The current price of Minecraft for PC

Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.95 USD on the official launcher. Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the Windows version) costs $19.99 USD through the Microsoft Store. The price you pay depends on which version you want and where you buy it.

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, built for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Bedrock Edition is the newer version made by Microsoft and runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Both are full games with no restrictions on playtime—you buy once and play forever on that computer.

Prices in other countries vary. If you are outside the United States, the Microsoft Store and the official Minecraft launcher will show you the price in your local currency. Exchange rates and regional pricing mean the cost may be higher or lower than the USD amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition costs $26.95 USD and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
  • Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 USD and runs only on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • You buy the game once and own it permanently on that computer—there is no monthly fee or subscription required.
  • The official Minecraft launcher and the Microsoft Store are the safest places to buy, and both show prices in your local currency.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: which one costs what

Java Edition is $26.95 and is the version most players have used since 2011. It works on any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer that meets the system requirements. Java Edition has the largest modding community—thousands of free mods exist that change gameplay, add new blocks, or overhaul mechanics. If you want to use mods, Java Edition is the only choice.

Bedrock Edition is $19.99 and is the version Microsoft actively develops. It runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 only. Bedrock Edition does not support traditional mods, but it does support add-ons and resource packs through the Marketplace. Bedrock Edition is also the version that plays multiplayer with players on phones, tablets, and gaming consoles—Java Edition does not.

If you own Java Edition, you do not automatically own Bedrock Edition, and vice versa. They are separate purchases. However, if you bought Java Edition before October 2020, you may have received a free copy of Bedrock Edition for Windows—check your Microsoft account to see if it is already there.

Where to buy Minecraft for PC

The safest place to buy is the official Minecraft launcher at minecraft.net. You create a Microsoft account, pay the price for your chosen edition, and the game downloads to your computer. This is the direct route from the maker.

Bedrock Edition is also sold through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open the Microsoft Store app, search for Minecraft, and buy it there. The price is the same as on minecraft.net.

Do not buy Minecraft from third-party key resellers or unauthorized sites. Stolen or fraudulent keys can be revoked, leaving you unable to play. Stick to minecraft.net or the Microsoft Store.

What you get when you buy

When you buy Minecraft, you own a license to play on that one computer. You can create as many worlds as you want, play offline or online, and play for as long as you own the computer. There is no time limit, no monthly fee, and no "seasons" that expire.

You do not own the game file itself—you own the right to play it. Microsoft can update the game, add features, or change how it works, and those changes explore to your copy automatically. You cannot sell or transfer your license to another person.

If you want to play on a second computer, you need to buy a second copy. Some families share one copy by logging into the same Microsoft account on different computers, but this is not officially supported and may violate the terms of service.

System requirements and hidden costs

Minecraft runs on modest hardware. The minimum requirement is a computer with at least 2 GB of RAM and a processor from the last 10 years. Most computers built in the last five years will run it smoothly. You do not need a graphics card—the game uses your computer's built-in graphics.

There are no hidden costs after you buy. The game itself is free to update forever. However, the Marketplace in Bedrock Edition sells cosmetic items like skins, worlds, and texture packs. These are optional and cost between $1 and $20 each, but the base game is complete without them. Java Edition has no Marketplace—all cosmetics are free.

If you want to play multiplayer with friends, you do not need to pay extra. Java Edition multiplayer is free. Bedrock Edition multiplayer is free, but if you want to play on official Realms servers (which stay online even when you are not playing), that costs $8 per month.

Regional pricing and currency

The prices listed above are in US dollars. If you are in another country, the Microsoft Store and minecraft.net will show you the price in your local currency. The converted price may be higher or lower than $26.95 or $19.99 depending on exchange rates and regional pricing policies.

Some countries have different prices due to local taxes, payment processing costs, or regional market conditions. For example, prices in the European Union may include VAT (value-added tax), which raises the final cost. Check the store in your region to see the exact price you will pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free version of Minecraft for PC?

Minecraft Java Edition has a free demo that lets you play for 100 minutes in a single world. After that, you must buy the full game. There is no free full version for PC—you must pay $26.95 for Java Edition or $19.99 for Bedrock Edition.

Can I play Minecraft on PC without buying it?

Only during the 100-minute demo in Java Edition. After that, you need to own a license. Do not use cracked or pirated versions—they are illegal, unsafe, and will not receive updates.

Do I need to pay monthly to play Minecraft?

No. You buy the game once and play forever with no subscription. The only monthly cost is Realms in Bedrock Edition ($8 per month), which is optional and only for players who want a persistent multiplayer server.

What if I buy Java Edition but want to switch to Bedrock?

You need to buy Bedrock Edition separately. The two versions are not linked. However, if you bought Java Edition before October 2020, check your Microsoft account—you may have received a free Bedrock license already.

Can I refund Minecraft if I change my mind?

Microsoft allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you have played less than an hour. After that, refunds are not may provide. Check the refund policy on the store where you bought it for exact terms.