Jagex · How To
How to download the Jagex Launcher
The Jagex Launcher is the official PC hub for Old School RuneScape, RuneScape, and (via the Play menu) approved clients like RuneLite. Grab the installer for your OS below — then sign in with a Jagex Account.
Official Jagex Launcher downloads
Same installers listed on Jagex Support — direct from Jagex’s publishing CDN.
Prefer the website button? Open jagex.com/launcher · Jagex Support mirrors
What the Jagex Launcher is
It is Jagex’s desktop app for discovering, installing, and launching games in the RuneScape universe from one library. One Jagex Account login covers your characters, remembers who you played last, and is the path Jagex is pushing as the long-term way to play on PC.
If you already had Old School or RuneScape installed, the launcher usually detects them. Otherwise you install through the launcher library. You can run multiple game instances, and switch between the official OSRS client and RuneLite without juggling separate login flows.
How to download and install the Jagex Launcher
- Click Windows, Mac, or Linux above (or use jagex.com/launcher).
- Run the installer from your Downloads folder and finish setup.
- Open the launcher and sign in. If you only have a legacy RuneScape login, complete the Jagex Account upgrade when prompted.
- In the library, select Old School RuneScape and install if needed.
- Click Play for the official client, or open the Play dropdown → RuneLite (downloads automatically if missing).
Install notes by OS
Windows
Use the official Jagex Launcher Installer.exe. If SmartScreen warns you, confirm the file came from the links on this page or jagex.com — then More info → Run anyway only if you are sure. Pin the launcher to your taskbar after first launch.
Mac
Open the official .dmg, drag/install as prompted. If Gatekeeper blocks it, allow the app in System Settings → Privacy & Security after a download from Jagex’s domain only.
Linux (beta)
Jagex publishes a beta AppImage. Make it executable, then run it. Expect fewer polish features than Windows/Mac; still prefer this host over random mirrors.
Playing RuneLite (or HDOS) through the launcher
Official flow for RuneLite: Jagex Support — Using RuneLite via the Jagex Launcher. After you pick RuneLite from the Play dropdown once, switching between official OSRS and RuneLite is a one-click change.
- Missing RuneLite? Play from the dropdown — the launcher can fetch it. Or install from our RuneLite download guide.
- Launcher cannot find RuneLite? Files were probably moved. Reinstall with the official RuneLite installer so the default path matches.
- Prefer HD nostalgia graphics? Install HDOS, then fully quit and restart the Jagex Launcher so it appears.
Official Jagex Launcher downloads
Same installers listed on Jagex Support — direct from Jagex’s publishing CDN.
Prefer the website button? Open jagex.com/launcher · Jagex Support mirrors
Windows quick-launch shortcut
Want the desktop icon to open a client immediately? Right-click the Jagex Launcher shortcut → Properties → Shortcut → Target. Leave the existing path, then append a space and one of:
--launch=osrs_ehc— official Old School--launch=osrs_runelite— RuneLite--launch=runescape— RuneScape
Install the chosen client first. This workaround is Windows-only per Jagex’s FAQ.
Troubleshooting
- Won’t install / corrupt download — re-download from the buttons above or follow Jagex’s fresh install guide.
- Login loop / upgrade wall — finish Jagex Account creation; old username-only logins are not enough for the launcher.
- RuneLite missing from dropdown — install RuneLite, then fully quit the launcher (Task Manager if needed) and reopen.
- HDOS missing — install HDOS first, then a full launcher restart.
- Antivirus quarantine — restore only if the file came from Jagex’s CDN / jagex.com. Never “fix” by downloading a third-party pack.
Fake Jagex Launcher downloads
Search ads love “download Jagex Launcher”. Red flags:
- Domains that are not jagex.com, runescape.com, oldschool.runescape.com, or the
files.publishing…jagex.com/rs-launcher-updates.runescape.comhosts used above - Discord / MediaFire / “launcher + RuneLite crack” bundles
- Anything that asks for your password outside the real launcher / Jagex login
Related downloads
- Download OSRS — PC + Android + iOS
- Download RuneLite
- Download HDOS
- Install 117 HD (after RuneLite)
Official Jagex links
Common questions
- Where do I safely download the Jagex Launcher?
- Use the buttons on this page (Jagex’s official installer CDN), jagex.com/launcher, or the mirrors on Jagex Support. Avoid Google ads, Discord .exe drops, and lookalike domains.
- Why can’t I log in with my old RuneScape username?
- The launcher needs a Jagex Account. If you see “Have a RuneScape account? You’ll need to make a few changes,” follow the upgrade prompts. That unifies characters under one login and adds better security.
- Can I launch RuneLite from the Jagex Launcher?
- Yes. Sign in → Play dropdown next to Old School → RuneLite. If RuneLite is missing, Play can download it. If the launcher cannot find an existing install, reinstall RuneLite with the official installer so paths match.
- Do I need admin rights?
- Jagex says the launcher itself no longer requires admin to install. Installing the official Old School client through the launcher may still need admin access on some PCs.
- Can I skip the launcher UI and jump straight into a client?
- There is no built-in quick launch, but on Windows you can edit the desktop shortcut Target and append --launch=osrs_ehc (official OSRS), --launch=osrs_runelite (RuneLite), or --launch=runescape (RS3).
- Can I play OSRS and RuneScape at the same time?
- Yes — even multiple instances — but not the same character logged into both games at once.
- Windows, Mac, or Linux?
- Windows and Mac have full installers. Linux has an official beta AppImage from Jagex’s update host.
Official Jagex Launcher downloads
Same installers listed on Jagex Support — direct from Jagex’s publishing CDN.
Prefer the website button? Open jagex.com/launcher · Jagex Support mirrors