Users started reporting widespread failures this week when trying to install or update the game. A one slider tweak in settings fixes it for nearly everyone affected.
If you are on Linux and the Minecraft launcher is refusing to finish downloading the game or an update, you are not alone. A wave of reports began mid last week describing the same failure halfway through the process.
The thread on r/linux_gaming details how the official launcher starts pulling files but then throws an error and stops. It does not seem to affect Windows users and has been replicated by several people running common distros.
The Fix
Fortunately the solution is quick and does not require reinstalling anything. Users discovered that the launcher default of high concurrent downloads overwhelms something in the Linux networking or filesystem handling.
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and head to Settings
- Find the Maximum concurrent downloads slider
- Drag it down to between 2 and 4
- Close the launcher completely and reopen it
- Retry the download or update
After the change most reporters say the download completes without issue. Some needed to fully clear the partial download cache first but the vast majority only had to adjust that one setting.
This is not a permanent fix and it slows things down slightly. Mojang should investigate why the launcher cannot handle normal concurrent connections on Linux without breaking. In the meantime the community once again patched what the company left unfinished.
Go into your Minecraft launchers settings and drag the Maximum concurrent downloads slider down to 2 4. Close your Launcher and open it again.
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