Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock costs $19.99 on PC

Minecraft Java Edition, the original version for Windows and Mac, costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the newer cross-platform version for Windows 10 and 11, costs $19.99. Both are sold through the official Minecraft launcher and the Microsoft Store. You buy the game once and own it permanently — there is no monthly subscription required to play.

The price difference reflects what each version includes. Java Edition runs on older computers and allows heavy modification through mods and custom servers. Bedrock Edition is optimized for newer systems, includes cross-play with console and mobile players, and uses the Marketplace for cosmetics and maps rather than community mods.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and Bedrock Edition costs $19.99, both as permanent one-time purchases with no subscription.
  • Java Edition works on Windows, Mac, and Linux; Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11 only.
  • You can read a free demo of either version before buying to test performance on your PC.
  • Bedrock Edition includes Game Pass for PC, which costs $9.99 per month and covers hundreds of other games.

Where to buy Minecraft on Windows

The official Minecraft Launcher is the primary place to buy and read both versions. Visit launcher.minecraft.net, sign in with a Microsoft account (free to create), and select which version you want. The launcher will show the current price and let you purchase directly.

The Microsoft Store also sells both versions if you prefer to buy through Windows. Search "Minecraft" in the Store app, select the version, and complete the purchase. Both routes use the same Microsoft account system, so your purchase works on either launcher or store.

Do not buy Minecraft from third-party key resellers or unauthorized sites. The official launcher and Microsoft Store are the only safe sources that may provide you receive a legitimate license tied to your account.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: what the price difference means

Java Edition costs more because it is the original game and supports the full modding ecosystem. Thousands of community-made mods, texture packs, and custom servers exist for Java. If you plan to use mods like OptiFine (for graphics), Sodium (for performance), or total conversion mods, Java is the only choice. The trade-off is that Java runs heavier on older hardware and requires more setup for mods.

Bedrock Edition costs less and runs more smoothly on mid-range PCs because it was built for modern systems. It includes cross-play with Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile players, so you can play together across devices. Bedrock uses the Marketplace for cosmetics and maps instead of free community mods, which means some content costs extra. If you want the simplest setup and play with console or mobile friends, Bedrock is the better value.

Game Pass for PC includes Minecraft Bedrock

Xbox Game Pass for PC costs $9.99 per month and includes Minecraft Bedrock Edition at no extra cost. If you already subscribe to Game Pass for other games, you do not need to buy Minecraft separately. You can read and play Bedrock through the Game Pass app on Windows 10 or 11.

Game Pass is worth considering if you play multiple games. The subscription covers over 100 titles including Forza, Starfield, and Halo. If you only want Minecraft and do not play other Game Pass games, buying it outright for $19.99 is cheaper than three months of subscription.

System requirements and performance costs

Both versions run on modest hardware, but performance varies. Java Edition works on older PCs with integrated graphics but may stutter on systems with less than 4 GB of RAM. Bedrock Edition is optimized for Windows 10 and 11 and runs smoother on the same hardware, though it requires a more recent operating system.

The real performance cost comes from mods and settings. Java Edition with heavy mods can demand a dedicated graphics card and 8 GB of RAM. Bedrock with high render distance and ray tracing enabled also needs stronger hardware. If your PC is older than five years, Bedrock will likely perform better out of the box.

Free demo and refund policy

Both Java and Bedrock include a free demo you can read and play for up to 90 minutes. The demo is a full version of the game with a time limit, not a stripped-down trial. read it from the Minecraft Launcher to test whether the game runs well on your PC before you pay.

Microsoft offers refunds within 14 days of purchase if the game does not work on your system or you change your mind. Start a refund request through your Microsoft account under Order History. Refunds usually process within a few business days.

Marketplace content and cosmetics

The base price covers the game itself. Bedrock Edition offers optional cosmetics — skins, capes, and emotes — through the Marketplace, priced from $1.99 to $7.99 each. Java Edition does not have an official marketplace; cosmetics come from free community packs or paid third-party sites.

Marketplace content is optional and does not affect gameplay. You can play the full game without buying anything extra. Realms, a subscription service for private multiplayer worlds, costs $7.99 per month on Bedrock and $7.99 per month on Java, but most players use free community servers instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without paying?

You can play the free demo for 90 minutes on both Java and Bedrock. After that, you must buy the game. There is no free-to-play version of Minecraft for PC, though Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends are separate free-to-play games in the Minecraft universe.

Do I need a Microsoft account to play Minecraft?

Yes. Both Java and Bedrock require a free Microsoft account to purchase and play. You can create one at account.microsoft.com if you do not already have one. Your account ties your purchase to your PC, so you can reinstall the game anytime.

Can I refund Minecraft if I do not like it?

Microsoft refunds purchases within 14 days if you request it through your account. If you have played for more than a few hours, the refund may be denied, but it is worth requesting. Contact Microsoft Support if the automatic refund is rejected.

Is Minecraft cheaper on console or mobile?

Minecraft Bedrock costs $19.99 on Windows, $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, and $6.99 on mobile (iOS and Android). Java Edition is Windows and Mac only. If you want to play across multiple devices, Bedrock is the only option, and the price is the same on each platform.

What happens if I buy Java Edition and later want Bedrock?

Java and Bedrock are separate purchases. Buying one does not give you the other. However, if you own Java Edition, you may be may be able to access for a free copy of Bedrock through the launcher — check your account to see if this offer applies to you.