How to Fix Corrupted Launcher Profile
launcher_profiles.json holds your installations. How to find the JSON error, repair the file and get installations back without touching your worlds.
Quick Fix
Close the launcher, copy launcher_profiles.json and check it with a JSON validator. Fix the reported spot, or rename the file and add your installations again.
Error Message
launcher_profiles.json is damaged or can't be readHow to Fix
Close the Minecraft Launcher completely before you touch the file.
Copy launcher_profiles.json from .minecraft to a safe place, so you can always go back.
Check the file with a JSON validator. With Python installed, python -m json.tool launcher_profiles.json points to the first error, such as Expecting ',' delimiter: line 3 column 28.
Fix that spot and run the check again until the whole file passes.
If it can't be repaired, rename it, start the launcher and add your installations again under Installations. The renamed copy still shows each one's version, game directory and JVM arguments.
Give a rebuilt installation the same game directory as before. Worlds live in the saves folder of that directory, so they show up again once the path matches.
If an installer can't find the launcher profile, start the Minecraft Launcher once, then run the installer again and check that it points at the same .minecraft folder.
Common Causes
- The file is no longer valid JSON. One missing comma, quote or bracket after a hand edit makes the whole file unreadable, not just the installation you changed.
- The file was cut off while it was being written, for example when the PC lost power or the disk was full, so its end is missing.
- An installation points to a game directory or Java path that no longer exists. The file is fine in that case, but that one installation fails to start.
- The file is missing, for example because the launcher never ran for that folder. The NeoForge installer then stops with There is no minecraft launcher profile and tells you to run the launcher first.
Diagnostic Steps
- Close the launcher.
- Copy launcher_profiles.json somewhere safe.
- Check the file with a JSON validator.
- Fix the error, or rename the file.
- Add installations with the same game directory.
FAQ
Will I lose my worlds?
No. Worlds are stored in the saves folder of the game directory, not in launcher_profiles.json. If an installation used its own game directory, its worlds are still in that folder, so point the new installation there.
What does launcher_profiles.json store?
Your installations, each with a name, version, game directory, Java path, JVM arguments and window size, plus launcher settings. The Minecraft Wiki notes that its description of the format may be out of date for the newest launcher.
Can I edit launcher_profiles.json by hand?
Yes, with the launcher closed and a copy saved first. Keep it valid JSON: straight double quotes around names and values, commas between entries and no comma after the last one.
Related Errors
How to Fix Minecraft Not Launching / Nothing Happens
Game output: Process exited with code 1 / Game crashed before starting
How to Fix Java Not Found by Launcher
Unable to find Java / No compatible Java installation found
How to Fix Forge Installer Failure
Forge installer: Error during installation / These libraries failed to download
