If Minecraft's dreaded OpenGL error is stopping you from playing, here's how to fix it on Windows.

OpenGL is a graphics API that acts as a bridge between the software and graphics hardware used to play Minecraft. It offers standardized ways to display 2D and 3D graphics on the screen. But for some reason, if OpenGL is not working properly, you're likely to encounter errors in Minecraft.

If you are facing OpenGL errors in Minecraft, then this is where you need to be. In this article, we will discuss this error in detail and suggest solutions you can use to fix it.

Even with the best system by your side, you are likely to encounter OpenGL in Minecraft. This error mainly appears when there's an issue with OpenGL, which is a library for rendering games and applications. Some other reasons that can be responsible for this error are:

Luckily, it's very easy to troubleshoot this error in the game. Try the below fixes to get rid of the issue for good.

One of the first things you must try to fix the OpenGL error is downloading the latest graphics driver update. As it turns out, outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause various issues, including one in hand.

So, ensure you regularly update the graphics driver to keep applications and games running without issues. Here's how to update the graphics driver:

After installation, restart your system for the changes to take effect.

You can also use a driver updating tool for Windows to download the latest driver updates on your system.

One of the significant reasons behind Minecraft's popularity is the option to install mods in it. You can add different modes in Minecraft to optimize its performance and explore new worlds. But sometimes, certain mods can ruin the game instead of optimizing its performance.

Thus, make sure you are only installing the necessary mods in the game. You can uninstall mods in Minecraft by following the below steps:

After deleting the mod, relaunch the game and check if you still face the error.

Shaders are a type of graphics mod that enhances the overall look of your Minecraft world. These shader packs add gorgeous lighting, realistic shadows, beautiful oceans, and much more to the game. But with time, the shader packs can get corrupted for various reasons and cause different issues, including the OpenGL error.

The solution, in this case, is to remove the problematic shader pack from the game. To do this, follow the below steps:

As aforementioned, OpenGL helps in providing the best gaming performance. This feature is enabled by default in most games, including Minecraft. But sometimes, it doesn't work well with certain graphics drivers, resulting in different issues, including the one at hand.

As a solution, you will have to disable the Advanced OpenGL feature in the game. Here's how:

Relaunch the game and check if you are facing the error.

The OpenGL error in Minecraft can result from misconfigured in-game settings. You can resolve the problem by changing the settings.

After changing the settings, relaunch the game and check if the problem continues. If yes, try the next solution on the list.

Minecraft is one such game that is highly based on Java. Thus, it's crucial to have the latest Java version installed on your computer to play the game without any issues.

To update Java on your system, open a browser and visit the Java updating website. Then, download and install the latest Java version on your computer.

If you are still facing the OpenGL error, then most probably, there's an issue with the game's installation files. The only solution, in this case, is to reinstall the game.

To reinstall the game, open the Settings menu and navigate to Apps > Installed apps. Locate Minecraft and click on the three dots next to it. Choose Uninstall from the context menu. Click Uninstall again to the pop-up that appears.

After uninstalling Minecraft, reboot your system to remove all its temporary files. Then, open a browser, and visit Minecraft's official website to download the game on your computer.

Even almost a decade after its release, Minecraft is still widely popular among gamers. But like any other game, it isn't free from issues. Among all, the one that has been in talk lately is the OpenGL error in Minecraft. Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot the problem by following the above fixes.

Sometimes, the game can keep on crashing on your computer. In such a case, knowing the reason and how to fix it is essential.

Aman is a Windows specialist and loves writing about the Windows ecosystem on MakeUseOf. He has a Bachelor's in Information Technology and is now a full-time freelance writer with expertise in Windows, iOS, and browsers.

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