In the Minecraft Launcher, older Minecraft Java Edition versions (approximately 1.16.4–1.19.4) do not display any warning or notice that they are outdated or no longer receive security updates.
As a result, players may unknowingly continue using versions that lack important security fixes, which could expose them to known or unknown vulnerabilities, especially in multiplayer environments.
Expected behavior:
Outdated Java Edition versions should display a clear warning in the Launcher (for example: “This version is outdated and no longer receives security updates”) so users can make an informed decision.
Actual behavior:
The Launcher treats these older versions the same as newer or supported ones and does not inform users that they are obsolete or potentially insecure.
Steps to reproduce:
Open the official Minecraft Launcher
Select an older Minecraft Java Edition version (e.g. 1.16.4–1.19.4)
Observe that no outdated or security-related warning is shown
Environment
OS: Windows 11 25H2
Launcher: Official Minecraft Launcher
Account type: Microsoft account
Attachments
Comments 4
I am not suggesting that older versions should receive updates.
The issue is that the Launcher does not inform users that a selected version:
is no longer supported
does not include security fixes introduced in later releases
Security vulnerabilities are often discovered after release and patched only in newer versions.
Without a warning, less experienced players may unknowingly use versions that lack important security fixes, especially in multiplayer or modded environments.This is a user awareness / UX issue, not a request to update old versions.
Which security vulnerabilities are present in these versions?
By definition no old version can receive updates, since an update is a new version.