Minecraft Java Edition costs money, but there are legitimate free ways to play on PC

Minecraft Java Edition, the original version most PC players use, is not free. You buy it once for around $27 and own it permanently on that account. However, Minecraft has a free trial that lasts five in-game days (about 100 minutes of real time), and a separate free version called Minecraft Education Edition exists for schools. If you want the full game without paying, your only legitimate option is the trial.

The confusion happens because Minecraft exists in multiple versions. Java Edition (the one you probably want) costs money upfront. Minecraft Bedrock Edition, which runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, also costs money but sometimes goes on sale. Neither version is free after the trial ends, though both let you play offline indefinitely once you own them.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Java Edition costs around $27 one time and never expires; the free trial lasts about 100 minutes of gameplay.
  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11) also costs money but occasionally goes on sale through the Microsoft Store.
  • Minecraft Education Edition is free but only for teachers and students with school accounts.
  • Once you buy either version, you own it forever and can play offline without a subscription.
  • Free-to-play games that copy Minecraft's style exist, but they are not Minecraft and often include ads or in-game purchases.

The Java Edition trial and what it includes

The free trial for Minecraft Java Edition gives you access to the full game for five in-game days. One in-game day is 20 minutes, so the trial runs for about 100 minutes of real time. You get a single world, creative mode, and survival mode—everything the paid version has, just time-limited.

After the trial ends, the world locks. You cannot enter it again unless you buy the game. The trial resets if you uninstall and reinstall, but you start over each time. This is the only way to play the real Minecraft for free on PC without paying.

Bedrock Edition pricing and where to buy it

Minecraft Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and costs money through the Microsoft Store. The price is typically $20 to $27 depending on your region and current sales. Unlike Java Edition, Bedrock sometimes discounts during seasonal sales, so checking the Microsoft Store in November or December may save you money.

Bedrock and Java are separate purchases. Owning one does not give you the other. Bedrock is designed to run on lower-end hardware and cross-play with console versions, while Java is the original and has more mods available. If you already own Java, you do not automatically get Bedrock.

Education Edition and who can use it

Minecraft Education Edition is free, but only for teachers and students with school-issued accounts. Schools set up accounts through Microsoft, and students access the game through their school login. If you are not part of a school using it, you cannot get Education Edition.

Education Edition is a modified version of Bedrock designed for classrooms. It includes features like the ability to set world spawn points, turn off mob damage, and use special building blocks. It is not the same as the regular game and is not meant for personal play.

Why free Minecraft clones are not the real thing

Several free games copy Minecraft's block-building style—games like Roblox, Creativerse, and Minetest are real and playable. However, they are not Minecraft. They have different mechanics, different communities, and different content. Some include ads or push in-game purchases, which the real Minecraft does not do after you buy it.

If you want the actual Minecraft experience, the trial or the paid version are your only options. The clones can be fun, but they are not substitutes if what you want is to play the game millions of other people play.

How to read and start the trial

Go to minecraft.net and click "read" at the top. Select "Java Edition" and then "read Launcher." Install the launcher, create or log into a Microsoft account, and launch the game. The trial starts automatically the first time you create a world.

You do not need to enter a credit card or payment information to start the trial. When the five in-game days end, the game will prompt you to buy it. At that point, you can purchase through the launcher using any payment method Microsoft accepts.

What happens after you buy the game

Once you purchase Minecraft Java Edition, the license is tied to your Microsoft account. You can read and play it on any PC you log into. There is no monthly fee, no subscription, and no expiration. You own it permanently.

The same applies to Bedrock Edition. Buy it once, and it stays on your account. Both versions receive updates automatically, including new blocks, mobs, and features. You never pay again unless you choose to buy cosmetic skins or texture packs, which are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC without a trial?

No. The only free way to play the real Minecraft on PC is the five-day trial. After that, you must buy Java Edition or Bedrock Edition. Games that look like Minecraft but are not Minecraft are free, but they are different games.

Do I need to pay a monthly subscription after I buy Minecraft?

No. You pay once, and you own the game forever. There is no monthly fee, no battle pass, and no subscription required to play. Updates and new features are included at no extra cost.

Is Minecraft Bedrock Edition the same as Java Edition?

No. They are separate games with different code, different mods, and different features. Bedrock runs on Windows 10/11 and consoles. Java runs on any PC with Java installed. You must buy each one separately if you want both.

Can I get Minecraft for free if I have Game Pass?

Yes. Microsoft Game Pass for PC includes Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. If you subscribe to Game Pass, you can play both versions without buying them separately. The subscription costs money, but it includes many other games.

What if I lose access to my Microsoft account?

Your Minecraft license is tied to your Microsoft account. If you lose access to that account, you lose access to the game. Use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication to protect your account.