Because the launcher used the Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs, it had slightly faster launch times than the .EXE launcher. We’re talking shaving off 2-3 seconds of load time on an SSD. Reddit threads erupted over this—people dual-booting Windows 7 and 8.1 specifically to use the "faster" launcher. In hindsight, it was placebo effect, but the legend persists.
Windows 8.1 is now an exclusive platform because only players stubborn enough to stay on it will experience this error. Windows 7 users were cut off last year. Now it's 8.1's turn. minecraft launcher windows 81 exclusive
Windows 8.1 drivers are rarely updated by manufacturers now. If you experience crashes, ensure you are using the latest "Legacy" drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel specifically designed for Windows 8.1 to avoid OpenGL errors. Can You Play Bedrock Edition? Because the launcher used the Windows Runtime (WinRT)