Buy Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition directly from the Minecraft Launcher

The simplest way to buy Minecraft for PC is through the official Minecraft Launcher, which you read free from minecraft.net. When you open it, you'll see options to purchase either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition. Click the edition you want, and you'll be taken to a checkout page where you enter your payment method — credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance. The purchase costs $26.99 USD for either version (prices vary by region). After payment clears, the game downloads automatically and you can play within minutes.

Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and later, and on Mac with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3). If you're unsure which your Mac uses, go to the Apple menu, click "About This Mac," and look at the "Chip" line — if it says Intel, you cannot run Bedrock Edition on that machine. Java Edition will work on any Mac.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate purchases; buying one does not give you the other.
  • Java Edition works on Windows, Mac, and Linux; Bedrock Edition works on Windows 10+ and Mac with Apple Silicon chips only.
  • You can buy either version directly from minecraft.net using a credit card or Microsoft account balance.
  • The game downloads and installs automatically after purchase and is ready to play within minutes.
  • If you already own Minecraft on console or mobile, you may own Bedrock Edition but not Java Edition — they are not linked.

What's the difference between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, first released in 2009. It has the largest modding community, meaning thousands of user-made modifications, texture packs, and custom maps exist for it. If you plan to use mods, Java Edition is the only choice. Java Edition also runs on older computers and older Mac hardware more reliably than Bedrock.

Bedrock Edition is the newer version, designed to run on modern hardware and to sync across devices — if you buy it on Windows, you can play the same world on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile using the same Microsoft account. Bedrock Edition does not support mods in the same way Java does, though it has a smaller built-in marketplace for maps and skins. Bedrock is generally more stable on newer machines and has slightly better performance on low-end hardware.

If you already own Minecraft on a console like PlayStation or Xbox, you own Bedrock Edition on that device, but that purchase does not carry over to PC. You still need to buy it separately for Windows or Mac.

Buying through the Microsoft Store on Windows

If you use Windows 10 or later, you can also buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store app on your computer. Open the Microsoft Store, search for "Minecraft," and click the Bedrock Edition listing. Click "Get" or "Buy," and the purchase will charge to your Microsoft account. The game will read and install automatically into your Windows system.

Buying through the Microsoft Store is convenient if you already use Microsoft services, but the result is identical to buying through minecraft.net — you get the same game and the same license. There is no price difference.

Payment methods and regional pricing

Both the Minecraft Launcher and the Microsoft Store accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), debit cards, and Microsoft account balance. If you have Microsoft Rewards points or store credit in your Microsoft account, you can use that to pay instead of a card.

The price is $26.99 USD in the United States. In other countries, the price is converted to local currency and may vary slightly due to regional pricing and taxes. When you reach the checkout page, you'll see the exact price in your region before you confirm the purchase.

What happens after you buy the game

After payment clears, the Minecraft Launcher will begin downloading the game files. The read size is roughly 500 MB to 1 GB depending on your version and system. On a typical home internet connection, this takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once the read finishes, the launcher will extract and install the files automatically — you do not need to do anything else.

When installation is complete, you'll see a "Play" button in the launcher. Click it to start the game. The first time you launch Minecraft, it may take a minute or two to load as it generates initial files and settings. After that, startup is much faster.

Troubleshooting a purchase that doesn't appear

If you bought the game but the launcher still shows a "Buy" button instead of "Play," try closing the launcher completely and opening it again. Sometimes the purchase takes a few minutes to sync to your account. If the button still shows "Buy" after 10 minutes, check that you are logged into the launcher with the same Microsoft account you used to buy the game. Click the account icon in the top right corner of the launcher to see which account is active.

If you bought Java Edition but the launcher is showing Bedrock, or vice versa, you may have purchased the wrong version. Check your email receipt to confirm which edition you bought. If you bought the wrong one, you can buy the other version separately — there is no refund, but each edition is a separate $26.99 purchase. Contact Minecraft Support through the launcher's help menu if you believe your purchase failed to process.

System requirements before you buy

Java Edition requires Java to be installed on your computer — the launcher will prompt you to install it if you don't have it. Java Edition runs on Windows 7 and later, Mac OS X 10.12 and later, and most Linux distributions. It needs at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of free disk space.

Bedrock Edition requires Windows 10 or later (or Mac with Apple Silicon). It needs at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of free disk space. Bedrock generally runs better on older or lower-end hardware than Java Edition does.

You can check your system specifications before buying. On Windows, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer," click "Properties," and look at the Windows version and RAM listed. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and check the macOS version and memory listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without buying it?

Minecraft offers a free demo version that lets you play a limited world for 100 minutes. After that, you need to buy the full game. There is no legal way to play the full game without purchasing it.

Do I need a Microsoft account to buy Minecraft?

Yes. You must have a Microsoft account to buy and play Minecraft on PC. You can create one free at account.microsoft.com if you don't already have one. Your Microsoft account is also how the launcher tracks your purchase and lets you play on multiple computers.

Can I refund Minecraft if I don't like it?

Microsoft's standard refund policy allows refunds within 60 days if you haven't played the game much. However, policies vary by region and payment method. Check your receipt email for the refund link, or contact Microsoft Support through the Minecraft Launcher's help menu.

If I buy Java Edition, can I also play Bedrock Edition?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate games and separate purchases. Buying one does not give you the other. You must buy both if you want to play both versions.

What if my computer doesn't meet the system requirements?

If your computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements, Minecraft will not run or will run very slowly. Before you buy, check that your Windows version or Mac OS version is recent enough and that you have at least 2 GB of RAM. If your computer is too old, you may not be able to play Minecraft at all.