Where to buy Minecraft for Windows
You can buy Minecraft for Windows PC through two main routes: the official Microsoft Store or the Java Edition launcher on minecraft.net. The Microsoft Store version (called Minecraft for Windows) runs on the newer Bedrock engine and works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Java Edition, which runs the original Minecraft code, is also sold through the official Minecraft launcher at minecraft.net.
Both versions cost the same: around $27 USD at the time of writing, though regional pricing varies. The Microsoft Store version often goes on sale during seasonal promotions. Java Edition sales happen less frequently but the launcher page will show you the current price for your region.
Do not buy from third-party resellers or key sites unless you recognize them as official retailers. Stick with the Microsoft Store or minecraft.net to avoid counterfeit or region-locked keys.
Key Takeaways
- Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) is sold through the Microsoft Store and works on Windows 10 and 11.
- Java Edition is sold through the official Minecraft launcher at minecraft.net and is the original version that runs on older PCs.
- Both versions cost around $27 USD, though your region's price may differ.
- After purchase, you read and install the game through the same store or launcher where you bought it.
- You need a Microsoft account to play either version, and Java Edition also requires a Mojang account.
Buying through the Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. Search for "Minecraft" in the search bar at the top. The first result should be "Minecraft for Windows" with the official blocky Minecraft logo. Click on it to open the game's store page.
Click the price button (showing the cost in your region's currency). You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free during this step. After you sign in, confirm your purchase method — you can use a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance if you have added funds.
Once the purchase is complete, the button will change to "Install". Click it, choose where you want the game stored on your PC (the default location is fine for most people), and Windows will read and install Minecraft automatically. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Buying through the Java Edition launcher
Go to minecraft.net in your web browser. Click "read" at the top of the page, then select the Windows launcher. Run the installer file that downloads, and follow the on-screen prompts to install the launcher on your PC.
Open the launcher once installation is complete. Click "Log in" and sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one if you do not have one). If you have never bought Java Edition before, you will see a button to purchase it. Click that button, confirm your payment method, and complete the purchase.
After purchase, the launcher will show a "Play" button instead of a purchase button. Click "Play" to read the game files — this is separate from buying and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once the read finishes, the game will launch automatically.
What you need before you start playing
You must have a Microsoft account to play either version of Minecraft. This is a free account you can create at account.microsoft.com if you do not already have one. You do not need Xbox Game Pass, though if you have it, Minecraft for Windows is included.
For Java Edition specifically, you also need a Mojang account linked to your Microsoft account. The launcher will walk you through this link when you first log in — it takes about one minute and happens automatically.
Your PC should meet the minimum system requirements. For Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock), you need Windows 10 or 11, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a graphics card from the last 10 years. Java Edition has lower requirements and runs on older PCs, but also needs at least 2 GB of RAM and Java installed (the launcher can install Java for you if you do not have it).
The difference between Bedrock and Java Edition
Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) is the newer version. It runs faster on most PCs, has better graphics options, and lets you play with people on phones, tablets, and consoles through Realms (a subscription service). It does not support as many mods as Java Edition, though it does support some add-ons.
Java Edition is the original Minecraft. It has a much larger modding community, meaning thousands of free mods exist to change how the game looks and plays. It does not connect to console or mobile players. Java Edition also runs on older PCs that cannot handle Bedrock.
If you are not sure which to buy, start with Bedrock (Minecraft for Windows) — it is the current standard and easier to run on most modern PCs. You can always buy Java Edition later if you want to use mods.
Installing mods and resource packs
Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) supports add-ons and resource packs through the in-game marketplace and third-party sites. Most are free or low-cost. You read them and import them through the game's settings menu.
Java Edition has a much larger modding ecosystem. The most common way to install mods is through a mod launcher like Forge or Fabric. These are free tools you read separately, then use to load mods into the game. Modding Java Edition is more involved than Bedrock but gives you access to thousands of community-made mods.
If you are new to Minecraft, do not worry about mods right away. Play the base game first to learn how it works, then explore mods later if you want to change the experience.
Troubleshooting common purchase and installation problems
If your purchase does not go through, check that your payment method is valid and has enough funds. If you are using a credit card, your bank may have blocked the transaction — contact your bank to allow Microsoft Store purchases. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or contact Microsoft Store support.
If the game will not install, make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space on your PC (Minecraft itself is smaller, but Windows needs room to unpack files). Restart your PC and try installing again. If the launcher crashes when you open it, uninstall it completely, restart your PC, and reinstall it fresh.
If the game launches but runs very slowly, your PC may not meet the recommended specs. Lower the graphics settings in the game's options menu — reduce render distance, turn off fancy graphics, and lower the resolution. If it still runs poorly, Java Edition may work better on your hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Minecraft for free before I buy it?
No, you cannot play the full game for free. However, you can watch gameplay videos and read guides to see if you like it before spending money. Some third-party sites offer free Minecraft clones, but they are not the real game and may contain malware.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft?
No. Minecraft for Windows is sold separately for around $27. If you already have Xbox Game Pass for PC, Minecraft is included, but you do not need the subscription to buy and play the game on its own.
Can I play Bedrock and Java Edition on the same PC?
Yes. You can buy and install both versions on the same computer. They are separate games that do not interfere with each other. You will need to launch them from different places — Bedrock from the Microsoft Store and Java from the Minecraft launcher.
What happens if I buy Minecraft and then my PC breaks?
Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not your PC. If you get a new computer, sign in with the same Microsoft account and reinstall the game — you will not have to buy it again.
Is Minecraft safe to read from the official sources?
Yes. The Microsoft Store and minecraft.net are the official sources and are safe. Never read Minecraft from other websites, as they may contain viruses or fake versions of the game.