On Windows 11, you can install Minecraft through either the Microsoft Store or the official Minecraft.net launcher download. Both methods install the Minecraft Launcher first; after you sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the game, you download and install Java Edition or Bedrock Edition for Windows from inside the Launcher.
Before you start
- Use the Microsoft account that purchased or redeemed Minecraft. That same account must be used in the Launcher.
- Windows users currently get Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. The bundle lets you play both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition for Windows. See Minecraft’s official purchase and installation instructions.
- Make sure you have enough free storage and a working internet connection. The Launcher and the selected game edition are separate downloads.
If your Microsoft account does not own Minecraft, the Launcher shows a purchase option instead of an install option. You can also select a game in the Launcher and choose Buy Now.
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- Open the Microsoft Store from the Windows 11 Start menu.
- Search for Minecraft Launcher.
- Open the official Minecraft Launcher listing.
- Select Get or Install. The button can vary depending on your Windows setup and which products are already associated with your Microsoft account.
- Wait for the Microsoft Store to install the Launcher.
- Open Minecraft Launcher.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns or redeemed Minecraft.
- Select the PC game version you want to install, then select Play. The Launcher downloads and installs that edition.
The Store route does not install the full playable game merely by installing the Launcher. The Launcher is the hub for the PC versions, updates, snapshots, profiles, and supported mod-management features. The official route is documented in Minecraft’s download and installation guide.
Method 2: Download the Launcher from Minecraft.net
- Go to the official Minecraft download page.
- Under the Windows 10/11 category, select Download the Launcher.
- If the page presents the broader Download Minecraft & Server Software instructions, choose Download or See below for other options, then select the Windows launcher download.
- Open the downloaded Minecraft Launcher installer.
- Follow the installer’s on-screen steps to complete installation.
- Launch Minecraft Launcher and sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft.
- Select the PC edition you want, then select Play to download and install the game.
Minecraft’s official instructions do not require a command-line installation command. Download the installer only from Minecraft.net or use the Microsoft Store; avoid unofficial launcher downloads.
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- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
Which installation method should you use?
| Method | Best for | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store | Users who prefer Windows’ built-in app store and update system | The Store installs the Launcher, then the Launcher installs the selected game edition |
| Minecraft.net | Users who want the official standalone launcher download or cannot use the Store normally | You download and run the official installer, then install the game through the Launcher |
Neither method eliminates the Microsoft account requirement, and neither installs Java or Bedrock until you sign in and select Play for the edition you want.
How to update Minecraft and the Launcher
Check for Launcher updates
Open Minecraft Launcher, open Settings, and select About to check the Launcher’s update information.
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- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
Update Store-installed Minecraft applications
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Select Library in the lower-left corner.
- Select Get updates.
Microsoft’s Store wording can change; Minecraft’s official update instructions may refer to the equivalent action as Get Updated. Follow the current label shown in your Store.
How to reinstall Minecraft Launcher
If the Launcher is damaged or will not start, Minecraft’s current guidance is to download it again from the Microsoft Store or select Download Launcher on Minecraft.net.
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If you still have an older Minecraft Unified Launcher, use Minecraft’s official uninstall guidance for that old launcher before installing the newest version from an official source.
Back up your worlds before uninstalling and reinstalling. Minecraft’s troubleshooting guidance specifically recommends backing up worlds before taking that step. Removing or reinstalling the Launcher should not be treated as automatically harmless to locally stored world data.
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- A GIFT FOR PLAYERS — Give Minecraft players Minecoins to spend on content in the in-game Marketplace.
Fix Minecraft installation problems on Windows 11
The installation stalls or stops
Installation can stall through either the Microsoft Store or the Launcher. Minecraft recommends resetting the Microsoft Store or repairing the Launcher. Start with these options:
- Close the Store or Launcher and try the installation again.
- Use Windows’ app-repair settings to repair the Minecraft Launcher.
- Reset the Microsoft Store if the Store download or Launcher installation is stuck.
- Retry the installation after Windows and Microsoft Store updates finish.
For the official procedure, see Minecraft’s installation-stalling troubleshooting page.
The Launcher crashes, freezes, or says “This App Can’t Open”
The Launcher depends on the Microsoft Store app and related Windows gaming components, so a Store cache or Gaming Services problem can stop it from opening correctly. Minecraft lists these recovery options:
- Run the Gaming Services Repair Tool.
- Repair the Minecraft Launcher through Windows app-repair settings.
- Reset the Microsoft Store cache.
- Reinstall the Launcher after backing up worlds.
Use the detailed official guide to Launcher crashes and freezes for the current troubleshooting steps.
Quick Recap
The Launcher opens, but the game is unavailable
- Confirm that you signed in with the Microsoft account used to buy or redeem Minecraft.
- Check whether the Launcher shows a purchase prompt. If it does, the signed-in account may not own the game.
- Confirm that you selected the PC version and pressed Play to begin its separate download.
Common outdated advice to avoid
- “Java and Bedrock must be purchased separately on Windows.” The current PC product combines both editions for Windows owners.
- “Windows 11 only supports the Microsoft Store.” Minecraft officially provides both the Store route and the Minecraft.net launcher download.
- “Downloading the Launcher installs Minecraft immediately.” The Launcher installs first; the selected edition downloads after sign-in and selecting Play.
- “The download is labeled Windows 11 only.” The official page currently labels the Windows category Windows 10/11.
- “Uninstalling the Launcher cannot affect worlds.” Back up worlds before uninstalling and reinstalling, as Minecraft’s troubleshooting instructions advise.
Final checklist
- Download the Launcher from the Microsoft Store or Minecraft.net.
- Open the Launcher and sign in with the account that owns Minecraft.
- Select Java Edition or Bedrock Edition for Windows.
- Select Play and wait for the selected edition to download.
- Back up local worlds before repairing through uninstall-and-reinstall steps.
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