Are you a Minecraft enthusiast encountering the frustrating “unable to prepare assets for download” error when trying to launch the game?
This issue can be a real headache for players eager to dive into the blocky world of Minecraft.
But fear not, as I’ve gathered some effective solutions to help you resolve this problem and get back to enjoying your Minecraft adventures.
The error message reads as “Launching the game failed!
Internal Error.
Name: REQUEST_FAILED
Error details: Unable to prepare assets for download.”
In this blog, let’s explore how to fix the Minecraft launcher’s “unable to prepare assets for download” error and get you back to building, crafting, and exploring in no time.
How To Fix Minecraft Launcher Unable To Prepare Assets For Download?
To fix the Minecraft launcher “Unable to prepare assets for download” error, you can resolve index.json error, manually download missing assets, and edit host file. Additionally, you can delete the versions folder, and clear the launcher cache.
1. Resolve Index.json Error
The ‘index.json’ file is crucial for Minecraft to index its assets correctly. If it’s corrupted or missing, the game cannot load its resources.
Obtain the Correct ‘index.json’ File:
- On a working Minecraft installation, press Win+R, type %appdata%.minecraft\assets\indexes\, and press Enter.
- Find the index.json file that corresponds to your version (e.g., 1.16.json for version 1.16).
- Copy this file to a USB drive or upload it to a cloud storage service.
Replace the ‘index.json’ File:
- On the computer with the issue, open the Run dialog (Win+R).
- Type %appdata%.minecraft\assets\indexes\ and press Enter.
- Locate the problematic index.json file and delete it.
- Paste the correct index.json file from your USB drive or download it from your cloud storage into this folder.
Verify and Launch:
- Run the Minecraft Launcher.
- Start the game and check if the assets download correctly.
2. Manually Download Missing Assets
Sometimes, the launcher fails to download certain assets, which are necessary for the game to run smoothly.
- Open the Minecraft launcher error log from %appdata%.minecraft\logs\latest.log to find the names and hashes of missing assets.
- Download the needed assets using their hashes from a trusted Minecraft resource site.
- Place each downloaded asset into the .minecraft/assets/objects/ directory, in a subfolder named after the first two characters of the asset’s hash.
- Start the game again to check if the issue is resolved.
3. Edit Hosts File
Incorrect entries in the hosts file could prevent your launcher from connecting to the Minecraft servers.
- Press Win+S, type Notepad, right-click and select ‘Run as administrator’.
- In Notepad, go to ‘File’ > ‘Open’, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\, change the file type to ‘All Files’ and open the hosts file.
- Remove any lines related to ‘mojang’ or Minecraft, which could be blocking the servers.
- Save the file by clicking ‘File’ > ‘Save’ and close Notepad.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
4. Delete The Versions Folder
Corrupted or outdated game files can cause download issues.
- Navigate to the .minecraft/versions/ directory.
- Delete the contents of this folder.
- Restart the launcher to allow it to download fresh game files.
5. Clear Launcher Cache
The launcher cache can hold corrupted data affecting downloads.
- Go to the .minecraft/assets/ directory.
- Delete the objects folder.
- Restart the launcher to rebuild the cache.
6. Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable connection can interrupt the download process.
- Visit a speed test website like Speedtest by Ookla.
- Click ‘Go’ or ‘Start’ to initiate the speed test.
- Check the results against your ISP’s advertised speeds.
- If speeds are low or unstable, unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- After the router restarts, launch Minecraft to see if the issue is resolved.
7. Check Firewall And Antivirus Settings For Restrictions
Security software can sometimes block necessary network traffic for Minecraft.
To adjust Firewall settings for Minecraft:
- Type “firewall” in the Start menu and open “Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
- Select “Change settings,” find “Minecraft Launcher,” or add it if it’s missing.
- Check the “Private” and “Public” boxes for the launcher, then click “OK.”
To adjust Antivirus settings for Minecraft:
- Open your antivirus program from the system tray or Start menu.
- Find the “Settings” or “Configuration” section.
- Locate “Exclusions,” “Exceptions,” or “Allowed apps.”
- Add the Minecraft Launcher to the list of exclusions (you may need to navigate to its installation directory).
- Save your changes and restart the Minecraft launcher.
8. Update Java To Ensure Compatibility
Minecraft requires Java to run, and having an outdated version can lead to issues.
To update Java for Minecraft compatibility:
- Go to the Java download page.
- Choose the appropriate download for your OS, agree to terms, and download.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer and try launching Minecraft.
9. Run Launcher As Administrator
Running the launcher with administrative privileges can bypass permission blocks.
- Right-click on the Minecraft launcher shortcut.
- Select ‘Run as administrator’.
- Attempt to download the assets again.
10. Repair/Reset Minecraft Launcher
A corrupted launcher can cause asset download issues.
- Go to ‘Apps’ in Windows Settings.
- Find and select Minecraft Launcher.
- Click ‘Advanced options’, then ‘Repair’ or ‘Reset’.
12. Check For Alternative Download Options
Alternative sources might bypass the issue.
To check for alternative download options in the Minecraft launcher:
- Open the Minecraft launcher.
- Click on ‘Settings’ or ‘Options’ (this may vary based on the version of your launcher).
- Look for a section related to ‘Downloads’, ‘Download Sources’, or ‘Update Options’.
- If available, select an alternative download source from the options provided.
- Save your changes and attempt to download the assets or update the game again.
12. Uninstall And Reinstall OptiFine/Fabric
If you have OptiFine or Fabric installed, consider uninstalling and reinstalling these mods as they can sometimes impact asset downloads.
- Open the Minecraft launcher, go to “Installations,” and click the folder icon on your OptiFine/Fabric profile.
- In the opened directory, uninstall the mods folder or the specific OptiFine/Fabric files.
- Visit the official OptiFine or Fabric website and download the latest version compatible with your Minecraft.
- Run the downloaded .jar file, and for OptiFine, click “Install,” or for Fabric, select your Minecraft version and click “Install.”
- Launch the Minecraft launcher, select the OptiFine/Fabric installation, and click “Play.”
13. Contact Minecraft Customer Support
If all else fails, consider reaching out to Minecraft support for further assistance in resolving the issue. They can provide you with troubleshooting steps to solve this issue.