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Some may have noticed that there is now another way to install Minecraft, using a Windows Installer package (.msi) file. It can be assumed that if I get Minecraft using this installer, it will be downloaded differently than if I used the standalone launcher. I'm kind of worried. If I use this method to get and run the game, what will be different? Will I have to redo all of my profiles, saves, etc.?

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  • I see I've received a downvote. Could I have a reason why?
    – EnragedTanker
    Apr 9, 2015 at 18:50
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    Tim has lost his keys again.
    – Frank
    Apr 9, 2015 at 18:55
  • Most of the first paragraph is kind of irrelevant to the actual question you're asking.
    – murgatroid99
    Apr 9, 2015 at 18:57
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    Eh, close enough for me. But really, all of the stuff about Microsoft is irrelevant. The core of your question is that Minecraft now has a new installer, and you want to know what that affects and whether your existing files will be compatible.
    – murgatroid99
    Apr 9, 2015 at 19:02
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    What @TZHX said, basically. Also, asking for downvote reasons tends to make more happen. The basic reason is embedded in the tooltip for downvoting: "This question does not show any research effort; it is unclear or not useful".
    – Frank
    Apr 9, 2015 at 19:49

2 Answers 2

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The old launcher used to run Minecraft normally using Java, and Minecraft downloads when you play for the first time. Using the installer, you automatically download Minecraft files and all program files needed to the launcher, which doesn't involve use of Java to run. Minecraft runs in a Mojang custom JVM optimised for Minecraft, which gets installed automatically, so you don't even need to manually install Java to use MC with the new launcher

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When the installer is run, the launcher is downloaded to your Program Files directory and a shortcut is created on the Desktop. This defaults to "C:\Program Files" for 32-bit versions of Windows and "C:\Program Files (x86)" for 64-bit versions.

If the shortcut is clicked or double-clicked (depending on your settings), or if the user selects "Run Minecraft" in the installer once it has finished, a program will open and download the Minecraft launcher itself along with a few other components. As soon as it is done, the launcher will open.

Right away, you may notice that the launcher starts up quicker - this is due to bypassing Java on startup. Additionally, all previously created profiles and their configurations will be present. No worries, the structure and location of the game's files hasn't changed, so your profiles and worlds are still usable.

TL;DR: The new launcher no longer requires Java to start, though it is still needed to play Minecraft. Due to its independence from Java, the launcher observably starts up and loads faster.

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  • Java is used in game and launcher, but they do not require manual Java installation which is performed by the installer with a custom Mojang JVM.
    – Manchineel
    Apr 26, 2016 at 16:25

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