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

The price you pay depends on which version you buy. Minecraft Java Edition, the original version that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the newer cross-platform version for Windows 10 and Windows 11, costs $19.99. Both are sold through the official Minecraft Launcher, and you own the game permanently once you buy it—there is no monthly subscription required.

If you already own one version, you do not automatically get the other. Java and Bedrock are separate purchases with different features, multiplayer systems, and mod support. Java Edition is preferred by players who want to use community mods and modifications. Bedrock Edition is better if you want to play with friends on console, mobile, or other devices through Realms or local multiplayer.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and Bedrock Edition costs $19.99; both are one-time purchases with no subscription.
  • Java and Bedrock are separate versions—buying one does not give you the other.
  • You buy through the official Minecraft Launcher on the Minecraft website, not through Steam or other stores.
  • Realms (a multiplayer subscription service) costs $7.99 per month but is optional; you can play multiplayer for free with friends on the same network.

Where to buy Minecraft on Windows PC

Go to the official Minecraft website and read the Minecraft Launcher. Create or sign in with a Microsoft account—this is required to buy and play. Open the Launcher, select which version you want (Java or Bedrock), and click the purchase button. You will be taken to the Microsoft Store checkout page, where you enter your payment method and complete the purchase.

Do not buy Minecraft through Steam, Epic Games, or other third-party stores on PC. Those versions may be outdated or region-locked. The official Launcher is the only way to may support you get the current version and can update it automatically.

What you get with each version

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, released in 2009. It has the largest modding community—you can read thousands of mods that change gameplay, add new blocks, or overhaul mechanics. The multiplayer system uses servers you can join or host yourself. Java runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so it is the only choice if you use a non-Windows PC.

Bedrock Edition is the newer version designed to work across Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, mobile, and VR. It uses a unified multiplayer system, so you can play with friends on different devices. Bedrock does not support traditional mods the way Java does, but it has a Marketplace where you can buy maps, skins, and texture packs created by the community.

Optional costs: Realms and in-game purchases

Minecraft Realms is a subscription service that lets you host a world for up to 10 players without needing to set up your own server. It costs $7.99 per month and is available for both Java and Bedrock. Realms is optional—you can play multiplayer for free by inviting friends to your world on the same local network, or by joining public servers.

Both versions also have cosmetic purchases: skins, capes, and emotes that change how your character looks but do not affect gameplay. These are optional and cost between $1 and $8 each. The base game has no pay-to-win mechanics or battle pass.

Price differences by region and sales

The prices listed above are in US dollars. If you are outside the United States, the price in your local currency may differ slightly due to regional pricing and taxes. Microsoft occasionally runs sales on Minecraft during major holidays, but these are rare—the base price has stayed the same for years.

Some retailers sell gift cards for the Microsoft Store at a discount, which you can use to buy Minecraft. Watch for sales around Black Friday or during seasonal promotions, though the game itself rarely goes on sale.

System requirements and performance

Both versions run on modest hardware. Java Edition requires Windows 7 or later, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2. Bedrock Edition requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 and at least 4 GB of RAM. Neither version demands a gaming PC—they will run on a laptop or budget desktop built in the last ten years.

Performance depends on your graphics settings and world size. On low settings, both versions run smoothly on integrated graphics. If you want higher render distance and fancy graphics, a dedicated graphics card helps, but it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC?

There is a free demo version available through the Minecraft Launcher that lets you play a limited world for 100 in-game days. After that, you must buy the full version. Some schools and educational institutions have free licenses through Minecraft Education Edition, but that is a separate product.

Do I need a Microsoft account to play?

Yes. You must create or sign in with a Microsoft account to buy Minecraft and to play online. The account is free to create and takes a few minutes.

Can I refund Minecraft if I change my mind?

Microsoft allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you have played for less than 2 hours. After that, refunds are not available. Check the Microsoft Store refund policy for your region, as it may vary.

Is Minecraft Bedrock Edition the same game as Java?

No. They have different engines, different multiplayer systems, and different features. Java has more mods; Bedrock works across more devices. Worlds created in one version cannot be directly transferred to the other, though conversion tools exist.

Do I have to pay monthly to play?

No. The $26.99 or $19.99 is a one-time purchase. You own the game forever and can play offline or online with friends at no additional cost. Realms ($7.99 per month) is optional and only needed if you want a hosted multiplayer world.