Minecraft Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store, not through the Java launcher you may already have

If you own Minecraft Java Edition, you do not automatically own Bedrock Edition — they are separate purchases and separate programs. Bedrock Edition is the version that runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. It uses the same worlds and multiplayer servers across all those platforms, which Java Edition does not.

To play Bedrock on PC, you need a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine, a Microsoft account, and to buy the game through the Microsoft Store. The price is typically $19.99 USD, though regional pricing varies. Once you own it, you read and launch it like any other Windows Store app.

Key Takeaways

  • Bedrock Edition is a separate purchase from Java Edition and only runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store.
  • You need a free Microsoft account to play, and you can play offline in single-player mode without an active internet connection.
  • Bedrock worlds are compatible with Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile versions through Realms or local multiplayer, but Java worlds are not.
  • Bedrock Edition supports controller input natively, while Java Edition requires third-party software to use a controller.

Buying and Installing Bedrock Edition

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Search for "Minecraft" and select the result that says "Minecraft" with the blocky dirt-and-grass icon — not "Minecraft Launcher" or "Minecraft Java Edition". Click the price button (or "Get" if you have Game Pass) and follow the purchase or sign-in steps.

Once the purchase completes, the app will read automatically. Installation takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. The game file is roughly 2 GB. After installation finishes, you can launch the game directly from the Microsoft Store or from your Windows Start menu.

Setting Up Your Microsoft Account and First Launch

When you open Bedrock Edition for the first time, you will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free at account.microsoft.com. You need only an email address and a password.

After you sign in, the game will read additional resources and create your player profile. This takes a few minutes on first launch. You will then see the main menu, where you can create a new world, load a world you have already made, or join a multiplayer server. You do not need an active internet connection to play single-player worlds, but you do need one to play multiplayer or use Realms.

Creating and Playing Single-Player Worlds

From the main menu, select "Create New" to start a new world. You can choose a world name, set the difficulty (Peaceful, straightforward, Normal, or Hard), and toggle features like PvP (player-versus-player combat), fire spread, and mob griefing. You can also choose a world type: Survival (gather resources and survive), Creative (unlimited blocks and no damage), or Adventure (custom maps).

Once you create the world, you spawn into it and can play offline. Your progress saves automatically. If you want to change settings later — like switching from Survival to Creative mode — you can do that through the pause menu under "World Settings".

Playing Multiplayer with Friends

Bedrock Edition offers two main ways to play with others on PC. The first is Realms, a subscription service that costs roughly $8 USD per month and lets up to 10 players join your world at once from any device (PC, Xbox, Switch, mobile). You create a Realm through the main menu, invite friends by their Microsoft username, and they can join whenever they want.

The second is local multiplayer, where you and other players on the same Wi-Fi network can join your world without a subscription. Select your world, then toggle "Multiplayer" on in the world settings. Other players on your network will see your world in their "Available Networks" list and can join directly.

You can also join public servers run by other players, though these are less common on PC than on mobile or console. Search the in-game server list or ask friends for server addresses.

Using a Controller Instead of Keyboard and Mouse

Bedrock Edition supports Xbox controllers and most other standard game controllers natively — you do not need third-party software. Plug in your controller or pair it via Bluetooth, then launch the game. The controls will switch automatically when you press a button on the controller.

You can customize button mappings in the game's settings under "Controls". The default layout matches Xbox button placement: A to jump, X to craft, Y to change perspective, and the right trigger to break blocks.

Transferring Worlds Between Devices

If you own Bedrock Edition on multiple devices (PC, Xbox, Switch, mobile), you can play the same world on all of them through Realms. Create a world on your PC, upload it to your Realm, and it will appear on your other devices. This does not work with Java Edition worlds — those are locked to Java Edition only.

If you want to move a single-player world from one PC to another without Realms, you can export it as a file and import it on the other machine. Open the world in the main menu, select it, and choose "Export World". This creates a file you can share or move to another PC, where you can import it through "Create New" and select "Import World".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Bedrock Edition if I already own Java Edition?

No, they are separate games and separate purchases. If you bought Java Edition, you own only that version. Bedrock Edition costs extra. Some older Java Edition purchases included a free copy of Bedrock, but that offer ended in 2020.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Bedrock on PC?

No. You can buy Bedrock Edition outright from the Microsoft Store for $19.99 USD, or you can play it free if you have an active Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription. Game Pass includes hundreds of games, not just Minecraft.

Can I play Bedrock offline?

Yes, single-player worlds work completely offline. Multiplayer and Realms require an internet connection, but you can play alone without one.

What is the difference between Bedrock and Java Edition?

Bedrock runs on Windows, Xbox, Switch, and mobile and shares worlds across those platforms. Java runs only on PC and Mac. Bedrock supports controllers natively. Java has more mods and custom servers. Worlds are not compatible between them.

Can I use mods in Bedrock Edition?

Bedrock supports add-ons and behavior packs, which are less flexible than Java mods but easier to install. You can find them in the in-game marketplace or read them from community sites. Java Edition has a much larger mod ecosystem.