The three ways to buy and install Minecraft on Windows

You can get Minecraft on a Windows PC through the Microsoft Store, the official Minecraft Launcher, or through a third-party retailer. The Microsoft Store version is the simplest if you already use Windows 10 or 11 — you buy it once and it installs automatically. The Minecraft Launcher (also called the Java Edition launcher) is what most players use if they own the original Java version or want to play the older, more mod-friendly version of the game. A third option is to buy a code from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy and redeem it through your Microsoft account.

All three routes lead to the same game on your PC, but they differ in setup time, cost, and which version you end up with. The version matters: Minecraft Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Minecraft for Windows (the newer Bedrock version) only runs on Windows 10 and 11. Java Edition has more mods and community tools. Bedrock Edition is more stable and plays with console players.

Key Takeaways

  • The Microsoft Store is the fastest route if you have Windows 10 or 11 — search for "Minecraft," buy it, and it downloads and installs on its own.
  • Java Edition requires downloading the Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net, creating a Microsoft account, and purchasing the game through that launcher.
  • Both versions cost the same (around $27 USD, though prices vary by region), and you only pay once — no subscription required to play.
  • You need a Microsoft account to play either version, and your account is free to create.
  • Your PC needs at least 4 GB of RAM and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2 or higher to run the game smoothly.

Installing Minecraft through the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. Click the search icon at the top and type "Minecraft." The official Minecraft for Windows tile will appear — it shows the blocky Minecraft logo. Click it, then click the price button (or "Get" if you have Game Pass). You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create it for free during this step by clicking "Create one."

After you sign in, the read starts automatically. The game is about 1 GB, so it may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the read finishes, you can click "Launch" to start the game. The first time you open it, you may see a login screen — sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to buy it. You are then ready to create a world or join a server.

Installing Minecraft Java Edition through the official launcher

Go to minecraft.net in your web browser. Click the "read" button near the top of the page. You will see two options: one for Java Edition and one for Minecraft for Windows. Click the Java Edition read button. A file called "JavaEditionInstaller.exe" (or similar) will read to your computer.

Open that installer file. A window will pop up asking where you want to install the game — the default location is fine for most people. Click "Install," and the launcher will set itself up. Once it finishes, click "Play." You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account (create one for free if you need to). After you sign in, the launcher will read the game files — this takes a few minutes. Once that is done, click "Play" again, and the game will start.

Buying Minecraft with a gift code or retail card

You can buy Minecraft codes from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or other retailers that sell digital games. These codes work for either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition — check the listing to see which one you are buying. The code arrives by email or as a physical card, depending on what you order.

To redeem a code, sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com. Click "Redeem a code" (usually found under "Services & subscriptions" or in the main menu). Paste or type your code and click "Redeem." The game will be added to your account, and you can then read it through either the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft Launcher, depending on which version your code was for.

System requirements and what you need before you start

Your PC needs at least Windows 7 or newer to run Minecraft Java Edition, though Windows 10 or 11 is recommended. For Bedrock Edition (Minecraft for Windows), you need Windows 10 or 11. Both versions need at least 4 GB of RAM, though 8 GB is better if you want to run the game smoothly while having other programs open.

Your graphics card should support OpenGL 1.2 or higher for Java Edition. For Bedrock Edition, you need a graphics card that supports DirectX 12. Most computers made in the last ten years meet these requirements. If you are not sure whether your PC qualifies, you can read and try the free demo version of either game — if the demo runs, the full version will too.

You will also need a free Microsoft account. Create one at account.microsoft.com if you do not already have one. You do not need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft, though Game Pass does include both versions if you subscribe.

The difference between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, released in 2009. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has the largest modding community — thousands of mods exist that change how the game works, add new blocks, or overhaul entire systems. If you want to play with mods, Java Edition is the version to buy. It also tends to be more stable for very large worlds or heavily modded servers.

Bedrock Edition (Minecraft for Windows) is the newer version, designed to work across Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile devices. If you buy it on Windows, you can play with friends on those other platforms. Bedrock is generally more stable out of the box and gets updates faster. It does not support mods in the same way Java does, though it has a marketplace where you can buy maps and skins.

Both versions cost the same and are worth owning. Many players own both. If you are not sure which to start with, Java Edition is the safer choice if you think you might want mods later, and Bedrock is the better choice if you want to play with friends on consoles.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the Microsoft Store version will not read, restart your PC and try again. If that does not work, open Settings, go to "Apps," find Minecraft, click it, and select "Repair." This fixes corrupted files without deleting your worlds.

If the Java Edition launcher will not start, make sure you have Java installed on your PC. The installer usually handles this, but if it did not, go to java.com and read the latest version. If you see an error about your Microsoft account, sign out of the launcher completely, restart it, and sign back in.

If the game starts but runs very slowly, lower the graphics settings. Open the game, go to Settings, then Video Settings, and turn down "Render Distance" and "Graphics" to "Fast." This makes the game run on older PCs. If you still have problems, your PC may not meet the minimum requirements — in that case, the free demo will tell you whether an upgrade would help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a subscription to play Minecraft after I buy it?

No. You pay once for the game and own it forever. You do not need Xbox Game Pass or any other subscription to play single-player or join servers. Game Pass includes both versions if you subscribe, but it is not required.

Can I play Minecraft on my PC if I bought it on my phone or console?

If you bought Bedrock Edition on another device, you can read it on Windows 10 or 11 for free using the same Microsoft account. If you bought Java Edition on another platform, you need to buy it again for PC — Java Edition licenses do not transfer between platforms.

What if I want to refund Minecraft after I buy it?

Microsoft allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have played for less than 2 hours. Go to account.microsoft.com, find your Minecraft purchase, and click "Request a refund." If you bought it through a retailer like Amazon, contact that retailer instead.

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC?

There is a free demo version of both Java and Bedrock Edition that you can read and play for 90 minutes. After that, you need to buy the full game. Some servers and mods are free, but the game itself is not.

Which version should I buy if I am new to Minecraft?

Start with Bedrock Edition (Minecraft for Windows) if you want the simplest experience and might play with friends on consoles. Choose Java Edition if you think you might want to use mods or prefer the original game. You can always buy the other version later.