The fastest way to update Minecraft on Windows

If you own Minecraft Java Edition, the launcher checks for updates automatically when you open it. You do not need to do anything — the game downloads and installs the new version before you play. Close the launcher completely, reopen it, and the update will be ready.

If you own Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version from the Microsoft Store), Windows Update handles it the same way. The game updates in the background, and you will see a notification when it is finished. You can also force a check by opening the Microsoft Store, clicking your profile icon in the top right, selecting Downloads and updates, and clicking Get updates.

Both versions show you the update notes when you launch the game after an update. Read them to learn what changed — sometimes updates affect mods, servers, or how certain blocks behave.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition updates automatically through the launcher; just close and reopen it to trigger the read.
  • Bedrock Edition updates through the Microsoft Store and can be manually checked in the Store's Downloads and updates section.
  • You do not need to uninstall the old version before updating — the launcher or Store replaces files in place.
  • If an update fails to read, clearing your launcher cache or restarting Windows usually fixes it.
  • Mods for Java Edition may break after an update, so check mod pages before launching if you use them.

What to do if the update does not start automatically

Sometimes the launcher sits idle and does not read the update on its own. The simplest fix is to close the launcher entirely — use Task Manager if it stays open — and reopen it. The launcher will detect that you are out of date and begin downloading when ready.

If that does not work, try clearing the launcher cache. For Java Edition, go to your user folder (usually C:\Users\[Your Name]), show hidden files by pressing Ctrl+H, and delete the .minecraft folder. The launcher will rebuild it the next time you open it. For Bedrock Edition, uninstall the game from Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

Restart your computer after clearing the cache. A fresh boot often resolves read issues that persist after closing and reopening the launcher.

Updating Java Edition with mods installed

If you use mods, updating Minecraft can break them. Before you update, check the mod pages on CurseForge or Modrinth to see whether the authors have released versions for the new Minecraft release. Do not launch the game until you have confirmed your mods are compatible.

When you are ready, update Minecraft normally through the launcher. The update will not touch your mod folder, so your mods stay in place. After the update, launch the game without mods first to make sure it works. Then add mods back one at a time and test after each one. This way, if something breaks, you will know which mod caused it.

If a mod is not yet available for the new version, you have two choices: wait for the author to update it, or use a launcher like MultiMC or Prism Launcher to keep an older version of Minecraft installed alongside the new one. That way you can play with your mods on the old version while the new version is available for vanilla play.

Updating Bedrock Edition and managing storage

Bedrock Edition updates are smaller than Java Edition updates and usually finish in minutes. The Microsoft Store handles everything — you do not need to restart the launcher or do anything manually. If you want to check the update status, open the Microsoft Store, go to your library, and look for Minecraft. If an update is in progress, you will see a progress bar.

Bedrock updates can take up significant disk space during installation. If your drive is nearly full and an update fails, free up at least 5 GB of space and try again. You can check how much space Minecraft uses by going to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, finding Minecraft, and clicking it to see the size.

Checking your current Minecraft version

To confirm which version you are running, open the game and look at the bottom left of the title screen. Java Edition shows the version number there — for example, "1.20.1". Bedrock Edition shows the version in the same spot, formatted differently — for example, "1.20.50".

You can also check the launcher itself. In Java Edition, open the launcher and look at the bottom left corner — it displays your current version. In Bedrock Edition, open the Microsoft Store, find Minecraft in your library, and click it to see the installed version number.

What happens during an update

Updates can add new blocks, mobs, and features; fix bugs; or change how existing features work. Some updates are large and take 10 to 15 minutes to read and install. Others are small patches that finish in under a minute. The launcher or Store will show a progress bar while the update is running.

During an update, do not close the launcher or shut down your computer. If the update is interrupted, the launcher will resume it the next time you open it, but restarting the read from scratch is slower. Once the update finishes, you can play when ready — there is no separate installation step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my worlds when I update Minecraft?

No. Your worlds are stored separately from the game files. Updating Minecraft does not touch them. When you launch the game after an update, all your worlds will be there. Bedrock worlds sync to your Microsoft account, so they are safe even if you reinstall the game.

Can I play on servers with an older version of Minecraft?

Most servers require you to run the same version as the server. If the server is on version 1.20.1 and you are on 1.19.2, you will not be able to join. Check the server's website or ask the owner what version they run, then update to match. Some servers use version-matching plugins that let you join with slightly older versions, but this is rare.

What if the update read keeps failing?

Check your internet connection first — a weak or unstable connection can interrupt downloads. If your connection is fine, restart your computer and try again. If it still fails, try clearing the launcher cache as described above. If you are on Bedrock Edition, uninstalling and reinstalling from the Microsoft Store often fixes persistent read problems.

Is it safe to update Minecraft?

Yes. Updates come from Mojang Studios and Microsoft, the official developers. The launcher and Microsoft Store verify that updates are legitimate before installing them. The only risk is that mods may break, which is why you should check mod compatibility before updating if you use them.

How often does Minecraft update?

Java Edition releases major updates roughly every few months, with smaller patches in between. Bedrock Edition updates more frequently, sometimes weekly. You do not need to update when ready — the game works fine on older versions, and you can update whenever you are ready.