Minecraft updates automatically by default, but you can also check and install updates manually through the Launcher

Minecraft on PC updates through the official Launcher, which checks for new versions when you open it. If an update is available, the Launcher will show a read button before you can play. You do not need to visit a website or read anything separately — the Launcher handles the entire process. If you have automatic updates turned on, the game will read and install the latest version in the background, and you will be prompted to restart when it is ready.

The update process takes anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. Smaller patches (bug fixes and minor changes) read faster than major releases (new biomes, blocks, or features). You can also manually check for updates at any time by opening the Launcher, even if automatic updates are on.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Minecraft Launcher and log in with your Microsoft account to see if an update is waiting.
  • If an update is available, click the read button next to the version number and wait for installation to finish.
  • You can turn automatic updates on or off in the Launcher settings under "Installations" if you want to control when updates happen.
  • Snapshots (test versions) are separate from the main release and require you to select them manually in the Launcher.
  • Mods and resource packs may stop working after an update, so check with the creator before updating if you use them.

Checking for updates in the Launcher

Open the Minecraft Launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account. On the main screen, you will see the version number of the game you have installed. Next to it, if an update is available, you will see a button that says "read" or shows a progress bar if the read is already running.

Click the read button to start the update. The Launcher will fetch the new version from Minecraft's servers and install it automatically. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the progress bar to finish. Once the read is complete, you can click "Play" to start the updated version.

Turning automatic updates on or off

By default, the Launcher is set to read updates automatically. If you want to control when updates happen — for example, to avoid interruptions during gameplay or to wait until mods are updated — you can change this setting.

Open the Launcher and click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings. Under the "Installations" tab, find the version of Minecraft you play (usually "Latest Release"). Click on it to expand the options. Look for a toggle or checkbox labeled "Auto-update" or similar. Turn it off if you want to read updates manually, or leave it on to let the Launcher update automatically.

What to do if the update fails or gets stuck

If the read stops or the Launcher shows an error, close the Launcher completely and open it again. This usually clears temporary problems and lets the read restart. If it fails a second time, check your internet connection — a weak or unstable connection can interrupt large downloads.

If the problem continues, you can delete the version folder and let the Launcher re-read it from scratch. Open your file explorer and navigate to the Minecraft folder (usually at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\versions on Windows, or ~/Library/process Support/minecraft/versions on Mac). Find the folder with the version number that failed and delete it. Open the Launcher, and it will re-read the version automatically.

Snapshots and pre-release versions

Minecraft also releases snapshots — test versions of upcoming features that are not yet in the main game. Snapshots are unstable and may have bugs, but they let you try new content early. They are not installed automatically.

To play a snapshot, open the Launcher and click "Installations" at the top. Turn on the toggle that says "Show snapshots" or "Show pre-releases". Close and reopen the Launcher. You will now see snapshot versions listed alongside the main release. Select the snapshot you want to play and click "Play". Keep in mind that snapshots can corrupt your world, so always back up your saves before playing them.

Updating when you use mods or resource packs

If you have installed mods or resource packs, check whether they work with the new version before updating. Many mods break when Minecraft updates because the code changes. Visit the mod creator's page or Discord server to see if they have released an updated version for the new Minecraft release.

Resource packs (textures and sounds) usually survive updates without breaking, but mods that change gameplay almost always need to be updated by their creator. If you update Minecraft and your mods stop working, you have two choices: wait for the mod creator to release a new version, or use the Launcher to switch back to the older version temporarily. To downgrade, open the Launcher, click "Installations", and select an older version from the dropdown menu.

How to downgrade to an older version

If an update causes problems or breaks something you rely on, you can switch back to an older version. Open the Launcher and click "Installations" at the top. Find the version you want to play and click the green "Play" button next to it. The Launcher will load that version instead of the latest one.

If the older version is not listed, click "New Installation" and select the version you want from the dropdown menu. Give it a name and click "Create". The Launcher will read that version, and you can play it alongside the newest release. Your worlds are separate for each version, so switching back will not restore old saves unless you back them up manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Minecraft update?

Major releases come out roughly every few months, usually in the summer and winter. Snapshots come out weekly during development. Smaller patches and bug fixes can arrive at any time. The exact schedule varies, so check the official Minecraft launcher or website for the latest news.

Will updating delete my worlds or settings?

No. Updates preserve your worlds, inventory, and settings. Your saves are stored separately from the game files, so updating the game does not touch them. However, if you downgrade to an older version, you may not be able to open worlds created in newer versions.

Can I play on servers with an older version?

Only if the server supports that version. Most multiplayer servers update to match the latest release, so you will need the current version to join them. Some servers run older versions intentionally, but you have to check with the server owner first.

What if I do not have a Microsoft account?

You need a Microsoft account to play Minecraft on PC and to use the Launcher. If you have an old Mojang account, you can migrate it to Microsoft for free through the Launcher. The migration process takes a few minutes and is one-time only.

Does updating cost money?

No. Updates are free. You pay once when you buy Minecraft, and all updates after that are included at no extra cost.