If a Windows user with the Norwegian as system language buys Minecraft and download the launcher prompted on minecraft.net or via Microsoft Store, their launcher will not start. When clicking the icon for the new launcher on Windows does nothing. The courser has a quick spin, and nothing opens. Please see this Youtube video that showcases the issue: https://youtu.be/ENbIheZwzew
We have tried to run the program in several ways, via cmd, as admin etc.
The only current workaround is to change the Windows language from Norwegian Bokmål to English. When changing the system language you are able to open the launcher.
This makes us believe that the issue is related to the Norwegian language files in the launcher. This conclusion is supported by the fact that we are not able to find anyone else except Norwegians having this issue.
The only way to play Minecraft in Norway is currently to use the old launcher (if you are lucky to have it installed) or use a third party launcher.
If a user buys Minecraft in Norway now, they will be unable to play Minecraft.
It has been like this since the release of the new launcher.
We are tracking the Norwegian Minecraft Java Edition player counts from Norwegian servers and we can see that they are on a steady downward trend since the release of the new launcher, because users are not able to figure out how to play Minecraft due to the broken launcher.
Norwegian Minecraft support Facebook/Discord groups are flooded with "I can't open the launcher" related issues.
You can also see this on the ratings from the Microsoft store that is sorted to be ratings from Norwegian users. See attached screenshots. (They are written in English, but the submitter names are Norwegian.)
We have had this issue before on the old launcher, but this was "resolved" and broken multiple times. I will link to the issue for the OLD launcher, but this seems like it is the same for the new launcher. The problem with the old launcher is tracked in this issue: MCL-17664
Multiple people have replied and posted issues in the old bug report that is related to the new launcher.
Linked issues
Attachments
Comments 8
Can confirm for Launcher version 1.0.104.0 (in the AppxManifest, the version is described as 1.18.203.0)
Windows Environment, language Norwegian Bokmål:
Versjon Windows 10 Pro
Versjon 20H2
Installert den 19.04.2021
Operativsystembygg 19042.1348
Opplevelse Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3920.0
This problem has now been around for a long time and I find it strange that this has not yet been addressed and fixed. This is a huge problem for Norwegian players in particular, but there are some problems for other players too in other countries in Europe as well.
I run one of the largest Minecraft communities in Norway and I think it's a shame that I have to refer players to older launchers or 3rd party launchers so that they can be able to play Minecraft at all.
Minecraft Launcher for Windows 7/8 works.
Minecraft Launcher for Linux works.
This has become a frustrated topic among Norwegian players!
I would appreciate if this can be answered by those concerned and that we can get an update on the progress of this issue.
I am also having the same issue. I am stuck with the old launcher nagging me about getting the new one that is not working.
Same problem for me, A friend of mine had to download minecraft on his new computer but could not launch it from the new launcher, we had to give him the old launcher so that he could play with us! Me and my friend is from Norway
I also have the problem with the new launcher for win 10/11 but with the old launcher for win 8 yes 😞 And I'm from the Czech Republic It's not just a problem about Norway.
And
This started after updating windows
This issue was finally resolved in the launcher from the Microsoft store version 1.0.113.0.
Who ever did this. On behalf of Norway: Thank you! You are a legend <3
As per reporter's comment closing as Cannot Reproduce.
I have also been experiencing this problem, and can confirm that new (or long time returning) users are not able to install and play Minecraft.