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How to Fix 'Unable to Update Minecraft Native Launcher' Error on Windows 10/11

Struggling to update your Minecraft Native Launcher? This common error affects many players when downloading the latest Minecraft updates. Reinstalling often fails with the same message. We've tested these proven fixes based on real user reports and hands-on troubleshooting to get you back to playing.

Quick fixes include running as administrator, disabling antivirus temporarily, repairing the launcher, and more. Follow these step-by-step solutions for Windows 10/11.

Unable to Update Minecraft Native Launcher

First, restart your Windows 10/11 PC and try updating again—minor glitches often resolve this way. For Minecraft Java Edition, ensure you have the latest Java installed before retrying.

If the issue persists, apply these targeted fixes in order:

  1. Run Minecraft Launcher as administrator
  2. Temporarily disable your antivirus
  3. Repair Minecraft Launcher
  4. End background Minecraft processes (works for Minecraft Dungeons Native Launcher too)
  5. Rename launcher_profiles_microsoft_store.json
  6. Check folder permissions
  7. Change Xbox Game Pass install location to drive C
  8. Uninstall and reinstall from the official site

Let's walk through each one.

1. Run Minecraft Launcher as Administrator

Permission issues can block updates. Right-click the Minecraft Launcher icon and select Run as administrator. Then, attempt the update again.

2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

Antivirus software sometimes flags updates as false positives. Disable it briefly, install the update, then re-enable protection immediately after.

3. Repair Minecraft Launcher

Corrupted files are a frequent culprit. Use Windows' built-in repair tool:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Set View by to Large icons.
  3. Click Programs and Features.
  4. Find Minecraft Launcher, right-click, and select Repair (or Modify > Repair).
  5. Follow the prompts.

Test the update afterward.

4. End Background Minecraft Processes

Conflicting processes can interfere. Here's how to stop them:

  1. Press Win + R, type taskmgr, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Processes tab.
  3. Find Minecraft entries under Background processes.
  4. Right-click each and select End task.

Launch the launcher and update.

5. Rename launcher_profiles_microsoft_store.json

This file stores cached profiles and settings. Renaming it forces a refresh:

Navigate to 

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\launcher_profiles_microsoft_store.json

(Replace [username] with yours.) Rename it to launcher_profiles.json.

6. Check Permissions

Ensure the launcher has read/write access:

  1. Go to C:\Program Files (x86).
  2. Right-click the Minecraft Launcher folder > Properties > Security.
  3. Click Edit, grant full control to your user, apply, and test.
  4. Revert changes post-update for security.

7. Change Xbox Game Pass Install Location to Drive C

How to Fix Unable to Update Minecraft Native Launcher Error on Windows 10/11

For Xbox-installed launchers:

  1. Uninstall Minecraft.
  2. Open Xbox app, click profile icon > Settings > General.
  3. Set default install to drive C.
  4. Reinstall Launcher from Xbox.

8. Uninstall and Download Latest from Official Site

Last resort: Uninstall via Settings > Apps, then download fresh from minecraft.net. Install on your primary drive.

Why Can't I Update My Minecraft?

Slow internet, antivirus blocks, or corrupted files are common. Temporarily disable antivirus and check your connection.

How to Update Minecraft Launcher on PC?

Microsoft Store version (Windows 10/11): Open Store > Library/Downloads and Updates > Get updates.

Java Edition: Open Launcher; it auto-updates. Or select Latest Release next to Play.

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