Fix “Unable to update the Minecraft Native Launcher” on Windows 10/11

If the launcher loops on “Unable to update the Minecraft Native Launcher” and refuses to open, the issue typically tracks back to file corruption, missing permissions, account mismatches, or security software blocking the updater. Work through the steps below in order—from least to most disruptive—to restore normal updates.

Error: “Unable to update the Minecraft Native Launcher”

This error appears when the launcher can’t replace or modify its own files during an update. Common triggers include:

• No administrator permission when writing to installation folders
• Damaged or missing launcher files
• Conflicts with older launcher remnants
• Antivirus or firewall interference
• Wrong Microsoft account signed in (Store/Xbox vs. the one that owns the game)
• A recent Windows update that introduced a compatibility issue
• Unreliable internet connection during the download

Fix 1: Repair the Minecraft Launcher (Settings)

Windows can repair app files installed via the Microsoft Store without removing your data.

• Windows 11: Right‑click Start > Installed apps. Windows 10: Right‑click Start > Apps & features.
• Find “Minecraft Launcher” > Advanced options > Repair.
• Open the launcher and check for updates.

Repeat the same Repair step for “Microsoft Store” and “Xbox” apps, as both services provide services the launcher relies on.

Fix 2: Repair the Minecraft Launcher (Control Panel)

If you installed outside the Store or see a classic entry in Programs and Features:

Win + R → appwiz.cpl → Enter
Right‑click Minecraft → Repair

Restart Windows, then launch Minecraft.

Fix 3: Run the launcher as administrator

Give the updater permission to replace files:

• Right‑click the Minecraft Launcher shortcut > Run as administrator.
• If that works, you can set it permanently via Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator.

Fix 4: Reset the app

If Repair doesn’t help, Reset reinstalls the app and clears its local configuration.

• Windows 11: Start > Installed apps > Minecraft Launcher > Advanced options > Reset.
• Windows 10: Start > Apps & features > Minecraft Launcher > Advanced options > Reset.

Open the launcher and try the update again.

Fix 5: Reinstall the launcher

A clean reinstall removes corrupted files and solves conflicts with older launcher components.

• Uninstall: Settings > Apps > Minecraft Launcher > Uninstall.
• Reboot Windows.
• Download and install the current launcher from the official download page at minecraft.net/download.

Fix 6: Sign in with the correct Microsoft account

Launcher access and entitlements are tied to your Microsoft account. Mismatched accounts across the Microsoft Store, the Xbox app, and the launcher can block updates or access.

• Open Microsoft Store and Xbox app, sign out, then sign back in with the same Microsoft account that owns Minecraft.
• Launch Minecraft and confirm the same account is shown in the top‑right corner.

Fix 7: Antivirus exclusions and firewall

Security software can block the updater’s file writes or network requests.

• Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus and try the update.
• If it works, add the Minecraft Launcher install folder and processes to your antivirus allowlist, then re‑enable protection.

Fix 8: Roll back a recent Windows update

Some users see the error immediately after a system update. If the failure began right after an update and all steps above fail, consider uninstalling the most recent quality update:

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then remove the most recent quality update and reboot.

Re‑try the launcher update. You can reinstall the Windows update later once the launcher is working.

Fix 9: Check your internet connection

Interrupted downloads will stall the updater.

• Switch to a reliable wired or strong Wi‑Fi connection.
• Pause other heavy downloads and VPNs while updating.
• Retry the update after the connection is stable.

Speedy Tutorials • youtube.com

How To Fix Unable To Update The Minecraft Native Launcher Error

Starts at: 00:00

Quick reference: causes and fixes

In most cases, repairing the launcher and confirming the correct Microsoft account resolves the update loop quickly. If you’ve worked through every step and still can’t update, perform the clean reinstall from the official download and try again after a reboot.