Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows PC

Minecraft Bedrock Edition for PC is a one-time purchase of $19.99 USD. You buy it once through the Microsoft Store and own it permanently on that account — there is no monthly subscription required to play. The price is the same whether you are buying it for the first time or upgrading from an older version of Minecraft Java Edition.

The cost covers the base game only. Cosmetic add-ons like skins, texture packs, and worlds created by other players are sold separately through the in-game marketplace, but you do not need to buy any of them to play the full game.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Windows PC costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase through the Microsoft Store.
  • Java Edition players can upgrade to Bedrock for free if they bought Java Edition before October 2020, but new purchases of Java Edition no longer include the free upgrade.
  • You need a Microsoft account to play Bedrock Edition, but the account itself is free to create.
  • Optional cosmetic items like skins and texture packs cost extra, but the base game includes everything needed to play survival and creative modes.

Where to buy Minecraft Bedrock on Windows

The only official place to buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition on PC is the Microsoft Store. You search for "Minecraft" in the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, select the Bedrock Edition listing, and click "Get" or "Install". The purchase links to your Microsoft account automatically.

Do not buy from third-party key resellers or unauthorized sites. The Microsoft Store is the only source where you know the key is legitimate and your purchase is protected. If you see Minecraft Bedrock offered elsewhere for less than $19.99, it is either a scam or a key from a region where the price differs.

Free upgrade from Java Edition

If you bought Minecraft Java Edition before October 19, 2020, you can read Minecraft Bedrock Edition for free on Windows. This one-time upgrade is tied to the Microsoft account you link to your Java Edition launcher. You do not need to buy Bedrock separately.

If you bought Java Edition after October 19, 2020, or if you are buying it now, the free upgrade to Bedrock is not included. You would need to purchase Bedrock separately at the $19.99 price. This change happened because Microsoft separated the two editions into distinct products.

What you need before you buy

You must have a Microsoft account to play Bedrock Edition on PC. Creating one is free — you can sign up at account.microsoft.com with an email address. If you already use Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or any other Microsoft service, you already have a Microsoft account and can use it to buy and play Bedrock.

Your computer needs to run Windows 10 or Windows 11. Bedrock Edition does not work on older versions of Windows. If you are unsure which version you have, open Settings, go to System, and look for "Windows edition" — it will show your version number.

Comparing Bedrock and Java Edition pricing

Both Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Java Edition cost $19.99 on PC. The difference is not in price but in what you get. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile devices, and you can play with people on those other platforms in the same world. Java Edition runs only on PC and Mac, but it has a larger modding community and different gameplay mechanics.

If you own both editions, you buy them separately — owning one does not give you the other, except for the free Java-to-Bedrock upgrade that ended in October 2020. Most new players choose Bedrock because it works across more devices and cross-platform play is built in.

What happens after you buy

After you purchase Bedrock Edition, the game downloads automatically to your computer through the Microsoft Store. The read is roughly 2 to 3 gigabytes, depending on your system. Once it finishes, you can launch the game from the Microsoft Store or from your Start menu.

Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not to your computer. If you sign in to your account on a different Windows PC, you can read and play Bedrock on that computer too. You do not need to buy it again.

Optional in-game purchases

The $19.99 price gets you the complete game with all core features: survival mode, creative mode, multiplayer, and the ability to build and explore. Everything beyond that is optional. The in-game marketplace sells cosmetic items like character skins, texture packs, and pre-built worlds created by other players. These range from a few dollars to around $20 each, but none of them change how the game plays.

You can also create and share your own skins and worlds for free using the built-in tools. The marketplace is there if you want to buy something specific, but you will never need to spend extra money to enjoy the full game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft Bedrock on PC without paying?

No, Bedrock Edition requires a $19.99 purchase. However, if you bought Java Edition before October 2020, you can read Bedrock for free as an upgrade. There is also a free trial available in the Microsoft Store that lets you play for a limited time before you buy.

Will the price ever go down or go on sale?

Microsoft rarely discounts Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The price has stayed at $19.99 since it launched. Occasional sales happen during major events, but they are uncommon. It is safer to assume the price will remain $19.99.

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

No. Bedrock Edition is included in Xbox Game Pass for PC, but you do not need Game Pass to play it. You can buy it outright for $19.99 and own it forever, or you can subscribe to Game Pass if you want access to Bedrock plus hundreds of other games.

What if I buy Bedrock and then want to refund it?

Microsoft allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have played for less than 2 hours. Open the Microsoft Store, go to your library, find Minecraft Bedrock, and select "Request a refund". If you meet the time and playtime limits, the refund processes automatically.

Is Bedrock Edition more expensive on PC than on other platforms?

The price is $19.99 across Windows PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Mobile versions (iOS and Android) are sometimes priced differently depending on the app store, but the PC price is consistent.