Run into an OpenGL error when playing Minecraft? You’re not alone. So don’t panic. You can fix Minecraft OpenGL errors easily.
OpenGL accelerates Minecraft running in your computer, so you can play Minecraft faster and smoother. This feature is enabled by default in order to bring the best possible experiences to players.
The Minecraft OpenGL errors can read either:
- Minecraft was unable to start because it failed to find an accelerated OpenGL mode.
- OpenGL Error: 1281 (Invalid value)
- OpenGL Error: 1286 (Invalid framebuffer operation)
- …
How to fix Minecraft OpenGL error:
Here are the solutions for you. You shouldn’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until your error disappears.
- Update your graphics card driver
- Turn off Advanced OpenGL in Minecraft
- Disable Show GL Errors
- Temporarily disable Mods
- Modify graphics settings in your game
- Install the latest Java version
Method 1: Update your graphics card driver
The OpenGL errors in Minecraft relates to your graphics card driver. Corrupted or outdated graphics card driver will result in Minecraft not working problem, including the OpenGL error popups. So you should update your graphics card driver to the latest version.
Two options to update your graphics card driver:
- Option 1 – You can manually update your video driver by searching the latest driver on the website of the manufacturer, then download and install it in your computer. This requires time and computer skills.
- Option 2 – If you don’t have the time or patience, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to be troubled by the wrong driver you would be downloading, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 steps (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Update button next to your flagged graphics card to automatically download the latest correct driver (you can do this with the Free version), then manually install it in your computer.
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
4) Restart Windows to take effect.
Now launch Minecraft and see if it stops popping up the OpenGL error.
Method 2: Turn off OpenGL in Minecraft
OpenGL is enabled by default in your game, so as to provide you with the best gaming experience. However, some graphics cards don’t render the OpenGL feature. In these circumstances, you’ll see the Minecraft OpenGL errors. So you can turn off OpenGL for Minecraft to stop that error.
Here’s what to do:
1) In Minecraft, click Options > Video Settings.
2) Click the Advanced OpenGL setting, and turn it OFF.
3) Save your changes and restart your game.
Now play Minecraft and see if it works.
That’s a no go for you? Don’t worry. There are other solutions to try.
Method 3: Disable Show GL Errors
There is an option in Minecraft that decides whether to show OpenGL errors. It’s ON by default, which shows OpenGL errors in the chat. You can disable that option when there’s a known conflict.
To do so, follow the steps below:
1) In Minecraft, click Options.
2) Go to Video Settings > Others…, then click Show GL Errors to OFF.
3) Save the change and restart Minecraft.
Hopefully OpenGl errors stop happening again.
Method 4: Temporarily disable Mods
Using mods for Minecraft may cause OpenGL errors occuring in your game, as some mods may be incompatible with OpenGL. So you can temporarily disable mods for Minecraft and see if OpenGL errors stop occurring.
If OpenGL errors stop popping up, then you should find the culprit – mods. You can disable your mods one by one to troubleshoot which mod causes your problem.
If OpenGL errors still persist, mods aren’t your problem and ensure to re-enable mods later on.
Method 5: Modify graphics settings in your game
As per user reports, some graphics settings can cause OpenGL problems like OpenGL error 1281, so you can temporarily disable some graphics settings in Minecraft. It works like a charm in some cases.
You can modify graphics settings by following steps below:
1) In Minecraft, click Options > Video Settings.
2) Modify settings like VBOs, Render Region, and Clear Water. If the option is already ON, set it to OFF.
3) Modify each setting one by one and check if Minecraft error stops.
If you can’t access Minecraft video settings, you can modify these options in the configuration file under Minrcraft folder.
There is a file named options.txt that’s stored the changeable options in Minecraft. This file is located in the Minecraft folder on your computer. You can edit the settings in this options.txt file and save your changes.
If you’re not sure which option can be edited, check this post on Minecraft for more details.
Still no luck? Don’t give up hope. Move on to the next fix.
Method 6: Install the latest Java version
Minecraft is a game developed from Java, so Java files are critical to play Minecraft. If Java version is outdated in your computer, you’re likely to have the OpenGL error.
Usually Minecraft will include the Java files when downloading Minecraft. So you can uninstall Minecraft then reinstall Minecraft to have the latest compatible Java package files.
Or you can manually download Java files from this page, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing.
Once installed, re-launch Minecraft and see if OpenGL errors has been fixed.
So there you have it – six fixes for Minecraft OpenGL errors.
Feel free to share your experience with Minecraft by leaving us a comment below.
