Minecraft updates automatically on most PCs, but you can also check for updates manually and choose when to install them

Minecraft on Windows updates through the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft Launcher, depending on which version you own. If you have Minecraft for Windows (the newer version, sometimes called Bedrock Edition), updates read and install automatically when you close the game. If you own Java Edition, the launcher checks for updates when you open it and prompts you to install before you can play. You can also manually check for updates at any time, and some players prefer to do this so they know exactly when their game will restart.

The update process is straightforward and takes anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on the update size and your internet speed. You do not need to uninstall the game or change any settings—just let the update run or trigger it yourself if you want to control the timing.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft for Windows updates automatically through the Microsoft Store when you close the game, while Java Edition checks for updates when you launch the game.
  • You can manually check for updates in the Minecraft Launcher (Java) or the Microsoft Store (Windows) at any time without waiting for automatic checks.
  • Updates install before you can play, so plan for a few minutes to half an hour depending on the update size and your internet connection.
  • If an update fails to install, restarting your PC and relaunching the game usually resolves the problem.

How to update Minecraft for Windows through the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your PC. Click the profile icon in the top right corner (it looks like a circle with your account picture or initials), then select App settings. Scroll down to the "App updates" section and toggle on Update apps automatically if it is not already on. This ensures Minecraft updates without you having to do anything.

If you want to check for updates right now instead of waiting for automatic installation, go back to the Microsoft Store home screen, click your profile icon again, and select Downloads and updates. Find Minecraft in the list and click Get updates if an update is available. The update will read and install when ready.

After the update finishes, you can launch Minecraft normally. You do not need to restart your PC unless the update specifically tells you to.

How to update Minecraft Java Edition through the launcher

Open the Minecraft Launcher. If you have not logged in, enter your Microsoft account email and password. The launcher automatically checks for updates when it opens. If an update is available, you will see a message at the top of the launcher saying a new version is ready to install.

Click the Install button or the version number dropdown to see available versions. Select the latest version (it will be labeled as the newest release) and click Install. The launcher will read and install the update in the background. Once the progress bar reaches 100 percent, the update is complete and you can click Play to launch the game.

If you want to check for updates manually without waiting for the launcher to do it automatically, click the version dropdown in the bottom left corner of the launcher and look for a newer version number than the one currently selected. If a newer version exists, select it and click Install.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

If an update fails to read or install, the first step is to restart your PC completely. This clears temporary files and resets your internet connection, which resolves most update problems. After restarting, open the Minecraft Launcher or Microsoft Store again and try the update once more.

If the update still does not work, check that you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive. Minecraft updates need room to extract files, and a full drive can cause installation to fail. You can check your free space by opening File Explorer, right-clicking your C: drive, and selecting Properties.

If you have free space and the update still fails, try closing any other programs that use the internet (web browsers, Discord, streaming apps) and attempt the update again. Sometimes network congestion or background programs interfere with the read. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to reconnect before trying again.

Understanding the difference between automatic and manual updates

Minecraft for Windows installs updates automatically in the background, which means you might not notice when an update happens. The game will be slightly slower to launch on the day an update installs, but you do not have to do anything. Java Edition, by contrast, requires you to click Install before you can play—the launcher will not let you launch the game if an update is waiting.

Some players prefer manual updates because they want to know exactly when their game will restart and can plan around it. Others prefer automatic updates because they do not have to think about it. Both approaches keep your game current with the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. There is no performance difference between a game that updated automatically and one that updated manually—only the timing changes.

How long updates usually take and what happens during the process

Small updates (bug fixes and minor features) typically take 2 to 5 minutes to read and install on a standard internet connection. Larger updates (new biomes, major features, or significant changes) can take 15 to 30 minutes. Your actual time depends on your read speed and how much free space your hard drive has available.

During an update, the launcher or Microsoft Store shows a progress bar. Do not close the launcher, turn off your PC, or unplug your internet connection while the update is running—this can corrupt the installation and force you to reinstall the entire game. If your internet drops during an update, the launcher will usually resume the read automatically when your connection returns. If it does not, restart the launcher and try again.

Once an update finishes, you can launch the game when ready. You do not need to restart your PC or change any game settings. Your worlds, skins, and other saved data remain exactly as they were before the update.

When to call for help with updates

If you have tried restarting your PC, freeing up hard drive space, closing background programs, and restarting your router, but the update still will not install, the problem may be with your Microsoft account or launcher installation. At this point, you can uninstall and reinstall the Minecraft Launcher (Java Edition) or reinstall Minecraft from the Microsoft Store (Windows Edition). This is a last resort, but it resolves most persistent update problems.

You can also contact Minecraft Support through the official Minecraft website if you believe the problem is with the update itself rather than your system. Provide them with a screenshot of the error message you are seeing, and they can help you troubleshoot further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update Minecraft to keep playing?

Yes. Both Java Edition and Windows Edition require you to install the latest update before you can launch the game. You cannot play on an older version unless you specifically select an older version in the launcher (Java only), but this is not recommended because older versions may have security issues and cannot connect to current multiplayer servers.

Will updating Minecraft delete my worlds or skins?

No. Updates do not touch your saved worlds, skins, resource packs, or any other personal data. Everything stays exactly where it is. If you are worried, you can back up your worlds folder before updating, but it is not necessary.

Can I play Minecraft while an update is installing?

No. Java Edition will not let you click Play until the update finishes. Windows Edition may allow you to play while updating in the background, but the game will restart when the update completes, so you will lose any progress made during the update. It is better to wait for the update to finish before launching the game.

Why is my update taking so long?

Large updates can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and hard drive space. If your update is taking longer than an hour, check that you have at least 2 to 3 gigabytes of free space and that no other programs are using your internet connection. If the read is genuinely stuck (the progress bar has not moved in several minutes), restart the launcher and try again.

What if I see an error code during the update?

Write down the error code and search for it on the official Minecraft Support website or launcher help page—most error codes have documented solutions. Common fixes include restarting your PC, checking your internet connection, and freeing up hard drive space. If the error persists, contact Minecraft Support with the error code and a screenshot.