The native launcher sometimes fails to download the version JSON for an inherited version, resulting in a launch error. This works fine in the Java launcher.

To reproduce

Before reproducing, delete .minecraft/versions/1.8.6 if present (I chose 1.8.6 as it is an old, unlikely to be used version).

Then, create a folder named MCL-5443 within .minecraft/versions, and within that folder, create a file named MCL-5443.json. Put the following in the file:

{
  "inheritsFrom": "1.8.6",
  "id": "MCL-5443",
  "time": "2017-05-13T17:52:47-07:00",
  "releaseTime": "2017-05-13T17:52:47-07:00",
  "type": "release",
  "jar": "1.8.6"
}

Now, open the launcher, and create a new profile. Select MCL-5443 for the version. Attempt to launch that profile.

Observe that the launcher crashes (not the game, the launcher), rather than downloading the appropriate version (which it does on the Java launcher). On subsequent launches, you will receive the message "the version you are trying to play inherits properties from an unknown version".

Unfortunately, I'm not able to consistently reproduce this behavior, but it does happen. I'll keep trying and try to capture a stacktrace through VS.

Original description

when i go to lauch 1.8.9 optifine it pops up saying 'the version you are trying to play inherits properties from an unknown version'

What I expected to happen was...:
it loaded and i played minecraft

What actually happened was...:
the popup stops me from playing minecraft and says 'the version you are trying to play inherits properties from an unknown version'

Steps to Reproduce:
1. open the laucher
2.click on 1.8.9 optifine and press play
3. the it pops up saying 'the version you are trying to play inherits properties from an unknown version'