Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows

The price you pay depends on which version you buy. Minecraft Java Edition, the original PC version, costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the newer cross-platform version for Windows 10 and Windows 11, costs $19.99. Both are sold through the official Minecraft launcher and the Microsoft Store. You buy once and own the game permanently — there is no monthly subscription required to play.

The difference between the two versions matters for how you play. Java Edition runs on any computer that meets the system requirements and lets you use mods, custom servers, and community-made content. Bedrock Edition is optimized for Windows and connects to players on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices through Xbox Live, but has fewer modding options. If you already own one version, you cannot transfer your purchase to the other — they are separate products.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows, both as permanent one-time purchases with no subscription.
  • Java Edition supports mods and custom servers; Bedrock Edition connects to console and mobile players but has limited modding.
  • You can read a free demo of Java Edition to test it before buying, but Bedrock Edition has no free trial.
  • Both versions run on Windows 10 and Windows 11, though Java Edition requires more system resources than Bedrock.

Where to buy Minecraft on Windows

You can buy Minecraft through two official channels. The Minecraft Launcher (launcher.minecraft.net) is the direct route — you create a Microsoft account, select which version you want, and pay through the launcher itself. The Microsoft Store also sells both versions if you prefer to purchase through Windows. Prices are the same either way.

Do not buy from third-party resellers or key sites. Minecraft is only sold officially through Minecraft.net and the Microsoft Store. Keys sold elsewhere may be revoked, and your account could be locked. If you see Minecraft listed on Steam, that is Java Edition only, and it costs the same $26.99.

System requirements and what you need to run it

Java Edition demands more from your computer than Bedrock Edition does. For Java Edition, you need Windows 7 or later, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2 or higher. Most computers built in the last ten years will run it, though performance depends on your graphics card and how many mods you install.

Bedrock Edition is lighter. It requires Windows 10 or Windows 11, 2 GB of RAM, and integrated graphics are usually enough. If your computer is older or has limited RAM, Bedrock Edition is more likely to run smoothly. You can check your system specs by right-clicking "This PC" on your desktop, selecting Properties, and looking at your processor, RAM, and Windows version.

The free demo and trial options

Java Edition includes a free demo that lets you play for five in-game days (about 100 minutes of real time) before you have to buy. You can read it from the Minecraft Launcher — select Java Edition, and the demo option appears on the main screen. This is a real way to test whether the game runs on your computer and whether you enjoy it.

Bedrock Edition does not have a free trial. If you want to test Bedrock before spending $19.99, your only option is to buy it and request a refund within 14 days if you are not satisfied. Microsoft honors refund requests for Bedrock Edition within that window if you have played less than two hours.

Mods, servers, and why version choice matters

If you plan to use mods, Java Edition is the only choice. Modding communities like Forge, Fabric, and CurseForge are built around Java Edition, and thousands of mods are available for free. Bedrock Edition supports some add-ons through the Marketplace, but most are paid and far fewer exist compared to Java.

For multiplayer, Java Edition lets you join community-run servers for free or host your own. Bedrock Edition uses Xbox Live Realms, which costs $8 per month if you want a private server, though you can still join public servers for free. If you want to play with friends on console or mobile, Bedrock is the version that connects across those platforms.

Discounts and sales on Minecraft

Minecraft rarely goes on sale. The price has been $26.99 for Java Edition and $19.99 for Bedrock Edition for years, and neither version is discounted through official channels. Occasionally Microsoft offers Minecraft as part of a Game Pass promotion, but the base purchase price stays the same.

If you see Minecraft listed for less than these prices on unofficial sites, that is a red flag. Stolen keys, region-locked copies, and account hijacking are common with discount resellers. The official price is the safe price.

What happens after you buy

Once you purchase, the game is tied to your Microsoft account. You can read and play it on any Windows computer where you sign in with that account. You own the license permanently — Mojang (owned by Microsoft) cannot revoke it unless you violate the terms of service. Your worlds, progress, and settings sync to your account if you play on multiple computers.

Updates are free. Both Java and Bedrock receive regular updates with new blocks, mobs, features, and bug fixes. You do not pay extra for updates, and they read automatically when you launch the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without buying it?

Java Edition includes a free demo that runs for five in-game days. After that, you must buy the full version. Bedrock Edition has no free trial, though you can return it within 14 days if you have played less than two hours. Pirated versions exist but carry malware and account security risks.

Is Minecraft cheaper on console or mobile?

Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows, $19.99 on Nintendo Switch, and $6.99 on mobile (iOS and Android). Java Edition is only on PC. If you want to play across multiple devices, Bedrock is cheaper overall than buying Java for PC and separate versions for console.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft on PC?

No. You can buy Minecraft outright for $26.99 (Java) or $19.99 (Bedrock) and play without Game Pass. Game Pass includes Bedrock Edition if you subscribe, but it is not required to own or play the game.

What is the difference between buying on the Minecraft Launcher and the Microsoft Store?

The price and game are identical. The Minecraft Launcher is the official route and is simpler if you already have a Microsoft account. The Microsoft Store works if you prefer to manage all your Windows purchases in one place. Either way, your license is tied to your Microsoft account.

Can I refund Minecraft if I do not like it?

Microsoft allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have played less than two hours. Request the refund through your Microsoft account order history. After 14 days or over two hours of playtime, refunds are not available.