 |
|
1.6.19 | July 24, 2015 |
|
1.6.13 | July 1, 2015 |
|
1.6.11 | January 30, 2015 |
|
1.6.5 | December 18, 2014 |
|
1.6.3 | December 17, 2014 |
|
1.5.5 | December 16, 2014 |
|
1.5.4 | December 12, 2014 |
|
1.5.3 | September 1, 2014 | |
1.5.2 | August 19, 2014 |
|
1.5.1 | July 29, 2014 |
|
1.5 | July 28, 2014 |
|
1.4.7 | July 25, 2014 |
|
1.4.6 | July 25, 2014 |
|
1.4.5 | July 25, 2014 |
|
1.4.4 | May 19, 2014 |
|
1.4.2 | May 2, 2014 |
|
1.4 | May 2, 2014 |
|
1.3.11 | March 12, 2014 |
|
1.3.10 | February 13, 2014 |
|
1.3.9 | January 24, 2014 |
|
1.3.8 | January 8, 2014 |
|
1.3.7 | December 12, 2013 |
|
1.3.6 | December 5, 2013 |
|
1.3.5 | December 4, 2013 |
|
1.3.4 | November 26, 2013 |
|
1.3.3 | November 20, 2013 |
|
1.3.2 | November 18, 2013 |
|
1.3.1 | October 29, 2013 |
|
1.2.8 | October 25, 2013 | |
1.2.7 | October 18, 2013 |
|
1.2.5 | September 23, 2013 | |
1.2.4 | September 19, 2013 |
|
1.2.3 | September 12, 2013 [28] |
|
1.2.2 | September 3, 2013 [29] |
|
1.2.1 | August 7, 2013 [30] |
|
August 6, 2013 [31][32] |
| |
August 2, 2013 |
| |
1.2 | August 1, 2013 |
|
1.1.4 | July 31, 2013 |
|
1.1.3 | July 27, 2013 [33] |
|
1.1.2 | July 22, 2013 |
|
1.1.1 | July 19, 2013 |
|
1.0.10 | July 12, 2013 |
|
1.0.9 | July 10, 2013 |
|
1.0.8 | July 9, 2013 [35] |
|
July 8, 2013 [36] |
| |
July 2, 2013 |
| |
1.0.7 | July 2, 2013 |
|
1.0.6 | July 1, 2013 | |
1.0.5 | July 1, 2013 |
|
1.0.4 | June 28, 2013 |
|
1.0.3 | June 27, 2013 | |
1.0.2 | June 27, 2013 |
|
1.0.1 | June 26, 2013 |
|
1.0.0 | June 26, 2013 |
|
1.0.1 | June 26, 2013 |
|
1.0 | June 25, 2013 |
|
0.9.5 | June 18, 2013 |
|
0.9.4 | June 18, 2013 |
|
0.9.3 | June 14, 2013 |
|
0.9.2 | June 13, 2013 |
|
0.9.1 | June 10, 2013 | |
0.9 | June 10, 2013 |
|
0.8.3 | June 7, 2013 | |
0.8.2 | May 27, 2013 | |
0.8.1 | May 21, 2013 |
|
0.8 | May 20, 2013 | |
0.7.2 | May 15, 2013 |
|
0.7 | May 13, 2013 |
|
0.7.1 | May 4, 2013 |
|
0.7 | May 2, 2013 |
|
0.6 | April 25, 2013 |
|
0.5 | April 23, 2013 |
|
0.4 | April 23, 2013 |
|
0.3 | April 22, 2013 |
|
0.2 | April 19, 2013 |
|
0.1 | April 18, 2013 |
|
Gallery[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 and current Minecraft launcher version 2.0.
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
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.
Trivia[edit]
- In the top left corner a barely visible button can be found which randomly shows either a creeper face or a shrug kaomoji ¯_(ツ)_/¯. It glows white when clicked, but has no use at all.
- 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 will cause random mobs appear on the right side of the window.
References[edit]
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/1037686466250530816
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/344164561701724160
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/364762596387205120
- ↑https://help.mojang.com/customer/portal/articles/1475923-changing-game-versions
- ↑http://mcupdate.tumblr.com/post/3427294253/welcome-to-the-new-minecraft-launcher
- ↑http://notch.tumblr.com/post/3428176687/server-downtime-and-a-new-launcher
- ↑https://twitter.com/notch/status/38621269331025921
- ↑http://www.mojang.com/2012/03/minecraft-1-2-is-out/
- ↑https://twitter.com/slicedlime/status/1115610896242495488
- ↑https://twitter.com/slicedlime/status/1098875758607519744
- ↑'A new beta version of the Minecraft Launcher is rolling out.' – @slicedlime, February 14, 2019
- ↑'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
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/408246271921901568[verify]
- ↑'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
- ↑https://twitter.com/MansOlson/status/826116586515865601
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/803235460386537472
- ↑https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/5apvpl/help_us_test_the_new_minecraft_launcher_todays/?st=iv1jq8z1&sh=7908cfe7
- ↑https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/59b7m0/help_us_test_the_new_minecraft_launcher_check_the/
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/561096640086700032
- ↑https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/2pkxpx/we_need_your_help_testing_the_new_minecraft
- ↑https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/2p31cu/we_need_your_help_testing_a_new_launcher
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/494220782244208640
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/492715318645882880
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/408246271921901568
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/405366855785021440
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/403111179859812352
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/402434001451098112
- ↑https://twitter.com/Marc_IRL/status/378280823180361729
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/374887108932288512
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/365040968644296705
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/364699262233223169
- ↑https://twitter.com/_grum/status/364699271708151808
- ↑https://twitter.com/_grum/status/361126093777936384
- ↑http://hopper.minecraft.net/
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/354595929925496832
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/354351963288248321
- ↑https://twitter.com/Dinnerbone/status/352109843731070976
See also[edit]
Java Edition | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Versions |
| |||
Development |
| |||
Technical |
| |||
Multiplayer | ||||
Game customization |
|