Minecraft sign-in error code "Drowned" for kid's profile after changing from Win10 computer to Win11 computer (Minecraft for Windows PC originally purchased thru Microsoft Store with my parental account)

Stephen P 5 Reputation points
2025-11-04T17:42:32.51+00:00

Already tried all the online help tactics that are suggested for "Drowned" error code when signing into Minecraft. None are working. My kid used to be able to sign in and play Minecraft for Windows PC just fine when he was on the old Windows 10 Surface Laptop. But since we upgraded and changed laptops, he can no longer get into his usual Minecraft profile using his Windows 11 laptop. I purchased Minecraft for Windows PC (Bedrock) back in 2022 using my own parental Microsoft Store account, but I don't/never play Minecraft - I bought it only for this child of mine to play it. My child is part of my Family group and all the settings are such that he would be allowed to sign into and play Minecraft with his own (Age 14 to be safe even though he is actually only 11) minor account. We get the xbox sign-in pop-up and try to keep the login in his account not mine or else Minecraft signs in under my parent account, which is does successful without the error code "Drowned". But I don't want to play it, I only purchased it so that he could play. So I prefer not to have to purchase the game again under his minor account for no reason. Tried playing around with signing into Microsoft Store as me or as him, and signing into Xbox or Microsoft accts as me or as him, tried deleting app settings and the entire game and reinstalling, etc. Tried everything I think. Thanks for any help on this.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Gaming
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-11-04T17:42:56.99+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The "Drowned" error code in Minecraft can be frustrating, especially after transitioning to a new operating system like Windows 11. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

    1. Check Microsoft Account Settings: Ensure that your child's Microsoft account is properly set up and that they are part of your Family group. Verify that all parental controls allow them to access and play Minecraft.
    2. Update Gaming Services: Make sure that the Gaming Services app is up to date on the Windows 11 computer. You can check this by going to "Add or Remove Programs" in settings. If it's outdated, you can force an update using PowerShell commands as mentioned in the context.
    3. Xbox App Update: Similar to Gaming Services, ensure the Xbox app is updated. If it has been in a dev sandbox for a while, it may not be up to date. Switch to the RETAIL sandbox and update the app.
    4. Sign-In Issues: When signing into Minecraft, ensure that your child is using their own Microsoft account and not yours. If the game defaults to your account, it may cause issues with accessing their profile.
    5. Reinstall Minecraft: Since you've already tried reinstalling the game, ensure that all associated files are removed before reinstalling. This includes checking for any residual files in the AppRepository directory.
    6. Check for Sandbox Errors: Sometimes, switching sandboxes or incorrect Service Configuration IDs (SCID) can cause issues. Make sure you are in the correct sandbox and that the SCID is accurate.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance, as they may have more specific solutions for your situation.

    References:

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  2. John Oliver 4,185 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-04T19:17:28.2033333+00:00

    Hello Stephen P, Thanks for posting this in our community.

    Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) is licensed to the Microsoft Store account (your parental one), but gameplay is tied to the Xbox account (your child’s). If the launcher signs in with the wrong account, it can trigger the “Drowned” error.

    Make sure you're signed into the Microsoft Store with your parental account to confirm the game is owned and installed from there. Then, sign into the Xbox app and Minecraft Launcher using your child’s account. If it keeps defaulting to your account, sign out and clear any saved credentials in Windows Settings and Credential Manager.

    Also, check your child’s Xbox privacy settings at account.xbox.com/settings under your parent login. Ensure multiplayer, cross-network play, and Minecraft access are all allowed.

    If issues persist, uninstall Minecraft, delete the folder at C:\Users[YourChild]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store while signed in as the parent.

    Hope this helps!

    Kind regards,

    John Oli

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