Minecraft stuck on "waiting on install" error: Possible fixes explored

Some Minecraft players have encountered a strange error while trying to install either Java or Bedrock Edition on computer platforms. Specifically, the "install" button remains stuck on "waiting on install" without the launcher downloading the necessary game files/folders. The good news is that the community has discovered a few potential fixes for this issue.

While the root cause of this Minecraft error is unclear even on Mojang's official bug report page, some players have managed to find solutions that may work for you. These fixes can't be guaranteed since your situation may be different depending on the core issue. However, you might be surprised by what they can accomplish.

---

How to potentially fix Minecraft stuck on "waiting on install" error

Sometimes, there can be simple solutions to many of Minecraft's most irritating errors (Image via Mojang)

As previously noted, these fixes aren't guaranteed to eliminate the Minecraft "waiting on install" error, but they should give you a very good chance to get rid of it so you can install the game or its pending updates.

Players have reported the issue stemming from multiple factors including the official launcher client, their operating system, their antivirus/firewall, and even their Java application version at times.

Whatever the case might be, you can find a collection of potential fixes below that may be able to address your "waiting on install" issue and finally install the game or any updates you need for either Java or Bedrock Edition.

---

Ensuring all necessary systems are up-to-date

This doesn't always fix things, but it's a great precaution to take all the same. If you're encountering the "waiting on install" error, it's best to update your operating system and (if you're hoping to install Java Edition) the Java program itself.

According to some player reports, Windows can occasionally block installations for the game if supporting software isn't up-to-date.

---

Deactivate any antivirus or firewalls

Occasionally, depending on any antivirus/antimalware programs you may have installed, these programs may be incorrectly flagging downloads from the Minecraft Launcher and blocking them from going through as intended.

While every antivirus/antimalware/firewall is different, disabling them temporarily could allow the launcher client to install the game/update as needed.

---

Completely uninstall Minecraft

If you're attempting to install an update and encounter the "waiting on install" error, it may be better to uninstall and reinstall the game instead completely. This can easily be accomplished with the steps below:

1. If you're playing Java Edition, open the Minecraft Launcher and select Java Edition. Then, click on the installations tab above the splash art. Highlight the "Latest Release" listing and tap the folder button, which will open the game's root directory. Close down your launcher for a moment then return to the root directory. Here, you can delete all files and folders (or move certain ones like saves if you'd like to keep your worlds). Then, reopen your launcher and return to Java Edition on the play tab. Press the Play/Install button. The launcher should attempt to redownload all necessary assets, and you can place your "saves" folder back in the root directory if needed to return to your old worlds.
2. For Bedrock Edition, open your launcher and select Minecraft for Windows. Click on the installations tab above the splash art. Tap the red Uninstall button on this page, return to the play tab, and reinstall the game. The launcher should once again redownload all of the necessary assets.

---

Use a third-party launcher client

Sometimes third-party launchers can accomplish what the official launcher cannot (Image via Lunar Client)

If the other listed options aren't working as expected, your problem may stem from the Minecraft Launcher itself. In this case, it might be worth downloading and installing a third-party client like Lunar Client or Badlion or other alternatives. If the problem is indeed the official launcher, using a third-party client and installing Java or Bedrock Edition may be able to circumvent the problem.

Moreover, it might be worth uninstalling the official launcher itself and reinstalling it if all else fails. The official launcher works well enough, but a quick uninstall/reinstall can still offer a few surprises of its own.