MeAliasKat

Workaround specifically for Demo Mode Users (Java)

A. If you are completely new to Minecraft, want to try it out in peace and finally know what all the fuzz is about, here is what you have to do:

1• create a new folder for your Minecraft stuff

2• download the Windows 7/8 Launcher from the Minecraft Net Page, this version is far more stable and doesn't run into conflicts with itself, when you first setup your Microsoft Account for the first time, put a copy of the downloaded Exe in the folder you have created for your Game

if you don't have Java installed yet, Java 17 will be currently fine for Vanilla Playing even with 1.21, you will find links in good tutorials too, you can use customization tools, trying out modded stuff most likely requires higher Java Versions

3• before you start the Launcher in your Game Folder, right click it, go into Properties under Compatibility and activate the Compatibility Mode for Windows 8, that will stop update messages, but not auto-updates entirely, makes a cleaner User Interface nonetheless

4• start the Launcher and let it do it's thing, it will update itself and create some smaller folders

5• you will be prompted to create an Player Account or Login, choose Microsoft, the Mojang isn't an option anymore

6• after you finish, you should be able to navigate to Minecraft Java to Installations and download the Version you want to try out

(after downloading it, the Version should be listed in the Installation List of the Launcher, to make it the Default Version for your Demo Session click on the "Play" Field, it will start the Demo Game)

7• the Launcher will most likely close itself, you can reopen it right away and do your Profile and Launcher Settings, if you haven't yet, keep the launched Game Screen open to prevent a second Launcher Update that messes up your Settings
(make sure that closing the Launcher when starting the Game is enabled, it makes things easier overall)

8• start a Demo World and Save Quit right away without closing the Game entirely, you can now create a shortcut in your Game Folder to the .minecraft Folder

PC File Explorer >> C: >> Users >> your PC Profile Folder >> AppData (Hidden Items enabled) >> Roaming >> .minecraft

make a Backup of the versions Folder and you will have to manage the saves Folder manually in all regards too, importing a Custom World and DataPacks and ResourcePacks is possible

9• whenever you start the Launcher afterwards to play, it is advised to do it offline to prevent that your Setup gets messed up

when the Game runs, you can turn on WLAN or have a LAN Party

B. If you already had the Launcher before this Update and don't have an older manifest.json, an older launcher_profiles.json for example that might can be used to recover your Installation Listings per copy paste methods or don't have any backups whatsoever:

1• make a Backup at least of the versions and saves Folders

2• clear your system from .minecraft and your Gaming Folders to make a fresh Setup like above

3• import your backed up files and you should have your old stuff back in the Launcher

4• whenever you start the Launcher afterwards to play, it is advised to do it offline to prevent that your Setup gets messed up

when the Game runs, you can turn on WLAN or have a LAN Party

Recovery of old Installation Listings for Full Version Users is a little different. I can't help with that as much.

I too can confirm that it creates an issue.

Mojang, I can't follow the thought process, why a Demo User and a Full Version User would be different in this regard. Being able to set up test sessions is crucial too. At the end of the day, you want to make money, right?

I haven't bought any Minecraft Version yet. And I am very hesitant to do so. After having to put in hours to get the previous launcher the Demo even started, woop the next update got forced onto me. I lost the setup with which 1.20.6 was finally up and running and ready to be tested out. And pouf all gone. So I have to do it all over again with 1.21, just to be able to test a Demo Version of the Game. Not fun.

And the worst part is, this issue goes deeper. After a little research it turns out: losing the access to versions and in conclusion to play worlds too, is sadly very common. Even Full Version Users encountered similar issues several times over the years. They had to put in the effort to get their versions and worlds access back into the launcher installation area via workarounds. Sadly their tutorials couldn't rescue my setup.

Breaking User Installation Lists. Now breaking Installation Tabs. How often will it break in the future again? It makes it hard to have fun. I wait, if the launcher gets fixed or if I have to pass on this purchase. Time will tell.

have a nice week