Minecraft Error Code 0x80070002: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80070002
Brand
Minecraft
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Minecraft error code 0x80070002 means the game launcher cannot find one or more files it needs to start or run properly. This typically happens after a failed update, a corrupted installation, or when Windows security software has quarantined a launcher file. The good news is this error is almost always fixable without reinstalling the entire game by repairing or replacing the missing files.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070002

  1. Restart the Minecraft Launcher

  2. Check Your Antivirus or Windows Defender Quarantine

    Only restore files you are confident belong to Minecraft. Do not restore unrecognized files flagged by your antivirus.

  3. Clear the Minecraft Launcher Cache

    Do not delete your 'saves' folder inside .minecraft — this contains all your worlds. Only delete launcher_profiles.json and the cache folder.

  4. Repair or Reinstall the Minecraft Launcher

    Download the launcher only from the official Minecraft website (minecraft.net) to avoid malware.

  5. Run the Launcher as Administrator

  6. Reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

    Restart your computer after reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributables before attempting to launch Minecraft again.

  7. Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC Scan)

    Do not close the Command Prompt window while the SFC scan is running or you may corrupt system files further.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and Minecraft still displays error 0x80070002, the issue may be rooted in a deeper Windows OS corruption, a failing hard drive with bad sectors, or a conflicted Windows user profile. In these cases, contact Microsoft Support for OS-level repair, consult a PC repair technician, or consider creating a new Windows user account and reinstalling Minecraft under that profile. If your storage drive is failing, a technician can run a full disk health diagnostic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Minecraft error code 0x80070002 mean?
Error code 0x80070002 in Minecraft means the launcher cannot locate a file it needs to run. This is commonly caused by a failed or incomplete game update, antivirus software deleting or quarantining a launcher file, or a corrupted installation. It is a Windows-level 'file not found' error that surfaces through the Minecraft launcher.
Will I lose my Minecraft worlds if I reinstall the launcher?
No. Reinstalling only the Minecraft Launcher does not delete your saved worlds or game data. Your world saves are stored in the '.minecraft' folder located at C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\saves, and this folder is not touched during a launcher reinstall. Always back up your saves folder before making major changes, just to be safe.
Can antivirus software cause Minecraft error 0x80070002?
Yes, absolutely. Antivirus programs including Windows Defender can sometimes flag Minecraft launcher files as suspicious and quarantine or delete them, which causes error 0x80070002. Check your antivirus quarantine history and restore any Minecraft files that were removed. You should also add the .minecraft folder as an exclusion in your antivirus settings.
Why does Minecraft error 0x80070002 keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error keeps returning, your antivirus is likely repeatedly quarantining the same launcher file. Add the Minecraft launcher directory as a permanent exclusion in your antivirus software. The error can also recur if a game update keeps failing mid-download, so check your internet connection stability and ensure your disk has enough free space (at least 4 GB recommended).
Does error 0x80070002 affect Minecraft Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or both?
Error 0x80070002 most commonly appears with the unified Minecraft Launcher on Windows, which handles both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. It can affect either edition depending on which installation files are missing or corrupted. The troubleshooting steps in this guide apply to both editions since they share the same launcher.

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