When trying to launch a game or download content, Minecraft users are getting Minecraft failed to download file, The file contents differ from what was expected error message. In this post, we are going to talk about this issue and see what you can do to resolve it.
The following is the error message that you may get. However, the content of the error message may differ on your side.
Failed to download file, the file contents differ from what was expected.
Name: jopt-simple-4.5.jar
URL: https://libraries.minecraft.net/net/sf/jopt-simple/jopt-simple/4.5/jopt-simple-4.5.jar
Filename on disk: jopt-simple-4.5.jar
Path: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\libraries\net\sf\jopt-simple\jopt-simple\4.5\jopt-simple-4.5.jar
Exists: File
What to do when Minecraft says failed to download file?
If Minecraft is failing to download files at the time of launch, you can try the solutions mentioned to resolve the issue. But before that, it is important to know why this is happening. Following are some reasons you see the error in question.
- Minecraft is unable to download a JAVA file. In that case, you can download it manually from the mentioned location.
- The downloaded file can not be opened as the default launcher of that file is not set to Java.
- Your antivirus or Microsoft Firewall is blocking the file.
- Minecraft mods are corrupted.
Let us now go to the troubleshooting guide.
Fix Minecraft failed to download file, The file contents differ from what was expected
If you see Minecraft failed to download the file, The file contents differ from what was expected in Minecraft, try these solutions to resolve the issue.
- Download the file from the mentioned URL
- Open with JAVA
- Allow Minecraft through Firewall
- Check Corrupted Minecraft Mods
- Reinstall Minecraft Launcher
Let us talk about them in detail.
1] Download the file from the mentioned URL
If you read the error code thoroughly, you will see a URL mentioned there. This signifies that a file is missing and be downloaded from there. So, let us first download the files from mentioned URL. Just copy the URL from the error message or from below (if it’s the same) and paste it in a browser.
https://libraries.minecraft.net/net/sf/jopt-simple/jopt-simple/4.5/jopt-simple-4.5.jar
When you do that, a file will be downloaded.
Go to the download folder, copy the downloaded file, then, go to ‘Path’ mentioned in your error code. For us, it’s the following.
C:\Users\lucas\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\libraries\net\sf\jopt-simple\jopt-simple\4.5\jopt-simple-4.5.jar Exists: File
Delete jopt-simple-4.5.jar and paste the copied path.
Finally, restart your computer and reopen the launcher. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue for you.
2] Open with JAVA
.JAR files must open with Java Runtime Environment. If that is not happening, you need to make sure to configure .JAR files to open with JRE. Follow the prescribed steps to do the same.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on View > Show > tick “Hidden items”.
- Now, go to C:\Users\yusuf\AppData\Roaming
- Navigate to .minecraft.
- Right-click on any file with .JRE extension and click Properties.
- In the General tab, click on Change from Opens with.
- Select Java(TM) Platform SE binary or any other Java or JDK.
If the files are already set to run with Java, then you can skip this step.
Read: Minecraft Multiplayer not working on PC
3] Allow Minecraft through Firewall
Next up, let us allow Minecraft through Firewall or antivirus to make sure that no important Minecraft file is blocked by the security program. If you are using a third-party antivirus, whitelist Minecraft. In case, you are using Microsoft Defender, try the following steps to allow Minecraft through it.
- Look for “Windows Security ” from the Start Menu and open the app.
- Go to Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through Firewall.
- Click on Change Settings.
- Look for Minecraft and add it through Public and Private networks.
- If you can’t find it, click on Allow another app > Browse, go to the location where you have stored the app, and select and add it.
- Once Minecraft is added, you can allow it through the Firewall.
Hopefully, this will do the job for you.
4] Check Corrupted Minecraft Mods
If any of the Minecraft mods is corrupted, you will these kinds of issues. You should open File Explorer, go to C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft, cut the mods, and paste it elsewhere. Now, open the game and if it is working. If the game is working, one of the mods must be corrupted. First remove the mod that you recently added, if that doesn’t work, try disabling mods one by one until you find the culprit.
5] Reinstall Minecraft Launcher
If nothing worked, then your last resort is to reinstall Minecraft. So, go ahead and uninstall the app from your computer. Then, download the latest version of Minecraft from minecraft.net. Hopefully, this will do the job for you.
We hope you can resolve the issue with the solutions mentioned in this article.
Why does my Minecraft say launching the game failed?
Launching the game may fail because of corruption or missing files. The error message “Launching the game files” in Minecraft comes with “Minecraft failed to download the file”. Other reasons include Java’s outdated version, graphics card drivers, antivirus issues, disk space, and corrupt Minecraft installation.
Also Read: Minecraft not installing on Windows PC.
