Minecraft for PC costs $26.99 USD through the official launcher

You can buy Minecraft: Java Edition directly from the Minecraft Launcher for $26.99 USD. This is the standard price in the United States. The price varies slightly by country based on local currency and regional pricing — if you're outside the US, the launcher will show your local price when you visit the store.

You buy it once and own it permanently. There's no subscription required to play single-player or run your own server. You read the launcher, create or log into a Microsoft account, purchase the game, and start playing.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, which is the version that runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, also costs $26.99 USD. Bedrock is different from Java Edition — it's optimized for Windows and has cross-platform multiplayer with console players, but Java Edition is what most PC players choose because of mod support and the larger community.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft: Java Edition costs $26.99 USD one time through the official Minecraft Launcher, with no recurring fees.
  • The price you see depends on your country; the launcher displays your local currency and regional pricing automatically.
  • You need a free Microsoft account to purchase and play, but the game itself is a one-time buy.
  • Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for Windows also costs $26.99 USD and offers cross-platform play with console versions.
  • Game Pass for PC includes both Java and Bedrock editions if you already subscribe, but the standalone purchase is the most common route.

Where to buy Minecraft on PC

The official Minecraft Launcher is the only place to buy Java Edition directly from Mojang Studios. You visit launcher.minecraft.net, sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one free), go to the store section, and complete the purchase with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is sold through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You open the Microsoft Store app on your computer, search for Minecraft, and buy it there. The process is the same — one purchase, permanent access.

You cannot buy Minecraft through Steam, Epic Games Store, or other third-party platforms for PC. Those storefronts do not carry it. If you see Minecraft listed elsewhere, it's either a scam, a resold key from an unauthorized seller, or a different game with a similar name.

What you get with your purchase

When you buy Minecraft: Java Edition, you get the full game with access to all features: single-player worlds, multiplayer servers, the creative mode, survival mode, and the ability to install mods and custom maps. You can play on your own computer or join multiplayer servers run by other players or communities.

You also get all future updates to Java Edition at no additional cost. Mojang releases major updates regularly — new blocks, mobs, biomes, and mechanics are added free to everyone who owns the game. You never pay again unless you choose to buy cosmetic items like skins or capes from the in-game store, which are optional.

Bedrock Edition works the same way: one purchase covers the full game and all updates. Bedrock also has an optional in-game store for cosmetics, but the core game and all gameplay features are included in your $26.99.

Game Pass as an alternative

If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for PC, both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition are included at no extra cost. Game Pass for PC costs $9.99 USD per month or $99.99 USD per year. If you already pay for Game Pass, you don't need to buy Minecraft separately — you can launch it through the Game Pass app.

Game Pass is worth considering if you want to try Minecraft before committing to the $26.99 purchase, or if you play other games on the subscription. However, if you only want Minecraft and plan to play it for more than a few months, buying it outright is cheaper than paying a monthly subscription.

System requirements and what you need to run it

Minecraft runs on most PCs built in the last ten years. The minimum requirements are Windows 7 or newer, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2 or higher. Most integrated graphics chips in modern laptops meet this standard.

For smooth gameplay at higher settings, Mojang recommends at least 4 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card, though integrated graphics work fine for standard play. Java Edition is less demanding than Bedrock Edition, so if your PC is older or has limited specs, Java Edition is the better choice.

You can check your PC's specs by right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, selecting Properties, and looking at the RAM and processor information. If you're unsure whether your computer will run it, the Minecraft Launcher lets you read and try it free for two hours before you buy.

Regional pricing and payment methods

The $26.99 USD price is for the United States. Other countries see different prices in their local currency — for example, the price in euros, pounds, or Australian dollars will differ. The Minecraft Launcher automatically shows your regional price based on your location when you visit the store.

You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal through the official launcher or Microsoft Store. Both accept major card types and PayPal. If your payment method is declined, check that your billing address matches your card issuer's records, and that your card is not flagged for international transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC?

Minecraft: Java Edition has a free demo that lets you play for two hours in a limited world. After that, you need to buy the full game. There is no free-to-play version of Minecraft on PC, though you can play free through Game Pass if you subscribe.

Do I need to pay a monthly fee after I buy Minecraft?

No. Once you buy Minecraft, you own it permanently and can play offline or on multiplayer servers with no recurring charges. Updates are free. The only optional costs are cosmetic items like skins, which you can ignore entirely.

What's the difference between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition?

Java Edition has mod support, a larger modding community, and is what most PC players use. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11 and lets you play with console players, but has fewer mods. Both cost $26.99 and include all gameplay features.

Can I refund Minecraft if I change my mind?

Microsoft allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you haven't played the game yet. After that, refunds are case-by-case. Contact Microsoft Support with your order number to request a refund.

Is Minecraft cheaper on other platforms?

The price is the same across PC, console, and mobile versions in your region — $26.99 USD in the US. You cannot buy a cheaper key from a reseller; unauthorized key sites violate the terms of service and risk account suspension.