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RuneScape 3 Jagex Launcher: "Could not authenticate"

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IsThisGameDown

Last checked

September 25, 2026

The Jagex Launcher shows "Could not authenticate" when you open it, so you can't get to RuneScape.

Also appears as: Could not authenticate, jagex launcher could not authenticate, runescape could not authenticate, jagex launcher error authenticate, jagex launcher wont load

Jagex's Launcher known-issues article says this error is usually associated with using a VPN when the Launcher loads, and tells you to disable the VPN before launching. The article is about the Jagex Launcher, which starts both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, and it is not tagged for a single game. Jagex lists no other cause for this specific message.

What to try

  1. 01Disable your VPN, then open the Jagex Launcher again. Jagex says this error is usually associated with using a VPN when the Launcher loads.Confirmed
  2. 02If a different Launcher message appears instead, check Jagex's Launcher known-issues article: it covers "Please wait while an update is applied", the Windows installer's "Timeout waiting for window to load", and the Rosetta prompt on Mac.Confirmed

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