Minecraft Unable To Save Download Error [Fixed]

Some PC Minecraft players are reporting this issue relating unable to save download. Here are a few fixes to the common problem.

Minecraft unable to save download
Minecraft unable to save download

The Minecraft ‘unable to save download error’ could occur because of a permission issue. For the most part, Minecraft does not run with administrator access. This causes multiple problems occasionally, apart from the inability to save download errors.

The game needs administrator rights to overwrite files on your drive. The lack of this admin privilege might cause the update to fail.

Fortunately, we have found a quick fix. Here’s how you can deal with Minecraft’s inability to save download errors.


Key Takeaways

  • Running the game with administrator privileges is a quick, surefire way to fix the error.
  • Surprisingly, a good number of programs are known to cause various issues with Minecraft.
  • If you’re playing Minecraft Java, the issue possibly connects to the Java version installed on your PC.

Note: This is obvious and generic, but you should always try a system restart first when dealing with almost any PC issue. It’s ludicrous how often a simple restart can fix many errors when it comes to gaming PCs.

Fix #1: Running Minecraft As An Administrator

Fortunately, the fix is quick and easy if this is the case. I simply suggest running the app as administrator and giving it complete admin privileges. Here are the steps to follow:

Running the game as administrator might help
Running the game as an administrator might help
  1. Find the Minecraft app either on your desktop or search for it through Windows search
  2. Right-click on it, and then click on properties.
  3. Once inside properties, you’ll want to go to the compatibility tab.
  4. At the bottom of this menu, you can “Run this program as an Administrator.”
  5. Check this option, and click OK to save the change.

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It’s as simple as that. Once you’re through with this, launch Minecraft once again and do an update if it’s available. This quick fix allowed several other players and me to save again finally. However, if the issue persists, keep reading for the other fixes.

Fix #2: Try Updating Java

This fix only applies if you’re playing Minecraft Java. If you’re playing the Bedrock/Windows 10 version, I recommend skipping this part and going to our next section. Java is essential for Minecraft on PC, so updating it can usually fix a few issues.

Follow these steps to update the Java installation package on your computer.

1. Click on the Windows search icon on your computer and search for Java. You can also bring up a search by pressing Windows Key+S.

Java Configuration
Updating Java could fix the error

2.  An app known as “Configure Java” should pop up. Click on it to open Java settings.

Java Control Panel
Java Control Panel

3. Finally, go to the Update tab and use the Update Now button. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update.

After you are through updating Java, remember to restart your computer. Once your PC is back on, try updating Minecraft once again and see if the error message goes away.

The error should be fixed after this for people who play the Java version of the game. If not, move on to the following method.

Fix #3: Incompatible Software

Here’s something interesting that most people are unaware of. We have learned that several apps are incompatible with Minecraft. These apps can cause various issues with Minecraft. Here’s a list of all the apps that cause problems with the game.

This list is indeed quite interesting. Popular apps such as Kaspersky, McAfee, and even Norton are causing log-in, download, or connectivity issues. Another popular app, Internet Download Manager (IDM), also causes download issues for the game.

Famous Antivirus Software
Some anti-virus tools are known to cause the error

Even somewhat essential applications such as Razer Synapse, Discord, and even the GeForce Experience overlay can cause issues. Of course, not all of these are widespread issues, but they have happened enough that someone made a list.

So, it turns out that most anti-virus programs are the main suspects for causing errors. Bytefence, McAfee, and Kaspersky tend to be the common culprits. I have been personally struggling with anti-virus deleting game files on its own.

What’s the solution, then? There is no natural way to use anti-virus tools and play Minecraft simultaneously. It’s either one or the other. Of course, if you haven’t installed any of these programs, you should try the other fixes in this guide.

Microsoft Windows Defender is also built-in antivirus software that is known to cause issues with the game. Sometimes, antivirus programs like Windows Defender flag the script libraries of games, thus causing numerous problems.

However, if you have anti-virus software installed and suspect it’s causing issues with Minecraft, you can quickly turn it off. You can either turn your anti-virus off while playing Minecraft or uninstall it completely. The ideal practice is to whitelist the Minecraft folder in your antivirus program to avoid any errors in the future.

Turning off your anti-virus should be relatively simple; you’ll easily find the setting within the application itself. As for uninstalling, that’s quite simple as well.

Here’s how you uninstall a program if you’re not already aware:

Uninstalling from Control Panel
Uninstalling from Control Panel
  1. Press the Windows+S key and search for the Control Panel
  2. Navigate to the Uninstall a program menu
  3. Search for the application in the list, and right-click on it.
  4. Click on Uninstall Program.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process of uninstallation.

So, after you uninstall the program, restarting your computer is a good idea. Update Minecraft again if an update is available, and check if the “Unable to save download” error is resolved.

If neither of the three fixes so far worked, then we may have one more fix for you, or you might need to reinstall the game.

Fix #4: Disable Windows Firewall

This is not something that we’d recommend as a permanent fix. However, here’s the situation. The Windows Firewall may be somehow interfering with a Minecraft Update. It could restrict the download when Minecraft is in use or something else entirely.

Again, this is highly unlikely in most cases, but still worth trying if the issue is bothering you that much.

Here’s what you need to do to disable Windows Firewall and download the Minecraft update temporarily.

1. Search for Windows Firewall on your PC

2. Click on Open and launch the application

Windows Firewall
Try Disabling Firewall to solve the problem

3. On the left side, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off

Disabling Windows Firewall
Disabling Windows Firewall

4. In both private and public settings, turn off the firewall. This option is at the bottom of both settings.

Now, you’ve disabled the Windows 10 Firewall, and it’s time to update it again. After updating it, check to see if the problem persists.

Remember to turn the Firewall back on after you’re done with this method.

Fix #5: Reinstall The Game

Last but not least, you can always try reinstalling the game. If none of the fixes above worked, then this is your last resort to fix the problem. The final fix for the error is to try reinstalling the game.

Reinstalling Minecraft
Reinstalling Minecraft

Uninstalling the game is as simple as deleting or removing any other app.

  1. Press the Windows+S key and search for the Control Panel
  2. Navigate to the Uninstall a program menu
  3. Search for the application in the list and right-click on it.
  4. Click on Uninstall Program.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process of uninstallation.

Now, all you need to do is visit the official website and download the latest version of Minecraft. This could solve the issue at hand, as it is doing an immaculate installation of Minecraft.

My Recommendation

Having encountered the “unable to save download” error in Minecraft, I know the frustration it brings to the gaming experience. From my journey, the quick fix of running Minecraft as an administrator proved to be a game-changer. It’s a simple adjustment, granting the game admin privileges to overwrite files and tackle update issues head-on. 

A word of advice from my own experience – keep an eye on potential conflicts with antivirus programs. Some, like Kaspersky or McAfee, may pose compatibility issues. Consider whitelisting the Minecraft folder or temporarily disabling antivirus software during gameplay to avoid conflicts. Happy crafting!

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