How to Fix ‘Minecraft Do You Own This Game or App PC’ Error

If you’re a Minecraft fan and have recently encountered the frustrating “Do you own this game or app?” error message on your PC, you are not alone. Many players have reported this issue, especially when trying to access the game on Windows. Below, we will guide you through several steps to help resolve this problem so you can get back to crafting and exploring in no time.

Step 1: Verify Your Minecraft Purchase

Before diving into potential fixes, ensure that you truly own the game. Here’s how to verify your purchase:

1. Check Microsoft Store: Log in to your Microsoft account and visit the Microsoft Store. Under ‘Library’, check if Minecraft appears there. This will confirm whether your purchase is tied to your account.

2. Look for Confirmation Emails: Search your email for purchase confirmation from Microsoft or Mojang. This might help you double-check your ownership status.

Step 2: Re-login to Your Microsoft Account

A simple yet effective method is to log out and log back into your Microsoft account. Sometimes, session issues can trigger ownership errors.

1. Open the Xbox app: Launch the Xbox app on your Windows PC.

2. Sign Out: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select ‘Sign Out’.

3. Sign In Again: After signing out, wait a few seconds, and then sign back in.

Step 3: Restart the Minecraft Launcher

Temporary glitches may be resolved by restarting the Minecraft launcher. Follow these steps:

1. Close the Launcher: Make sure to exit out of the Minecraft launcher completely.

2. Restart Your Computer: It’s always a good practice to restart your PC before re-launching any application.

3. Open Minecraft Again: Launch the Minecraft launcher and check if the issue persists.

Step 4: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated software can often cause compatibility issues. Ensure that your Windows operating system is updated:

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.

2. Navigate to Update & Security: Click on ‘Update & Security’ and then select ‘Windows Update’.

3. Check for Updates: Install any available updates, then restart your computer if necessary.

Step 5: Repair or Reset the Xbox App

Repairing or resetting the Xbox app can fix underlying issues that affect how the app interacts with your games.

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings and then select ‘Apps’.

2. Find Xbox App: Scroll down and click on ‘Xbox’.

3. Choose Repair Option: Select ‘Advanced options’, then click ‘Repair’. If this doesn’t work, you can try the ‘Reset’ option. Note that resetting may require you to log back into the app.

Step 6: Reinstall Minecraft Launcher

If you still cannot access your game, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Minecraft launcher.

1. Uninstall the Launcher: Go to Settings > Apps, find Minecraft Launcher, and choose ‘Uninstall’.

2. Download the Latest Version: Visit the official Minecraft website or the Microsoft Store to download the most recent version of the launcher.

3. Install and Sign In: Open the newly installed launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 7: Check Family Sharing Settings

If you are using family sharing with another Microsoft account, ensure that the account sharing the game actually owns it. Family sharing does not allow access to games if the primary account does not own them.

1. Ask the Primary Account: Confirm with the primary account holder if they have purchased the game. Each account must own the game to access it independently.

2. Correct Account Usage: Make sure you’re logged into the correct account that has the game associated with it.

Conclusion

Encountering the ‘Do you own this game or app?’ error can be quite annoying, especially when you’re eager to get back into Minecraft. By following the above steps, you should be able to resolve this issue and enjoy your gaming experience once again. Remember to stay updated with both your account and software to avoid future hiccups. Happy crafting!