If you see OpenGL Error: 1281 (Invalid value) in Minecraft, don’t panic. This is one of the common Minecraft errors and you can fix it quite easily.
Why does OpenGL Error 1281 occur? Your problem can be caused by mods, graphics settings or your graphics card driver.
Try these fixes:
Here are the solutions for you. You shouldn’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until everything’s working again.
- Temporarily disable mods
- Update your graphics card driver
- Disable Show GL Errors
- Update Java in your computer
- Update OptiFine for Minecraft
Fix 1: Temporarily disable mods
It’s a common case that people mod Minecraft to get a better gaming experience. But some mods may cause conflicts to your Minecraft. In these circumstances, you’ll need to disable mods for Minecraft to fix the OpenGL Error 1281.
If OpenGL error 1281 stops 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.
Fix 2: Update your graphics card driver
A missing or outdated graphics card driver can result in OpenGL Error 1281 in Minecraft. So to rule it out as the cause, you should update your graphics card driver to the latest version.
There are two ways to update your audio driver: manually and automatically.
Manual driver update – You can go to the website of your video card manufacturer, find the latest correct driver for your device, then download and install it into your computer. This requires time and computer skills.
OR
Automatic driver update – If you don’t have 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 risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Open Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan the problem drivers in your computer.
3) Click the Update button next to the flagged video card to automatically download the correct version of their driver (you can do this with the FREE version). Then 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Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All and get a 30-day money guarantee).
4) Once updated, restart your computer to take effect.
Now launch Minecraft and see if it works properly.
Your problem still persists? Don’t worry. Try the next solution.
Fix 3: Disable Show GL Errors
Basically there’s an option in your Minecraft game options which allows you to disable showing OpenGL errors.
To do so, follow these steps:
1) In Minecraft, click Options.
2) Click Video Settings > Others….
3) Click Show GL Errors and turn it OFF.
4) Save the setting and restart Minecraft.
Try playing Minecraft and see if it works properly.
Fix 4: Update Java in your computer
As you may have known, Minecraft is developed from java, and when you download and install Minecraft in your computer, usually the java files are included.
If Java is outdated or missing in your computer, you may see OpenGL Error 1281. So you can install the latest Java version to your computer.
You can uninstall Minecraft, then reinstall Minecraft to have the latest Minecraft and Java version.
Or you can manually download Java files from this page, then follow the on-screen prompts to finish installing.
Once installed, re-launch Minecraft and see if OpenGL Error 1281 has been resolved.
Still no luck? Don’t give up hope.
Fix 5: Update OptiFine for Minecraft
OptiFine is a mod that boosts FPS and enhances performance when playing Minecraft. If you run OptiFine for Minecraft, OptiFine could be the cause of your OpenGL Error 1281.
Updating OptiFine should be taken into consideration to fix your problem. If you’re not sure how to update OptiFine:
1) Click this page to open OptiFine download center.
2) Choose the latest version of OptiFine to download.
3) Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing.
4) Restart your computer.
Launch Minecraft and check if your error has been fixed. If OpenGL Error 1281 stops popping up, then congrats!