With the introduction of Minecraft release 1.6, Mojang has also released a new launcher to accompany the update. It is a giant step up from the old launcher and has a tons more features and undoubtedly better error messages.
There may be a little confusion on how to use it or what all of the options do. This guide will briefly explain what each and every option does and will show certain examples of how to use them. To download the new launcher, these are their respective download links.
This is what the launcher looks like when it's loaded up. For the purpose of this tutorial/FAQ, I have highlighted certain areas to make explaining them a little bit easier.
Development Console: This is where the launcher will log all actions of the launcher and client, and show errors as well.
Profile Editor: This is where you can edit, create, or copy existing profiles. We'll talk more about that later on.
Local Version Editor: Currently the only function of this tab is to show what MC versions are installed on the machine.
Orange
A new feature of the launcher, this area allows you to create profiles for different versions, or configurations for Minecraft. It will also let you edit existing ones, and will show the version of Minecraft the profile is linked to. You can also select the profiles you have created here.
The Profile Editor
The launcher now has a profile editor, which you can use to have multiple versions and also instances of Minecraft on the machine.
As shown, this is what the profile editor looks like. From here, you can specify;
Profile Info
What the profile is named
Where Minecraft is saved
At what resolution should the game should run
Choose whether or not to notify Mojang of a crash
Launcher visibility
Version Selection
Whether or not to enable "snapshots", "BETA" or "Alpha" builds
Which version of Minecraft that the profile should run
Java Settings(Advanced)
Which Java version it should run
Java arguments that should be applied
To create a profile, you can either click on "New Profile" or go to the "Profile Editor" tab and right click on the white space and select "Add Profile"
Without good reason, it is best not to mess with the Java settings.
FAQs Can I play offline?
Yes you can, the client will auto login you to the login server once you start the launcher. However, if it cannot, it will change the "Play" button into "Play Offline".
Will the old launcher be updated? Can I play 1.6.2 and above on the old launcher?
No, the old launcher will no longer be updated, and will only support until version 1.5.2 of the game. The old launcher is no longer in development and is being retired in favour of the new launcher. You can however still grab it if your machine do not support the new launcher over at the download page.
Where did the bin folder go?
Since the update, the folder structure for Minecraft have changed drastically. As the launcher is capable of handling multiple versions, all the "minecraft.jar" files are now named according to their game versions and are located under the "versions" folder. There is no longer a "bin" folder.
Do I need to redownload the launcher if it receives an update?
No you don't as the launcher will auto update itself as newer versions of the launcher are being pushed. Unless otherwise stated, there is no need to redownload it to receive updates.
How do I change the Minecraft version?
With the launcher's new profile feature, it is now possible to use, and install multiple versions of Minecraft on the machine. To do so,
Click on "New Profile" or "Edit Profile.
Select the Minecraft version desired from the "use version" dropdown.
Click "Save Profile" and run the game.
How do I allocate a certain amount of RAM to Minecraft with this launcher?
It is now easier to do so with the profile editor. To do so,
Edit, or create a new profile.
Tick "JVM Arguments".
Remove what is already there, and replace it with the values that you would like.
For example, if I want to allocate 256mb maximum and minimum, it would be
-Xms256m -Xmx256m
Xms would be the flag for minimum ram allocated, and Xmx would be the flag for maximum ram allocated. Another example, if I want 2GB of RAM allocated at maximum,
How do I force update with the new launcher?
Currently there is no known way of doing it easily from the new launcher. You would have to head into Minecraft's directory and delete the version of MC that you wish to force update from the versions folder.
The .minecraft folder's location varies by operating system.
Windows: %appdata%/.minecraft
Mac OS X: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft
GNU/Linux: ~/.minecraft
The game will not start!
If anything goes wrong when launching the game, the development console should have captured and logged everything that has happened. You can either try to decipher why it is doing so, or create a support thread to ask for help. Be sure to include everything the development console says!
Why do I have to use Mojang username and password when Minecraft username works just fine? Also, is it normal that when I have logged in (shows my username instead of the Username and Password fields) I get the "Play offline" option and can't play on multiplayer, but when I log off and then launch Minecraft I can play multiplayer just fine.
All new users of Minecraft have to use Mojang login as Minecraft.net login is deprecated. You can no longer register a minecraft.net account.
For your second issue it's most likely something to do with the client not able to reach the login servers when booting up. I have the same issue there myself.
Hello, got the new launcher last night. My problem is that you have to sign in as administrator to log in. How do I change this? When I updated I saved to desktop, which is where I kept the old launcher for minecraft and it said there was already one on the desktop & do I want to replace it... I chose no & renamed the new launcher to something slightly different. Could this be the problem? Now I've got the old launcher for minecraft which still works and the new launcher which has the admin symbol on top of it and you have to log in as admin to run it. Hope that makes sense.
I have this issue when I log in with my account with the new launcher and it says ' play demo' and NOT in browser. What's the problem? And, I could not provide more informations as there isnt.
EDIT: I realised that my minecraft folder is in version 1.6.1 and in the bin, there wasnt a 1.6 minecraft in it.
I'm having a problem now where it forces me to "Play Offline" on the "(default)" profile. The console starts up by saying I have an invalid access token, and a bunch of error messages related to "Yggdrasil", so it says it's put me in offline mode.
The weird thing is, the alternate profile I set up works just fine, saying, "Logging in with token - Logged in successfully". But I want to play online with all profiles, certainly the default!
The solution I found was to delete 'launcher_profiles.json' and the other files and start again. This makes the default profile log in just fine. However, it happens again if I make any other profile.
I use an old system with outdated graphics (Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family.) There is NO amount of updating the drivers I can do. It simply does not support OpenGL, and I get the Bad Video Card! error. In the old luancher, I was able to create a .bat (batch) file that ran the game in an OpenAL mode, and I was able to play. Batch file below;
By running this file, a seperate window would open and remain running with the game. It worked so well I was able to use a 64 bit texture pack, all on the highest graphics settings possible (with OptiFine.) and experience exceptional performace considering my system.
Any Idea how I might be able to use this similar setup for 1.6? It does nothing when I changed the minecraft.exe path, just crashes instantly after opening. And my 1.6 cant play the game either (obviously.)
I don't believe you need my system rundown, but if you do, let me know.
I'm having a problem now where it forces me to "Play Offline" on the "(default)" profile. The console starts up by saying I have an invalid access token, and a bunch of error messages related to "Yggdrasil", so it says it's put me in offline mode.
Update to my own post here:
I have discovered that only one profile gets authenticated by their new login system when the launcher starts up -- and it starts up with the profile you were last logged in to. If you switch to a different profile it has an error with an invalid login key and you must play offline.
The solution is to click "Log out", then "Log in" (hopefully your user/pass is remembered). This authenticates the current profile.
when i load the launcher it says this in the window
Bootstrap started
Looking for update
Downloading: https://s3.amazonaws.com/Minecraft.Download/launcher/launcher.pack.lzma
Got reply in: 742ms
No update found.
Reversing LZMA on /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack.lzma to /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack
Unpacking /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack to /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.jar
FATAL ERROR: net.minecraft.bootstrap.FatalBootstrapError: Unable to un-pack200: java.io.FileNotFoundException: /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.jar (No such file or directory)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.unpack(Bootstrap.java:147)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.execute(Bootstrap.java:111)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.main(Bootstrap.java:367)
at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:39)
at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:25)
at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:597)
at apple.launcher.LaunchRunner.run(LaunchRunner.java:116)
at apple.launcher.LaunchRunner.callMain(LaunchRunner.java:51)
at apple.launcher.JavaApplicationLauncher.launch(JavaApplicationLauncher.java:52)
Please fix the error and restart.
What does this mean and how can I fix it? P.S. i have a mac.
I got the update downloaded, but for some reason, the game crashes everytime I try to go into single player, saying JavaPlatform(TM) has stopped working. I do not know what the problem is.
Ever since I installed the new launcher, I can only play on an older version of my world from a month or two ago, but when I use external programs, they say that everything is working just fine. Is this a bug and how can it be fixed? Please help! Thanks.
I log in fine without error, but when I try and join a minecraft multiplayer server, it gives me the following error messages:
Bad Packet Id 118
Connection Reset
End of Stream
Received a string length less than zero! Weird string!
Bad Packet Id 161
Bad Packet Id 117
and some others. They all say "java.io.IOException" and I read somewhere that minecraft no longer supports java 6, and I downloaded the latest java and ran it. But it still doesn't work! Help!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I don't like the word, "griefing," I prefer, "tampered with."
Eh... I have a Macbook Air and I downloaded the launcher for Mac, but LITERALLY, NOTHING HAPPENED. It says I have Minecraft.dmg downloaded in Finder, yet when I opened the file it pulled me to a page that had the Minecraft and Applications icons on it. What am I supposed to click on? It probably works, but I just don't know how to get on it. Please answer my question, someone!!!!!!
I got the update downloaded, but for some reason, the game crashes everytime I try to go into single player, saying JavaPlatform™ has stopped working. I do not know what the problem is.
The steps given worked perfectly, but I can't play with multiple mods. I did all the steps but just included two mods than one mod. But, then, when I ran the game with a new profile and version, it crashes. Any solution?
There may be a little confusion on how to use it or what all of the options do. This guide will briefly explain what each and every option does and will show certain examples of how to use them. To download the new launcher, these are their respective download links.
The interface
This is what the launcher looks like when it's loaded up. For the purpose of this tutorial/FAQ, I have highlighted certain areas to make explaining them a little bit easier.
Red
A new feature of the launcher, this area allows you to create profiles for different versions, or configurations for Minecraft. It will also let you edit existing ones, and will show the version of Minecraft the profile is linked to. You can also select the profiles you have created here.
The Profile Editor
The launcher now has a profile editor, which you can use to have multiple versions and also instances of Minecraft on the machine.
As shown, this is what the profile editor looks like. From here, you can specify;
Without good reason, it is best not to mess with the Java settings.
FAQs
Can I play offline?
Yes you can, the client will auto login you to the login server once you start the launcher. However, if it cannot, it will change the "Play" button into "Play Offline".
Will the old launcher be updated? Can I play 1.6.2 and above on the old launcher?
No, the old launcher will no longer be updated, and will only support until version 1.5.2 of the game. The old launcher is no longer in development and is being retired in favour of the new launcher. You can however still grab it if your machine do not support the new launcher over at the download page.
Where did the bin folder go?
Since the update, the folder structure for Minecraft have changed drastically. As the launcher is capable of handling multiple versions, all the "minecraft.jar" files are now named according to their game versions and are located under the "versions" folder. There is no longer a "bin" folder.
Do I need to redownload the launcher if it receives an update?
No you don't as the launcher will auto update itself as newer versions of the launcher are being pushed. Unless otherwise stated, there is no need to redownload it to receive updates.
How do I change the Minecraft version?
With the launcher's new profile feature, it is now possible to use, and install multiple versions of Minecraft on the machine. To do so,
It is now easier to do so with the profile editor. To do so,
Xms would be the flag for minimum ram allocated, and Xmx would be the flag for maximum ram allocated. Another example, if I want 2GB of RAM allocated at maximum,
How do I install mods with the new launcher?
There is a guide here, http://www.minecraft...pment-launcher/
How do I force update with the new launcher?
Currently there is no known way of doing it easily from the new launcher. You would have to head into Minecraft's directory and delete the version of MC that you wish to force update from the versions folder.
The .minecraft folder's location varies by operating system.
If anything goes wrong when launching the game, the development console should have captured and logged everything that has happened. You can either try to decipher why it is doing so, or create a support thread to ask for help. Be sure to include everything the development console says!
All new users of Minecraft have to use Mojang login as Minecraft.net login is deprecated. You can no longer register a minecraft.net account.
For your second issue it's most likely something to do with the client not able to reach the login servers when booting up. I have the same issue there myself.
EDIT: I realised that my minecraft folder is in version 1.6.1 and in the bin, there wasnt a 1.6 minecraft in it.
The weird thing is, the alternate profile I set up works just fine, saying, "Logging in with token - Logged in successfully". But I want to play online with all profiles, certainly the default!
The solution I found was to delete 'launcher_profiles.json' and the other files and start again. This makes the default profile log in just fine. However, it happens again if I make any other profile.
java -Xmx512M -Xms512M -cp Minecraft.jar net.minecraft.LauncherFrame
-Dsun.java2d.noddraw=true -Dsun.awt.noerasebackground=true -Dsun.java2d.d3d=false -Dsun.java2d.opengl=false -Dsun.java2d.pmoffscreen=false -Xms512M -Xmx512M
By running this file, a seperate window would open and remain running with the game. It worked so well I was able to use a 64 bit texture pack, all on the highest graphics settings possible (with OptiFine.) and experience exceptional performace considering my system.
Any Idea how I might be able to use this similar setup for 1.6? It does nothing when I changed the minecraft.exe path, just crashes instantly after opening. And my 1.6 cant play the game either (obviously.)
I don't believe you need my system rundown, but if you do, let me know.
Thanks a ton!
By including this arguement in the 1.5.2 profile I created in the JVM Arguements, 1.5 works beautifully!
-Xmx512M -Xms512M -cp Minecraft.jar -Dsun.java2d.noddraw=true -Dsun.awt.noerasebackground=true -Dsun.java2d.d3d=false -Dsun.java2d.opengl=false -Dsun.java2d.pmoffscreen=false -Xms512M -Xmx512M
Going to try 1.6 now.
NOTE: I think you need to have a minecraft.jar luancher on your desktop to use this... testing with 1.6.
EDIT: YESSSSSSS It works! with 1.6!
Update to my own post here:
I have discovered that only one profile gets authenticated by their new login system when the launcher starts up -- and it starts up with the profile you were last logged in to. If you switch to a different profile it has an error with an invalid login key and you must play offline.
The solution is to click "Log out", then "Log in" (hopefully your user/pass is remembered). This authenticates the current profile.
Bootstrap started
Looking for update
Downloading: https://s3.amazonaws.com/Minecraft.Download/launcher/launcher.pack.lzma
Got reply in: 742ms
No update found.
Reversing LZMA on /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack.lzma to /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack
Unpacking /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.pack to /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.jar
FATAL ERROR: net.minecraft.bootstrap.FatalBootstrapError: Unable to un-pack200: java.io.FileNotFoundException: /Users/madisonbahel/Library/Application Support/minecraft/launcher.jar (No such file or directory)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.unpack(Bootstrap.java:147)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.execute(Bootstrap.java:111)
at net.minecraft.bootstrap.Bootstrap.main(Bootstrap.java:367)
at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(NativeMethodAccessorImpl.java:39)
at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:25)
at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:597)
at apple.launcher.LaunchRunner.run(LaunchRunner.java:116)
at apple.launcher.LaunchRunner.callMain(LaunchRunner.java:51)
at apple.launcher.JavaApplicationLauncher.launch(JavaApplicationLauncher.java:52)
Please fix the error and restart.
What does this mean and how can I fix it? P.S. i have a mac.
Redefining Minecraft Multiclan
Before the 1.6 update, I was getting (on average) 120FPS+ on my laptop, but now I'm struggling to maintain even 30FPS. How come?
Laptop specs are Intel i7 3630QM Quad-core processor (2.4GHz, 3.4GHz Turbo boost), 8GB DDR3 RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT630M GPU, running Windows 8
Ever since I installed the new launcher, I can only play on an older version of my world from a month or two ago, but when I use external programs, they say that everything is working just fine. Is this a bug and how can it be fixed? Please help! Thanks.
Bad Packet Id 118
Connection Reset
End of Stream
Received a string length less than zero! Weird string!
Bad Packet Id 161
Bad Packet Id 117
and some others. They all say "java.io.IOException" and I read somewhere that minecraft no longer supports java 6, and I downloaded the latest java and ran it. But it still doesn't work! Help!
You should use Oracle's java instead (http://www.java.com/en/) it may help