If Minecraft Bedrock Edition refuses to launch and shows a “Failed to Start Game” error on your PC, the problem is usually related to the Minecraft Launcher, Xbox Gaming Services, corrupted app files, or Windows app registration issues.
This guide walks you through every proven fix, starting from simple launch workarounds to full reinstall solutions. Follow the steps in order—don’t skip ahead.
Fix 1: Launch Minecraft Without Using the Launcher
Sometimes the launcher itself is the problem.
- Open Windows Search
- Type Minecraft for Windows
- Click Minecraft for Windows directly (not the launcher)
If the game opens, the issue is confirmed to be launcher-related.
Fix 2: Launch Minecraft From the Installation Folder
If direct launch fails, try running the game executable manually.
- Open Xbox App
- Go to Minecraft for Windows
- Click Manage → Files → Browse
- Open the Minecraft for Windows folder
- Double-click the Minecraft.Windows.exe file
If needed, right-click the file and try Run as administrator.
Fix 3: Create and Use a Desktop Shortcut
Launching from shortcuts sometimes bypasses launcher startup issues.
Create Shortcut for the Game
- Open Xbox App
- Search Minecraft for Windows
- Click Manage → General
- Select Create desktop shortcut
Close the launcher completely, then launch the game using the shortcut.
Create Shortcut for the Launcher
Repeat the same steps for Minecraft Launcher and test again.
Fix 4: Verify and Repair Minecraft and the Launcher
Corrupted files are one of the most common causes of this error.
Repair Minecraft for Windows
- Open Xbox App
- Search Minecraft for Windows
- Click Three dots → Manage → Files
- Select Verify and Repair
- Confirm and wait for completion
Repair Minecraft Launcher
Repeat the same steps for Minecraft Launcher.
After both repairs, restart your PC and test again.
Fix 5: Repair or Reset Minecraft Apps (Windows Settings)
If verification fails, repair the apps at the system level.
Repair Minecraft Launcher
- Search Minecraft Launcher in Windows
- Right-click → App settings
- Click Terminate
- Click Repair
If repair doesn’t work, return and click Reset.
Repair Minecraft for Windows
Repeat the same steps for Minecraft for Windows.
⚠️ Resetting removes local app data, but does not delete your account.
Fix 6: Run the Gaming Services Repair Tool
Minecraft Bedrock depends on Xbox Gaming Services. If this service is broken, the game will not start.
Option 1: From Xbox App
- Open Xbox App
- Click your profile icon
- Go to Support
- Select Gaming Services Repair Tool
- Click Start Repairing
- Approve permissions and wait
Option 2: From Microsoft Website
- Download the Gaming Services Repair Tool for PC
- Run the
.exefile as administrator - Wait until it shows Completed Successfully
Restart your PC after the repair.
Fix 7: Reinstall Minecraft Launcher
If all else fails, reinstall the launcher.
- Search Minecraft Launcher
- Right-click → Uninstall
- Restart your PC
- Download the launcher again from the official Microsoft website
- Install and test the game
Fix 8: Use the Legacy Minecraft Launcher
Some systems work better with the legacy version.
- Visit the official Minecraft website
- Scroll down to Windows Legacy Launcher
- Download and install it
- Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition from the legacy launcher
Fix 9: Reinstall Minecraft Bedrock Edition
This is the last and most reliable fix.
- Open Minecraft Launcher
- Uninstall Minecraft for Windows
- Restart your PC
- Reinstall the game from the launcher
- Launch and test
Why This Error Happens
The Minecraft Bedrock Edition failed to start game error usually occurs due to:
- Broken Xbox Gaming Services
- Corrupted launcher or game files
- Failed Windows app registration
- Incomplete updates
- Conflicts between launcher versions
Final Checklist
Before retrying, make sure:
- Windows is fully updated
- Xbox App is installed and signed in
- Gaming Services is repaired
- No third-party firewall is blocking Xbox services
Conclusion
The Minecraft Bedrock Edition failed to start game error on PC is frustrating, but it’s almost always fixable. In most cases, repairing Gaming Services or reinstalling the launcher resolves the issue completely.
