If Minecraft Launcher is stuck on “Waiting on Install,” first restart the launcher and try launching the same version again. If it remains stalled—with no active progress bar, or with “Unable to start Minecraft” at the top right—follow Mojang’s Windows workaround below. The steps apply to the Windows 10/11 launcher issue Mojang documented; they are not a guaranteed fix for every Store or Xbox app download problem.
What “Waiting on Install” means
The message describes a Windows Minecraft Launcher install or launch handoff that can leave Bedrock appearing to need installation even when you have already installed it. Mojang’s legacy issue report, MCL-23450, is marked resolved, with launcher version 3.4.50 listed as the fix for Windows 10/11. It lists affected launcher versions from 2.4.79 through 3.3.13. Those are historical bug-record details, not a statement of the latest launcher version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PIew9m20L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Check whether the game is actually stalled before changing files. Mojang’s workaround addresses the state where there is no progress bar at the bottom of the launcher or an “Unable to start Minecraft” error appears at the top right. If a progress bar is moving, let the installation continue rather than treating the message alone as proof that it is frozen.
Try Mojang’s troubleshooting steps in order
1. Restart the launcher and retry
- Close and reopen Minecraft Launcher.
- Try launching the same game version again.
Mojang says, “In most cases, this should fix the issue.” That statement refers to restarting the launcher and retrying the same version; it is not a guarantee.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
2. Remove only the numbered asset index files
- Close Minecraft Launcher.
- Open the
.minecraft/assets/indexesfolder. - Delete the numbered files in that folder, such as
5.json. - Reopen the launcher and retry.
This is Mojang’s specific file instruction. It does not call for deleting the entire .minecraft folder. Back up important worlds before changing files or reinstalling the game, and do not remove other folders as a substitute for this narrower step.
3. Update Microsoft Store
Open Microsoft Store and install any available Store updates, then check the launcher again.
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
4. Check Minecraft’s Store download
In Microsoft Store, check for a Minecraft update. If the game download is stalled, stop and restart that download, then retry from the launcher once the Store operation has completed.
5. Consider reinstalling the PC bundle only as a last resort
One user reported that reinstalling “Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Edition for PC” from the app store resolved their case in MCL-24718. That report is unconfirmed and describes one person’s outcome, not a generally established fix. Reinstallation is more disruptive than the earlier steps, so protect important worlds first.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
How disruptive are the options?
| Action | What it targets | Disruption | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restart launcher and retry | Launcher’s attempt to hand off the same game version | Lowest | Mojang workaround; no published success rate |
| Update or restart the Store download | Microsoft Store update and download route | Low | Mojang workaround; no published success rate |
Delete numbered files in .minecraft/assets/indexes |
Local asset index files only | Limited file change | Mojang workaround |
| Reinstall “Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Edition for PC” | Bundled PC game installation | Higher | One unconfirmed user report; not a proven general fix |
If it is still stuck
Before contacting support, note the exact launcher version, whether a progress bar is present, whether “Unable to start Minecraft” appears, and whether Microsoft Store shows an active or failed download. These details help distinguish a launcher handoff problem from a Store download issue. The steps here concern Windows 10/11 launcher behavior; the cited issue does not establish fixes for Android, consoles, Mac, or every Xbox app or Store queue failure.
A Microsoft Learn Q&A thread includes community advice to delete the whole .minecraft folder, but a reply warns it may contain worlds and other personal files: Microsoft Learn Q&A. Do not use whole-folder deletion as a routine fix; Mojang’s documented step is limited to numbered files inside .minecraft/assets/indexes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
