how to create minecraft launcher shortcut

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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20-01-2025

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Creating a Minecraft launcher shortcut makes launching your favorite game much faster and easier. This guide will walk you through creating shortcuts on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No more hunting through folders! Let's get started.

Why Create a Minecraft Launcher Shortcut?

A Minecraft launcher shortcut saves you time and clicks. Instead of navigating through your file system every time, you can simply double-click an icon on your desktop or taskbar. This is especially helpful if you play Minecraft frequently.

Creating a Minecraft Launcher Shortcut on Windows

Step 1: Locate the Minecraft Launcher.

First, you need to find the Minecraft Launcher executable file. This is usually located in:

• C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\launcher.exe (replace [YourUsername] with your actual username). You may need to show hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer settings to see the .minecraft folder.

Step 2: Create the Shortcut.

1. Right-click the launcher.exe file.
2. Select "Send to" and then "Desktop (create shortcut)."

That's it! You now have a Minecraft launcher shortcut on your desktop. You can drag this shortcut to your taskbar for even quicker access.

Optional: Customize the Shortcut Icon

1. Right-click the new shortcut on your desktop.
2. Select "Properties."
3. Go to the "Shortcut" tab.
4. Click "Change Icon..."
5. Browse for a Minecraft-themed icon (you might find one in the Minecraft installation folder) or use a default Windows icon.
6. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Creating a Minecraft Launcher Shortcut on macOS

macOS handles shortcuts slightly differently. The process is similar but uses the Finder application.

Step 1: Locate the Minecraft Launcher.

The Minecraft launcher application is typically located within the Applications folder. It's usually named "Minecraft Launcher".

Step 2: Create the Shortcut (Alias).

1. Open Finder and navigate to the "Applications" folder.
2. Locate the "Minecraft Launcher" application.
3. Drag the "Minecraft Launcher" application to your desktop. This automatically creates an alias (shortcut).

Creating a Minecraft Launcher Shortcut on Linux

Linux distributions vary, but the general process is similar to Windows. You'll use your file manager (like Nautilus or Dolphin).

Step 1: Locate the Minecraft Launcher.

The location of the Minecraft launcher varies depending on how you installed it. Common locations include:

• ~/.minecraft/launcher
• /opt/minecraft/launcher

Check your installation directory.

Step 2: Create the Shortcut.

The method for creating a shortcut depends on your desktop environment:

• GNOME (Ubuntu, Fedora): Right-click the launcher executable, select "Create Link," and choose a location (like your desktop).
• KDE (Kubuntu): Right-click the launcher executable, select "Create Link Here," or drag and drop it to the desktop.
• Other DEs: Consult your desktop environment's documentation for creating shortcuts. The basic idea is to create a symbolic link. You might use the ln -s command in the terminal.

Troubleshooting

If you can't find the Minecraft launcher, try searching your computer for "launcher.exe" (Windows) or "Minecraft Launcher" (macOS/Linux). Ensure you have Minecraft correctly installed.

If the shortcut doesn't work, make sure the Minecraft launcher executable file has execute permissions (Linux).

This guide provides a straightforward way to make launching Minecraft a breeze. Enjoy your quicker game starts!