The three ways to buy Minecraft on Windows

You can get Minecraft for PC through the official Microsoft Store, through the Java Edition launcher on the Minecraft website, or through third-party retailers that sell game codes. The most common route is the Microsoft Store, which gives you the newer Bedrock Edition. The Java Edition, available directly from Minecraft.net, is the older version that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and has a larger modding community. Both versions cost money — there is no free version of the full game, though a free trial exists.

Your choice between Bedrock and Java depends on what you want to play. Bedrock Edition is optimized for newer hardware, plays better on lower-end machines, and lets you play with console players on Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Java Edition is the original version, has thousands of community-made mods, and is the version most streamers and YouTubers play. You cannot use mods in Bedrock Edition the same way you can in Java.

Key Takeaways

  • Bedrock Edition costs $26.99 and is sold through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and 11.
  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and is purchased directly from Minecraft.net, where you create a Microsoft account to play.
  • A free trial of Bedrock Edition lets you play for 90 minutes before you have to buy the full version.
  • Both versions require a Microsoft account to launch and play, even if you buy Java Edition from the Minecraft website.
  • Third-party sites like Amazon and when ready Gaming sell game codes for both versions, usually at the same price as the official stores.

Buying Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10 or 11. Search for "Minecraft" in the store search bar. Click on the official Minecraft listing — it will show a price of $26.99. Click the "Get" or "Buy" button, sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one if you do not have one), and complete the purchase. The game downloads automatically after you buy it.

Once the read finishes, click "Launch" in the Microsoft Store, or find Minecraft in your Start menu and open it from there. You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft account again. After you sign in, you can create or join a world and start playing. The first time you launch, the game may take a few minutes to load textures and prepare your graphics settings.

Buying Java Edition from Minecraft.net

Go to minecraft.net in your web browser. Click "read" at the top of the page. On the read page, select "Java Edition" and click the Windows read button. A file called "JavaSetup.exe" will read to your computer. Double-click it to run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install the launcher.

After the launcher installs, open it and click "Log in with Microsoft." You will be taken to a Microsoft sign-in page. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a new one. Once you are signed in, the launcher will show a "Buy Now" button. Click it, and you will be taken to the Minecraft website to pay $26.99. After payment, return to the launcher, and the "Buy Now" button will change to "Play." Click it to read and launch the game.

Using the free trial before you buy

The free trial is only available for Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store. Open the Microsoft Store, search for "Minecraft," and look for the listing that says "Minecraft (Trial)" or shows a "Try" button instead of "Get." Click "Try" to read and play for 90 minutes without paying. The trial is the full game — you are not limited to a smaller map or fewer features, only the time you can play.

After 90 minutes, the game will close and ask you to buy the full version. You can buy it directly from the prompt, or close the game and purchase it later through the Microsoft Store. Your progress in the trial world saves, and you can continue playing that same world after you buy the full version.

Buying from third-party retailers

Amazon, when ready Gaming, CDKeys, and other third-party game retailers sell Minecraft codes for both Bedrock and Java Edition. Prices are usually the same as the official stores ($26.99), though sales happen occasionally. When you buy a code, you receive a string of letters and numbers by email. For Bedrock Edition, go to the Microsoft Store, click your account icon, select "Redeem a code," and enter the code. For Java Edition, go to minecraft.net, sign in, click your account name, select "Redeem a code," and enter it there.

Third-party retailers are legitimate, but buy only from well-known sites with customer reviews. Avoid extremely cheap codes or sellers with no feedback, as those codes may be stolen or already used. If a code does not work, contact the retailer's customer service — most will refund or resend a working code.

System requirements and performance

Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11 with at least 4 GB of RAM and a graphics card from the last 10 years. Java Edition requires Windows 7 or later, 2 GB of RAM minimum, and any graphics card that supports OpenGL. Both versions run on older hardware, though performance will be slower. If your computer is more than 10 years old, Java Edition is more likely to run smoothly.

Bedrock Edition is optimized for modern hardware and will look and run better on newer machines. Java Edition is less demanding on the graphics card but uses more CPU. If you plan to use mods, Java Edition is the only choice — Bedrock Edition does not support traditional mods, though it has a separate "Add-Ons" system that is more limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without buying it?

The free trial of Bedrock Edition lets you play for 90 minutes. After that, you must buy the game. There is no free version of the full game for PC, though Minecraft Education Edition is free for schools and teachers.

Do I need a Microsoft account to play?

Yes. Both Bedrock and Java Edition require you to sign in with a Microsoft account to launch and play. You can create a free Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com if you do not have one.

What is the difference between Bedrock and Java Edition?

Bedrock Edition is newer, runs better on most modern PCs, and lets you play with Xbox and Nintendo Switch players. Java Edition is the original version, has a larger modding community, and is what most content creators play. Both cost $26.99 and play the same core game.

Can I refund Minecraft if I do not like it?

Microsoft allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase through the Microsoft Store. For Java Edition bought on minecraft.net, contact Minecraft support. Third-party retailers have their own refund policies — check before you buy.

Do I have to buy the game again if I already own it on another platform?

Yes. Minecraft licenses are separate for each platform. If you own it on console or mobile, you still have to buy it separately for PC. Bedrock Edition is the same game across Windows, Xbox, and mobile, but Java Edition is only for PC and Mac.