Did you encounter the dreadful Minecraft Error Code 5? In this guide, we will address what it is, what causes it, and how to solve it.

There are actually 4 different methods. However, I think method number 3(copy the file to Minecraft folder) is the best one, so I would start with that one if you are in a rush.

Minecraft lovers take their game very seriously. They build beautiful worlds, create something that nobody else would ever think of, and they religiously save their game so their world isn’t destroyed with the accidental click of a button. Unfortunately, it comes with its share of bugs and errors such as error code 5. 

“Mojang native launcher updater. Problem moving C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft\tmp\tmpLauncher.exe to MinecraftLauncher.exe with error code 5”

What is Minecraft Error Code 5?

Minecraft Error Code 5 is the error code you will see when you launch your game and it fails. Your game will not run with this message lingering. 

When Minecraft updated, this error message seemed to plague many players on their computers. This error does not exist as far as we know for devices and consoles. Luckily, this error can be easily fixed with just a few simple methods. 

Causes of Error 5 in Minecraft

The problem didn’t start until the update came out and unfortunately, nobody really knows why the error code pops up. It’s just a flaw in the launcher. Fortunately, there are very clear instructions on how to fix this troublesome error that seems to be keeping thousands of players from logging onto their game. 

How To Resolve Minecraft Error Code 5 

There is a multitude of ways you can fix this error on whatever piece of technology you are using: 

Some of the most common fixes for computer include: 

Run Minecraft as administrator
Update the launcher
Copy tmpLauncher file to Minecraft folder
Update Java

Method 1: Run as Administrator

Running the launcher with admin permission can kick-start the program. Administrator rights give you privileges that tell your computer to complete a series of actions within your computer’s operating system. This allows you to update drivers, change system settings, install software, and more. 

Now, if you for some reason can’t use these privileges, follow these instructions to change your privileges: 

Open the control panel
Click on Manage Account
Select the user you want to grant privileges to
Click on change the account type and select the administrator button to grant admin rights to that account. 
Save the changes.

To run Minecraft with special administrator privileges now that you have granted yourself the rights, perform the following actions:  

Right-click on the Minecraft launcher to open the context menu.
Select properties and a window will open. 
Click the compatibility tab
Select Run this program as administrator. 
Press the apply and ok button. 
Restart your computer to ensure the changes have taken effect. 

Method 2: Update the Launcher

Another simple fix for the error 5 message is to update the launcher. Here’s how you do it: 

Go into the Minecraft folder and open the Nativelog.txt file. Copy the hyperlink that has MinecraftLauncher.exe. 
Open a web browser
Paste and open the URL and download the new launcher from that page. 
Place the new MinecraftLauncher.exe to the Minecraft folder, replacing the original. 
Right-click the old .exe and delete to erase it. 

Method 3: Copy the tmpLauncher File to the Minecraft Folder

This method has solved this specific error for a lot of Minecraft players. Since this is an issue with the launcher itself, renaming the file forces the computer to download a new launcher. 

Find the Minecraft location on your computer  (C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft\tmp or any other location where you have installed Minecraft). 
Look for the file that contains extension .tmp and rename it to .exe. 
Copy the file and click backspace to find yourself at the directory  C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft and paste the file. 
When prompted, select replace.
Attempt to launch the game.

Method 4:Update Java

Since Minecraft uses Java to operate, most of the time an outdated version of Java will cause the error to pop up. Some users were able to solve the error by updating Java. You can do this simply by: 

Press the Windows Key + R
Enter appwiz.cpl and hit enter. You can also go to uninstall a program.
Locate or search for Java and check the installed version against the version on the official Java website. 
If you have an outdated version, right-click to uninstall Java. 
You will have to pick from either the 32-bit or 64-bit version. If you don’t know which one, simply go to your control panel and click System.  Look for the operating system and check which bit it uses.  
Once you’ve figured out which bit it is, download the latest version from the website and install
Restart your computer and attempt to play. 

An easier method for this would be: 

Go to Java.com. 
Click Do I have Java?
Click Verify Java Version

This will tell you if your Java version is out-of-date. If so, simply follow the on-screen instructions to update it. 

Which Platform Does The Error Code Effects 

Minecraft is a game that can be played in various modes, such as survival and creative. Players can use different skins, textures, and can play the game on a variety of devices. 

Minecraft can be played on: 

PC

Windows 10 
Linux
Mac
Windows

Consoles

Playstation 3 & 4
Xbox 360 & Xbox One
Wii U
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo 3DS

Devices

Apple devices
Android Phone
Kindle Fire
Windows phone
Apple & Fire TV

You will only find the error code 5 on the PC. 

Our Final Thoughts

Minecraft is such a fun game, but as with most games on PC or devices, it can have bugs such as the error code 5. Now that you know what it is and how to fix it, you should have no problems with that error code again. That’s not to say a different one isn’t going to pop up.

This error fix only works for PCs. Devices and consoles don’t seem to have this error. If they do, it’s a whole new process. If none of the above methods work for you, the last step would be to completely uninstall the game and all traces of the install files from your computer and reinstall. This is the last resort, however. Good luck!

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