The current PC version of Minecraft is Java Edition 1.21.1, released in October 2024
Minecraft on PC comes in two separate products: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition 1.21.1 is the latest version, and it is the one most players on Windows, Mac, and Linux use when they buy Minecraft directly from Mojang. Bedrock Edition, which runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store, is on version 1.21.51 as of late 2024. The version number you see depends entirely on which edition you own and which platform you are running it on.
If you bought Minecraft before 2017, you almost certainly have Java Edition. If you bought it through the Microsoft Store after 2017, or if you own Game Pass for PC, you have Bedrock Edition. The two editions do not share worlds, do not use the same launcher, and do not play together online — they are different games that happen to share the same name and core mechanics.
Key Takeaways
- Java Edition 1.21.1 is the current version for players who own the original Minecraft launcher, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Bedrock Edition 1.21.51 is the current version for players using the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- You can check your exact version number in the launcher before you start the game, or in the pause menu once you are in a world.
- Java Edition updates arrive roughly every three to four months, while Bedrock Edition updates are more frequent and often include features Java Edition does not have.
- Owning one edition does not give you the other — they are separate purchases unless you have Game Pass for PC.
How to find your current version number
Open your Minecraft launcher. On Java Edition, the version number appears in the bottom left corner of the launcher window before you click Play. It shows something like "1.21.1" next to the word "Latest Release". If you have multiple versions installed, you can click the dropdown to see which one you are about to launch.
On Bedrock Edition, open the launcher and look at the bottom right corner of the window. The version number appears there as well, usually formatted as "1.21.51" or similar. Once you are inside a world, you can also pause the game and look at the top of the pause menu — the version number is displayed there too.
The difference between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition versions
Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are developed separately and do not stay in sync. Java Edition 1.21.1 and Bedrock Edition 1.21.51 are not the same version, even though the first number is similar. Bedrock Edition often receives updates more frequently and sometimes gets features before Java Edition does — for example, Bedrock Edition had the Caves and Cliffs update split across multiple releases while Java Edition received it in two major updates.
Java Edition is the original version and remains the choice for players who want mods, custom servers, and the most control over their game. Bedrock Edition is designed to work across multiple platforms (Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile) and prioritizes cross-platform play. If you play on multiple devices, Bedrock Edition lets you use the same world on your PC, phone, and console. Java Edition does not.
When updates arrive and what they include
Java Edition typically receives a major update every three to four months. The 1.21 update arrived in June 2024, and 1.21.1 followed in October 2024. Between major versions, Mojang releases smaller updates that fix bugs and sometimes add minor features. You do not have to read these updates manually — your launcher handles them automatically the next time you start the game.
Bedrock Edition updates arrive more frequently, sometimes multiple times per month. These updates often include bug fixes, balance changes, and new features. Because Bedrock Edition runs on so many different devices, updates are tested more extensively before release to avoid breaking compatibility with consoles and mobile devices.
What happens if you do not update
If you do not update to the latest version, you can still play single-player worlds and local multiplayer games. However, you cannot join multiplayer servers or Realms that are running a newer version. Most public servers and Realms update automatically, so you will be locked out of them if your game falls too far behind. The launcher will prompt you to update before you can join any online world, so you cannot accidentally join with an outdated version.
Keeping your game updated also ensures you receive security patches and bug fixes. Mojang regularly patches exploits and stability issues, so running an old version leaves you vulnerable to problems that have already been fixed.
How to update your game
On Java Edition, open the launcher and click the Play button. If an update is available, the launcher will read and install it automatically before the game starts. You do not need to do anything — just wait for the progress bar to finish. If you want to check for updates manually, look at the version dropdown in the bottom left and select "Latest Release".
On Bedrock Edition, open the Microsoft Store, go to your library, find Minecraft, and look for an Update button. If one appears, click it to read the latest version. If no Update button is visible, you are already on the current version. Bedrock Edition can also update automatically in the background if you have automatic updates enabled in your Windows settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Java Edition 1.21.1 with someone on Bedrock Edition 1.21.51?
No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition cannot play together under any circumstances. They are separate games with different code bases. If you want to play with someone on Bedrock Edition, you need to own Bedrock Edition yourself.
What if I want to stay on an older version of Java Edition?
You can. Open the Java Edition launcher, click the version dropdown in the bottom left, and select any older version you want to play. Your worlds are compatible with older versions as long as you do not use features from newer updates. However, you will not be able to join servers running newer versions.
Do I have to pay for updates?
No. All updates to both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are free. You pay once when you buy the game, and all future updates are included. Game Pass for PC also includes Bedrock Edition with all updates at no additional cost.
Why does my launcher say "Latest Release" but I think there is a newer version?
Check the Minecraft launcher website or the official Minecraft launcher itself — the version number shown in the launcher is always correct. If your launcher shows 1.21.1 as Latest Release, that is the current version. Version numbers sometimes look confusing because Bedrock Edition uses a different numbering system than Java Edition.
Will my old worlds work in the new version?
Yes. Minecraft worlds are forward-compatible, meaning a world created in version 1.20 will work in version 1.21.1. However, worlds are not backward-compatible — if you create a world in 1.21.1 and then try to open it in 1.20, it will not work.