The three ways to buy and install Minecraft on Windows

You can get Minecraft on PC through the official Microsoft Store, the Java Edition launcher, or a third-party reseller. The easiest route for most people is the Microsoft Store version, which installs like any other Windows app and runs on any modern PC. If you want the older Java Edition—the version modders prefer—you buy it through the official Minecraft launcher. Both cost money, though the price varies slightly by region and whether you buy a single copy or a subscription.

The choice between them matters because they are not the same game. Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the Microsoft Store version) plays with console players and has built-in crossplay. Java Edition is what you see in most YouTube videos and mod tutorials, and it only plays with other Java players on PC. You cannot switch between them with the same purchase, so pick the one that matches what you actually want to play.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition installs from the Microsoft Store and works on any Windows 10 or 11 PC without extra setup.
  • Minecraft Java Edition requires you to read the launcher from minecraft.net, create a Microsoft account, and buy the game separately.
  • Java Edition supports mods and custom servers; Bedrock Edition does not, but it plays with Xbox and mobile players.
  • Both versions require a Microsoft account to play, even if you buy the game outright.
  • Your PC needs at least 4 GB of RAM and a graphics card made in the last ten years to run either version smoothly.

Installing Minecraft Bedrock Edition from the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC. Search for "Minecraft" in the search box at the top. The first result should say "Minecraft" with the blocky dirt-block icon. Click it, then click the price button (or "Install" if you already own it). You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account—if you do not have one, you can create one for free during this step.

After you pay, the game downloads and installs automatically. This usually takes five to fifteen minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, click "Launch" and the game will start. You will be asked to sign in again with your Microsoft account. After that, you can create a world and start playing.

Bedrock Edition is the simpler install because Windows handles everything. You do not need to read a separate launcher or manage files yourself. The downside is that this version does not support mods, and it is designed for playing with friends on console and mobile rather than building custom servers.

Installing Minecraft Java Edition through the official launcher

Go to minecraft.net in your web browser. Click the "read" button near the top of the page. You will see two options: one for Windows and one for Mac. Click the Windows option. A file called "MinecraftLauncher.exe" will read to your computer.

Find the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts—you can accept all the default settings. The launcher will install itself and then open automatically. Sign in with a Microsoft account (create one for free if you need to). Then click "Minecraft: Java Edition" in the launcher menu.

You will be asked to purchase the game if you have not already. The price is the same worldwide. After you pay, the launcher downloads the game files—this can take ten to twenty minutes. Once it finishes, click "Play" and the game will launch. The first time you start it, it may take a minute or two to load while it sets up your graphics settings.

What your PC needs to run Minecraft

Minecraft runs on almost any Windows PC made in the last ten years, but the smoother your experience, the better your hardware. The bare minimum is 4 GB of RAM and a graphics card that supports DirectX 11 (Bedrock) or OpenGL 1.2 (Java). Most laptops and budget desktops from the last five years meet this.

For smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second, aim for 8 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card—something like an NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD RX 560. If you have an older integrated graphics chip (the kind built into the CPU), Minecraft will still run, but you may see stuttering or have to lower the render distance.

You can check your PC's specs by right-clicking "This PC" on your desktop, clicking "Properties," and looking at the "Device specifications" section. If you see "Intel HD Graphics" or "AMD Radeon Graphics," you have integrated graphics and should expect to adjust settings for smooth play.

Creating a Microsoft account if you do not have one

You need a Microsoft account to play either version of Minecraft. If you do not have one, you can create it for free during the purchase process, or you can set one up ahead of time at account.microsoft.com. Click "Create one" and follow the prompts. You will need an email address (any email provider works) and a password.

If you already use Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or Windows, you already have a Microsoft account—just sign in with that email and password. You do not need a separate account for Minecraft.

Buying Minecraft from third-party resellers

You can also buy Minecraft codes from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. These codes work the same way as buying directly: you redeem the code in the Microsoft Store or the Java launcher, and the game is added to your account. The price is usually the same as buying directly, but occasionally these retailers run sales.

The advantage is that you can buy a physical gift card if you prefer not to use a credit card online. The disadvantage is that you have to wait for shipping or travel to a store. For most people, buying directly through the Microsoft Store or minecraft.net is faster and just as safe.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the Microsoft Store version will not install, restart your PC and try again. If that does not work, open the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon in the top right, click "App settings," and click "Reset." This clears the Store's cache without removing any games you own.

If the Java launcher will not start, make sure you have Java installed. The launcher includes Java, but if you are on a very old PC, you may need to install it separately. Go to java.com and read the latest version. Then try launching Minecraft again.

If the game crashes when you start it, lower your render distance and turn off ray tracing (Bedrock only). Both of these settings are in the game's video settings menu. If it still crashes, your PC may not have enough RAM—close other programs before playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Minecraft every time I play?

No. You pay once, and the game is yours forever. You sign in with your Microsoft account each time you play, but you do not pay again. The only exception is if you buy a Game Pass subscription, which gives you access to Minecraft and other games for a monthly fee, but you can cancel anytime.

Can I play Java Edition and Bedrock Edition on the same account?

You can own both, but you have to buy them separately. They are two different games. Your Microsoft account will show both in your library, and you can launch either one from the appropriate launcher.

What is the difference between Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition?

Java Edition is the original version and supports mods, custom servers, and command blocks. Bedrock Edition is newer, plays with Xbox and mobile players, and has better performance on lower-end PCs. Java Edition is what most YouTube tutorials use. Bedrock Edition is what console players use.

Can I play Minecraft offline?

Java Edition can run offline after you have signed in once. Bedrock Edition requires an internet connection to sign in, but after that you can play single-player worlds without internet. Both versions need internet to play multiplayer.

Is Minecraft safe to read from minecraft.net?

Yes. minecraft.net is the official Minecraft website owned by Microsoft. Only read the launcher from that site or the Microsoft Store. Do not read Minecraft from any other website, as those may contain malware.