Minecraft updates automatically on most PCs, but you can also check for updates manually and choose when to install them

Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the Windows version) handle updates differently. Java Edition typically prompts you to update when you launch the game, and you can install it when ready or defer it. Bedrock Edition updates through the Microsoft Store, which may install updates automatically depending on your Store settings. Both versions let you check for pending updates in their launcher or settings without waiting for a prompt.

The update process itself takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. You will need to close the game before the update installs, and you cannot play while it is downloading and installing. Once the update finishes, you can launch the game normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition shows an update prompt when you open the launcher; click the button to install or close the launcher to skip it for now.
  • Bedrock Edition updates through the Microsoft Store, which you can open manually to check for updates if the game has not updated automatically.
  • You can see what version you are running by opening the game and checking the bottom-left corner of the title screen.
  • Updates are free and do not require you to purchase the game again or create a new world.

Updating Java Edition through the Launcher

Open the Minecraft Launcher on your PC. If you do not have it installed, read it from the official Minecraft website. When you open the launcher, it checks for updates automatically. If an update is available, you will see a button that says "Install" or "Update" next to the version number on the left side of the launcher window.

Click the update button. The launcher will read the new version and install it in the background. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes on a standard internet connection. You will see a progress bar showing the read and installation status. Do not close the launcher during this time.

Once the update finishes, the button will change back to "Play." Click it to launch the game with the new version. Your worlds, settings, and mods (if you use them) will remain unchanged unless the update specifically requires you to update those as well.

Updating Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store

Bedrock Edition is the version that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It updates through the Microsoft Store, which may install updates automatically if you have automatic updates turned on. To check for updates manually, open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.

Click the profile icon in the top-right corner of the Store window, then select "App settings." Scroll down and toggle on "Update apps automatically" if you want the Store to install updates without asking. If you prefer to control when updates happen, leave this off and check for updates manually instead.

To check for updates manually, go to your Library in the Microsoft Store (click the Library icon on the left sidebar). Find Minecraft in your library and look for an "Update" button next to it. If one appears, click it to read and install the latest version. The update will install while the game is closed.

Checking Your Current Version

You can see which version of Minecraft you are running without launching the full game. In Java Edition, open the launcher and look at the version number displayed on the left side under "Latest Release" or "Latest Snapshot," depending on which you have selected.

In Bedrock Edition, launch the game and look at the bottom-left corner of the title screen. The version number appears in small text below the Minecraft logo. You can compare this to the latest version listed on the official Minecraft launcher or website to see if you are up to date.

What Happens During an Update

Updates add new features, fix bugs, and sometimes change how existing features work. You do not need to do anything special to keep your worlds or settings. When you launch the game after an update, it will load your existing worlds normally. If the update changed how a feature works, you may notice differences in gameplay, but your progress is never lost.

Some updates are larger than others. Major updates (like the Caves and Cliffs update or the Wild update) can be 100 MB to 500 MB and take longer to read. Smaller patches might be only 10 to 50 MB. Your internet speed determines how long the read takes, not the launcher itself.

Troubleshooting Update Problems

If the update button does not appear in the launcher, try closing and reopening it. The launcher checks for updates when it starts, so restarting it may reveal a pending update. If you still do not see an update option, you are likely already running the latest version.

If an update fails to install, check your internet connection and make sure you have at least 2 GB of free space on your hard drive. Close other programs that might be using your internet, then try the update again. If the problem continues, restart your PC and try once more.

For Bedrock Edition, if updates are not installing automatically, open the Microsoft Store and check your account settings. Make sure you are signed in with the Microsoft account that owns the game. You can also try restarting the Store app or your PC if updates seem stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update Minecraft right away?

No. In Java Edition, you can close the launcher without updating and play the current version. You will be prompted again the next time you open the launcher. In Bedrock Edition, you can delay automatic updates by turning off the automatic update setting in the Microsoft Store.

Will updating delete my worlds or change my settings?

Updates do not delete worlds or reset settings. Your worlds, inventory, and game settings will be exactly as you left them after the update installs. Some updates may change how certain features work, but your progress is never lost.

Can I play an older version of Minecraft instead of updating?

Java Edition lets you select older versions from the launcher. Click "Installations" at the top, then create a new installation and choose an older version from the dropdown menu. Bedrock Edition does not support playing older versions; it always runs the latest version available.

How much internet do I need to update Minecraft?

Updates typically use 10 MB to 500 MB of data depending on the update size. Check your internet plan if you have a data limit. Most home internet connections can read an update in 5 to 15 minutes.

What if the update is taking too long?

If an update seems stuck, check that your internet connection is stable. Pause other downloads or streaming on your network. If it is still slow after 30 minutes, close the launcher, restart your PC, and try again.