Minecraft on PC costs money, but there are two versions with different price models

Minecraft: Java Edition costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. You buy it once and own it forever on that account. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (the Windows version) also costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Neither version is free, though both let you play indefinitely after you pay.

The confusion usually comes from Minecraft's free trial. Microsoft offers a free trial of Bedrock Edition that lasts two hours of gameplay. That trial lets you explore a single world and get a feel for the game, but once the two hours end, you cannot continue unless you buy the full version.

Some players find Minecraft free through other routes — older versions, mods, or launchers — but those are not official Minecraft and come with real risks to your computer and account. The official versions are the safe way to play.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition cost $26.99 as a one-time purchase on PC.
  • Microsoft offers a two-hour free trial of Bedrock Edition, but you cannot save your world after the trial ends.
  • Once you buy either version, you own it permanently and can play as much as you want without a subscription.
  • Skins, cosmetics, and Realms (a multiplayer hosting service) cost extra, but the base game itself has no recurring fees.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: Which one costs what

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, built for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It costs $26.99 and you read it from the official Minecraft launcher. Once you own it, you can play offline, use free mods, and join servers run by other players at no cost. Java Edition has no battle pass, no cosmetics store, and no subscription required.

Bedrock Edition is the newer version, optimized for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Bedrock is faster on lower-end computers and plays the same on mobile, console, and PC, so you can play with friends across devices. However, Bedrock has a cosmetics marketplace where skins, emotes, and other cosmetic items cost real money — though none of these affect gameplay.

If you own an Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription ($9.99 to $16.99 per month depending on the tier), Bedrock Edition is included at no extra cost. That is the only way to play official Minecraft without paying the $26.99 upfront, but you are paying a monthly subscription instead.

What the free trial actually gives you

The Bedrock Edition free trial runs for two hours of actual playtime. You can build, explore, and mine during those two hours, and the game will not stop you mid-action. When the timer hits zero, you cannot load that world again unless you buy the full version.

The trial world is not lost if you buy the game later — it converts to a permanent world in your account. So you can use the trial to test whether your computer runs Minecraft smoothly, whether you like the controls, and whether the game interests you before spending money.

Hidden costs: What costs extra after you buy

The base game has no hidden fees. You pay $26.99 once and play forever. However, Bedrock Edition offers optional purchases:

  • Skins and cosmetics: Character skins, emotes, and capes range from $1 to $5 each. These change how your character looks but do not affect gameplay.
  • Realms: This is a subscription service that lets you host a world for up to 10 friends to play together. Realms costs $7.99 per month. Java Edition does not have Realms, but players can run free servers instead.
  • Marketplace content: Bedrock's marketplace sells maps, skins, and texture packs created by other players, ranging from $1 to $20. Java Edition does not have a marketplace; mods and maps are free.

Java Edition has none of these. Mods, skins, and multiplayer servers are free or community-run.

Why you should not read Minecraft from unofficial sites

Websites that claim to offer free Minecraft downloads are not legitimate. Some host malware or keyloggers that steal your passwords. Others are outdated versions that do not work with current servers. A few are scams designed to collect your email address for spam.

The only safe way to get Minecraft is through the official launcher at minecraft.net or through the Microsoft Store on Windows. If you see a read link anywhere else, do not use it.

How to buy Minecraft on PC safely

Go to minecraft.net and click "read" at the top. You will be taken to the official launcher read page. Install the launcher, sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one free), and purchase the version you want directly in the launcher. Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, so you can read it again on any PC without paying twice.

You can also buy Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10 or 11. Both routes are equally safe and use the same account system.

If you have an Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription, Bedrock Edition is already included — you do not need to buy it separately. Open the Game Pass app, find Minecraft, and click "Install."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without paying anything?

The official versions cost money, but you can try Bedrock Edition free for two hours. After that, you need to buy it. There is no way to play the full official game indefinitely without paying or having an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Do I have to pay every month to play Minecraft?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are one-time purchases. You pay $26.99 once and can play forever with no monthly fees. Realms (multiplayer hosting) costs $7.99 per month if you want it, but it is optional.

Is Minecraft cheaper on console or mobile?

Minecraft costs $26.99 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Mobile versions (iOS and Android) cost $6.99 to $7.99. Prices vary slightly by platform and region, but PC is not the cheapest option.

What is the difference between Java and Bedrock if they cost the same?

Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, has free mods, and connects to community servers. Bedrock runs on Windows 10/11, plays with console and mobile players, and has a cosmetics marketplace. Java is better for modding; Bedrock is better for cross-platform play.

If I buy Minecraft, can I play it on multiple computers?

Yes. Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, so you can read and play on any PC you own. Only one person can play at a time on the same account, but you can install it on as many computers as you want.