Minecraft Bedrock updates automatically on most PCs

Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates itself through the Microsoft Store by default. When an update is available, the game will either install it automatically when you close the launcher, or prompt you to install it the next time you open the game. You do not need to manually read or install anything in most cases.

If you own Minecraft Bedrock through the Microsoft Store, your copy is set to auto-update. If you installed it through the Xbox app instead, the same automatic system applies. The only time you need to take action is if you want to check whether an update is waiting, or if automatic updates are turned off on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Bedrock updates automatically through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app, so you usually do not need to do anything.
  • You can manually check for updates by opening the Microsoft Store, finding Minecraft, and looking for an "Update" button.
  • If the game prompts you to update when you launch it, close the launcher and let the update finish before playing.
  • Turning off automatic updates in Windows Settings will stop Minecraft from updating on its own, but you will then need to check manually each time.

Check for updates in the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your PC. Search for "Minecraft" in the search bar at the top. When the Minecraft Bedrock Edition listing appears, click on it to open the game's store page.

Look at the right side of the page. If an update is waiting, you will see a blue "Update" button. Click it to begin the read and installation. If you see "Open" or "Play" instead, your game is already on the latest version. The update will read in the background and install when you close the game launcher.

Update through the Xbox app

If you installed Minecraft through the Xbox app rather than the Microsoft Store, the process is similar. Open the Xbox app and go to "My Games and Apps" in the left menu. Find Minecraft Bedrock Edition in your library.

If an update is waiting, you will see an "Update" button next to the game's name. Click it to start the read. The Xbox app will handle the rest automatically. You can continue using your PC while the update installs in the background.

What to do if the game prompts you to update

When you launch Minecraft Bedrock, you may see a message saying an update is available or required. This means the launcher has detected a new version. Click the button to proceed with the update — usually labeled "Update" or "Install Update."

The launcher will close and begin downloading the update files. Do not close the window or restart your PC during this process. Depending on your internet speed and the update size, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Once the update finishes, the launcher will open automatically and you can play.

Turn on automatic updates if they are disabled

By default, Windows automatically updates apps from the Microsoft Store. If your Minecraft updates have stopped coming through, automatic updates may have been turned off. Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter.

Go to "Apps" in the left menu, then click "App installer." Look for the option that says "Update apps automatically" and make sure it is turned on. If it is already on, your updates are set to automatic. Close Settings and the next time an update is released, it will install on its own.

Manually check for updates regularly

If you prefer not to use automatic updates, you can check for new versions whenever you want. Open the Microsoft Store or Xbox app once a week and navigate to Minecraft Bedrock. If an update is available, the "Update" button will be visible on the game's page.

This approach gives you control over when updates install, which can be useful if you want to avoid interruptions during gameplay sessions. However, you will need to remember to check regularly. New versions of Minecraft Bedrock typically release every few weeks, so checking weekly will catch most updates within a few days of release.

Troubleshooting update problems

If the Microsoft Store or Xbox app shows an update button but the read does not start, try restarting your PC. Sometimes the store needs a fresh start to begin the read. After restarting, open the store again and click the "Update" button.

If the update gets stuck partway through, close the Microsoft Store or Xbox app completely. Wait a minute, then open it again and check the game's page. The store will usually resume the read from where it left off. If the read keeps failing, check your internet connection and make sure you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive — Minecraft Bedrock updates typically range from 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes depending on the version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my worlds when I update Minecraft Bedrock?

No. Your worlds, settings, and saved games stay on your PC when you update. The update only replaces the game files themselves. Your data is stored separately and is not affected by the update process.

Can I play Minecraft while an update is installing?

No. The launcher will be closed during the update, so you cannot start the game until the update finishes. Plan updates for times when you are not actively playing.

What if I see an update in the store but the game says it is up to date?

This sometimes happens if the store page has not refreshed. Close the Microsoft Store completely and open it again. Search for Minecraft and check the page a second time. If the "Update" button is still there, click it. If it changes to "Open," the game was already current.

How much internet speed do I need to update Minecraft Bedrock?

Any internet connection will work. Faster speeds mean shorter read times — a 1 gigabyte update takes about 8 minutes on a 1 megabit connection and about 1 minute on a 10 megabit connection. Even slower connections will eventually finish the read.

Will updating Minecraft Bedrock change my graphics settings?

Updates do not reset your graphics settings or controls. Your preferences remain the same after the update installs.