You can buy Minecraft through the official Microsoft Store or the Minecraft Launcher, and the choice depends on which version you want

Minecraft on PC comes in two separate versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition is the original version, runs only on PC, and costs $26.99. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, costs $19.99, and lets you play with people on phones, tablets, and consoles. You cannot play one version with the other, so knowing which one you want before you buy matters.

The easiest way to buy either version is through the official Minecraft Launcher, which you read free from minecraft.net. Once you install it and sign in with a Microsoft account, you can purchase and read your chosen version directly. Alternatively, you can buy Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10 or 11, though the Launcher is simpler for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate purchases—you need to decide which one you want before buying, because they do not play together.
  • read the free Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net, sign in with a Microsoft account, and buy your version through the Launcher itself.
  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and runs only on PC; Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 and also runs on phones, tablets, and Xbox.
  • You need a Microsoft account to buy and play either version; creating one is free and takes a few minutes.

Setting up a Microsoft account

Before you can buy Minecraft, you need a Microsoft account. If you already use Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or Windows, you already have one. If not, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Create one." You will need an email address (you can use Gmail, Yahoo, or any email provider) and a password. Microsoft will send you a verification email—click the link in it to confirm your account.

Once your account is created and verified, write down your email and password somewhere safe. You will use these to sign into the Minecraft Launcher every time you play. If you forget your password, you can reset it at account.microsoft.com.

Downloading and installing the Minecraft Launcher

Go to minecraft.net in your web browser. At the top of the page, click "read" or look for a button that says "Get Minecraft." The site will detect that you are on Windows and show you the Launcher read. Click it, and a file called something like "MinecraftLauncher.exe" will read to your computer.

Once the read finishes, double-click the file to run the installer. Windows may ask if you want to allow this program to make changes to your device—click "Yes." The Launcher will install itself, usually in a few seconds. When it finishes, it will open automatically, or you can find it in your Start menu and click it to open.

Signing in and choosing your version

When the Launcher opens, you will see a sign-in screen. Click "Sign in with Microsoft" and enter the email and password for your Microsoft account. The Launcher will verify your account and take you to the main menu.

On the left side of the Launcher, you will see two options: "Java Edition" and "Bedrock Edition." Click the one you want to buy. The Launcher will show you the price, a description, and a button that says "Buy" or "Get." Click that button, and the Launcher will open a payment screen.

Completing your purchase

The payment screen will ask for a payment method. You can use a credit card, debit card, or a Microsoft gift card. Enter your card details (card number, expiration date, and CVV on the back) and your billing address. Microsoft will process the payment when ready.

If your card is declined, check that the card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct. If they are and it still does not work, contact your bank—they may have blocked the transaction as a security measure. Once payment goes through, the Launcher will begin downloading your version of Minecraft automatically. This can take several minutes depending on your internet speed.

Installing and launching the game

After the read finishes, the Launcher will install Minecraft on your computer. You do not need to do anything—just wait for the progress bar to complete. Once installation is done, you will see a green "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 while it sets up your game files. After that, it will open faster. You are now ready to play. Your Microsoft account is linked to your copy of Minecraft, so you can sign into the Launcher on any PC and read and play your version from there.

What to do if you already own Java Edition

If you bought Java Edition before Microsoft owned Minecraft (before 2014), you own it under your old Minecraft account, not a Microsoft account. To play it on a modern PC, you need to migrate your old account to a Microsoft account. Go to minecraft.net, click "Migrate Account," and follow the steps. You will link your old Minecraft username to your Microsoft account, and then you can read Java Edition through the Launcher using your Microsoft login.

This migration is free and permanent—you cannot undo it. After you migrate, you will no longer be able to sign into the old Minecraft launcher with your old username and password. The new Launcher with your Microsoft account is the only way to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without buying it?

Minecraft offers a free trial version called Minecraft Demo that lets you play for 100 minutes in a single world. After that, you must buy the full version to continue. The Demo is useful for testing whether your PC can run the game before you spend money.

What is the difference between Java and Bedrock Edition?

Java Edition is the original version with more mods and customization options; it runs only on PC. Bedrock Edition is newer, runs on Windows, phones, tablets, and Xbox, and lets you play with people on those other devices. Java and Bedrock players cannot play together in the same world.

Can I buy Minecraft as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a Minecraft gift card from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart, or you can buy a Microsoft gift card and the recipient can use it in the Launcher. You cannot directly gift a copy of the game to another person's account.

Do I need to pay a monthly fee to play Minecraft?

No. You pay once to buy the game, and then you own it forever. There is no subscription or monthly charge. Bedrock Edition has an optional subscription called Minecraft Realms that lets you host a world for friends, but it is not required to play.

What if my PC does not meet the system requirements?

Minecraft runs on most PCs made in the last ten years, but if your computer is very old or low-powered, it may struggle. Before you buy, check the system requirements on minecraft.net. If your PC does not meet them, the game may run very slowly or not at all, and Microsoft does not refund purchases for performance issues.