The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →On Windows, add Minecraft Launcher through Steam’s Add a Non-Steam Game option. This creates a Steam library shortcut—it does not turn Minecraft into a Steam game or transfer your Minecraft license.
- Open Steam and select Library.
- Click + ADD A GAME… in the lower-left corner.
- Choose Add a Non-Steam Game….
- Select Minecraft Launcher, or choose Browse… and select its executable or Windows shortcut.
- Click ADD SELECTED PROGRAMS.
Find the new entry in your library and select Play. Steam’s official instructions use this same non-Steam shortcut workflow: Steam Support.
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Add the downloadable Minecraft Launcher to Steam on Windows
This is usually the simplest method if you installed the Launcher from Minecraft.net rather than the Microsoft Store. Install and open the Launcher once first, then sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or provides your eligible access.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Start the Steam desktop client.
- Open Library.
- Select + ADD A GAME… at the bottom-left.
- Choose Add a Non-Steam Game….
- Tick Minecraft Launcher if Steam lists it.
- Select ADD SELECTED PROGRAMS.
If it is not listed, select Browse…. Use Windows Search or the Minecraft Launcher entry in the Start menu to locate the installation rather than assuming one universal folder path. Select the launcher executable, commonly named MinecraftLauncher.exe, then add it to Steam.
#1 Best Overall
- Full Sized Keyboard: The US QWERTY keyboard features a tilt angle for the great typing position, which provides you with a comfortable and accurate typing experience, prevents wrist fatigue. Quiet clicks allow you to focus on your work or play without disturbing others
- Stable 2.4G Wireless Connection: Plug and play without any drivers. Advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 ft with virtually no delays or dropouts, even in the busiest wireless environments. Note: The USB dongle is stored in the compartment next to the keyboard battery slot, and can be found by opening the keyboard battery cover
- Auto Sleep & Power Saving: The keyboard features automatic sleep function, when you stop using it for more than 15 minutes, it will go into sleep mode to save power and you can click any button to activate it, the battery life up to 6 months. The external keyboard is powered by 1 AAA battery (Batteries Not Included)
- Wide Compatibility: Easy to use, simply plug the USB receiver into the USB port and start working. This wireless keyboard compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Chrome OS, Linux and Mac OS. Works well with desktop, computer, PC, laptop, Chromebook, notebook and more. Perfect for office & home work, business travel. Enjoy your wireless freedom and keep your desk clean and tidy
- Multimedia Shortcuts: The full-sized cordless keyboard with numeric keypad features 12 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to your media player, E-mail, Internet, volume, play/pause, mute, computer and favorites, so you can easily check out your favorite sites. Ideal for office work and entertainment, it saves you time and makes work and life easier. Note: the 12 shortcuts are not fully compatible with the Mac system
If Steam cannot find Minecraft Launcher
The problem is often the installation source. A normal desktop installation exposes an executable that Steam can browse to. The Microsoft Store version is a packaged Windows app and may not expose a conventional .exe; do not try to force access through the protected WindowsApps folder.
Microsoft Store workaround
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter
shell:AppsFolderand press Enter. - Find Minecraft Launcher.
- Right-click it and select Create shortcut.
- When Windows asks whether to place the shortcut on the desktop, select Yes.
- In Steam, choose + ADD A GAME… → Add a Non-Steam Game… → Browse….
- Select the new desktop shortcut and click ADD SELECTED PROGRAMS.
This Windows-created shortcut is preferable to guessing a package identifier. Packaged apps use identities in a format such as shell:AppsFolder<PackageFamilyName>!<AppId>, and those identifiers can vary between installations or change with updates. Microsoft documents the format in its packaged-app guidance; the shortcut workaround is also described in Microsoft Q&A.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rename and configure the Steam shortcut
In your Steam Library, right-click the new entry and select Properties. From there you can:
- Rename it to Minecraft Launcher or a preferred label.
- Add custom library artwork if you want it to match your other games.
- Configure a Steam Input controller layout.
- Place it in a suitable library category.
Artwork is optional. The shortcut’s main purpose is to launch the independently installed Launcher from Steam, Big Picture Mode, or a Steam Deck-style interface.
Rank #3
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Why the launcher opens instead of Minecraft
The normal launch chain is:
Steam shortcut → Minecraft Launcher → selected Java or Bedrock installationSteam launching successfully may only open the Launcher. Sign in, select the desired edition or installation, and click Play. The Launcher is used to select and start the PC version you are entitled to use, as explained in Minecraft’s support documentation.
Account and license errors
Adding Minecraft Launcher to Steam cannot authenticate your Microsoft account or supply a Minecraft license. If the Launcher shows Buy Now, Play Demo, or a license error:
Rank #4
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
- Confirm that the Launcher uses the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or has the relevant subscription access.
- Check the signed-in account in the Microsoft Store app.
- Check the account in the Xbox app.
- Update the Launcher, then sign out and back in if the accounts do not match.
- Only consider reinstalling after confirming the correct account.
Minecraft requires a Microsoft account for PC access, and its support guidance recommends checking account consistency across the Launcher, Microsoft Store, and Xbox app: account requirements and Launcher support.
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Controller support and Steam Input
Adding the Launcher to Steam does not automatically give Java Edition native controller support.
Best Value
- 【Lag-free & Efficient】Stable and reliable connection of wireless keyboard and mouse is up to 10m(33ft). This combo share a nano USB receiver, no need to take up additional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug and play, no software needed,convenient and efficient.
- 【Quiet & Type in Comfort】Wireless keyboard come with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time.Our wireless keyboard adopts a silent structure. Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience.The wireless mouse is quiet without any clicking sound also.So whether at home or in the office, you can use this combo as you please without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Full Size Keyboard】This keyboard saves desktop space while retaining its full size.The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and search, to help you improve work efficiency.
- 【Auto Power Saving Function】Wireless keyboard and mouse have a smart auto-sleep mode to save power for long battery life. They will enter sleep mode after stop using a while(Refer to the instructions for details). Unplug the receiver or after the PC shutdown, they will enter sleep mode too.You can press any keys to wake. (battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions)
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】This silent wireless mice provides 3 adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600) to meet your different needs in terms of sensitivity.The compact lightweight design of wireless mouse and a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking. Very suitable for office and daily use.
- Bedrock Edition: Windows Bedrock includes controller support, while Steam Input can provide additional remapping. The Launcher itself may still be easier to navigate with a mouse and keyboard.
- Java Edition: Java generally needs a controller-support mod, launcher configuration, or a Steam Input keyboard-and-mouse layout. A Steam shortcut alone does not add native controller controls.
- Process handoff: The Launcher may start another process, such as the Java game process. Steam Input, overlay access, and playtime tracking can therefore be inconsistent after the handoff.
Test the controller separately in the Launcher and in the game. Treat Steam overlay and playtime tracking as conveniences rather than guaranteed native-game features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Steam Deck and SteamOS
The Windows procedure does not apply unchanged to SteamOS. On a Steam Deck:
- Switch to Desktop Mode.
- Install a compatible Linux launcher. Java players commonly use a Linux-compatible third-party launcher such as Prism Launcher, downloaded from its official source.
- Add that launcher to Steam as a non-Steam game.
- Return to Gaming Mode.
- Configure its controller layout and test the shortcut.
The exact setup depends on the edition and launcher. Do not assume that the Windows Minecraft Launcher can simply be installed on SteamOS. Minecraft’s download page lists supported desktop platforms, but does not provide a Steam Deck-specific installation recipe: Minecraft download options.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Launcher is not listed | Store installation or unusual executable location | Use Browse…, search Windows for MinecraftLauncher.exe, or create a shortcut through shell:AppsFolder. |
| Steam cannot add the selected item | You selected a folder, protected Store directory, or stale shortcut | Create a fresh Windows shortcut and add it from the Steam desktop client. |
| The shortcut does nothing | The executable or shortcut is broken or outdated | Recreate the shortcut, restart Steam, and confirm the Launcher opens normally outside Steam. |
| The Launcher opens but the game does not | Account mismatch, missing installation, update failure, or security software block | Check Microsoft Store, Xbox, and Launcher accounts; update the Launcher; confirm the installation is downloaded; and check Windows security software. |
| The Steam entry closes immediately | The Launcher handed off to another process | Check whether Minecraft continues starting. For advanced setups, add the appropriate instance manager or launcher instead. |
| The controller fails in Java | Java lacks native controller support | Use a Steam Input keyboard-and-mouse layout or install a suitable controller-support mod. |
Should you add the game process instead?
Advanced users can sometimes add the actual Java game process or a particular modded instance instead of Minecraft Launcher. This is not the default recommendation: paths and launch arguments vary by version, mod loader, launcher, and installation. Directly adding the process can select the wrong Java runtime, mishandle Microsoft authentication, break when the game updates, or still lose Steam Input when processes change.
For ordinary Windows users who play unmodded Java and Bedrock, adding the official Launcher is the least complicated approach. A third-party launcher such as Prism Launcher is more useful when you need separate Java instances, mod-loader management, or easier Steam Deck integration.
Quick Recap
What this Steam shortcut does not provide
- It does not make Minecraft a Steam-owned game.
- It does not transfer or verify your Minecraft purchase through Steam.
- It does not install Minecraft automatically.
- It does not replace Microsoft account sign-in.
- It does not add native Steam achievements, Steam Cloud saves, or guaranteed overlay support.
- It does not make Java Edition a native controller game.
- It does not create separate native Steam entries for Java and Bedrock.
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