The main reason for this error is using an old Java version, such as Java 8, while the latest version of Minecraft needs Java 17 or higher. Other possible causes are incorrect Java file paths or having more than one version of Java installed on your computer, which can create conflicts. In this article, we will discuss how to solve this error.
1. Install the Latest Java JDK Version
In nearly all reported cases, users encounter this error because they are attempting to launch Minecraft or a Minecraft server on a PC that does not have Java 16 or a newer version installed. Since Minecraft build 21w19, the game requires Java 16 JDK or later. Without the correct version installed, Minecraft will not launch. To resolve this, you need to update your Java JDK installation to the latest official version. This step also ensures you have the necessary security and compatibility updates for Minecraft to run smoothly.
2. Remove the Broken System Path Variable for Java
If installing the correct Java JDK version did not resolve the problem, a corrupted system variable may be interfering with Minecraft’s ability to locate Java. A broken PATH variable can cause the Minecraft launcher to think Java is not installed, even when it is present. By removing the outdated or incorrect Java path variable from your environment variables, you ensure that your operating system and Minecraft launcher can correctly identify the new Java installation path. Note: These instructions apply to all recent versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
