Minecraft Failed to Download File — Launcher Error

What does Failed to Download File mean in Minecraft?

The Minecraft Launcher verifies each downloaded file using a hash (checksum). If the downloaded file is corrupt (truncated by a network error, or modified by a virus scanner), the hash will not match and the launcher throws this error to prevent launching with broken files.

Antivirus as a culprit

Antivirus software frequently causes this error by scanning and quarantining Minecraft files mid-download or by blocking certain library files it flags as suspicious. Adding the Minecraft launcher and game directories to your antivirus exclusion list resolves this in most cases.

Network interruptions

Slow or unstable internet connections can partially download files, leaving them corrupt. Running the download on a stable wired connection prevents most network-related failures.

How to fix step by step

1. 1Add the Minecraft Launcher directory and your .minecraft folder to your antivirus exclusion list.
2. 2Close and reopen the Minecraft Launcher — it will re-verify and re-download missing or corrupt files automatically.
3. 3Delete the specific file named in the error from .minecraft/libraries or .minecraft/versions and let the launcher re-download it.
4. 4Temporarily disable antivirus and re-launch to confirm it is the cause.
5. 5Switch to a wired internet connection for the download.
6. 6Change your DNS to 8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1 if Mojang's CDN endpoints are unreachable.
7. 7On Windows: run the Minecraft Launcher as administrator to ensure it has write permissions to the download directories.

How FAILED-TO-DOWNLOAD differs from related codes

• Error LOGIN-FAILED: Minecraft could not sign in to Microsoft account. (server or client)
• Error AUTHENTICATION-SERVER-DOWN: Minecraft could not reach Microsoft authentication services to sign in. (server or client)