On Windows 10 and Windows 11, Minecraft Bedrock Edition is listed as Minecraft for Windows. To install it, download the official free Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store, then install Minecraft for Windows from inside the Launcher.
Before you start
You need:
- A supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Minecraft’s current published listing specifies Windows 10 version 19041.0 or newer.
- A Microsoft account.
- Access to the Microsoft Store.
- A PC purchase, gift entitlement, eligible Game Pass subscription, or access to the official free trial.
- Enough free storage. The published Bedrock requirements list 4 GB RAM and 4 GB storage as minimums, with 8 GB recommended for each. Minimum requirements do not guarantee smooth performance on every PC.
Check the official Minecraft product page for the latest requirements.
Install Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store
- Press the Windows key.
- Type Microsoft Store and open the app.
- Search for Minecraft Launcher.
- Select the official Launcher published by Microsoft or Mojang.
- Choose Get, Install, or the equivalent button shown by your version of Windows.
- When installation finishes, select Open. You can also start the Launcher later from the Start menu.
The Launcher is free, but installing it does not automatically give you the full game. You still need to own Minecraft or have an eligible subscription. See Microsoft’s official Launcher installation instructions.
Download Bedrock Edition inside the Launcher
- Open Minecraft Launcher.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or has the applicable Game Pass entitlement.
- In the Launcher’s game list or edition selector, choose Minecraft for Windows.
- Select Install if it has not yet been downloaded. In some account states, the button may instead say Play and begin the installation.
- Choose an installation location if the Launcher asks you to do so.
- Wait for the download and installation to finish.
- Select Play.
Do not choose Minecraft: Java Edition if you want Bedrock. Minecraft for Windows is the current Windows name for Bedrock Edition. The combined PC product is generally called Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Which Minecraft listing should you search for?
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minecraft for Windows | Bedrock Edition for Windows PC |
| Minecraft: Java Edition | The separate Java Edition |
| Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC | The PC bundle containing both editions |
| Minecraft Launcher | The official app used to install and manage the PC editions |
Searching only for “Minecraft Bedrock Edition” may not show the product name you expect. Search for Minecraft Launcher in the Store, then select Minecraft for Windows in the Launcher.
Already bought Minecraft? Do not buy it again
A previous PC purchase should be available when you sign in with the same Microsoft account used for that purchase. Microsoft accounts are especially important because the Store, Xbox services, Minecraft Launcher, and the original entitlement must point to the correct account.
Rank #2
- Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
- The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
- Cross platform play for up to five players between Pocket Edition and Windows 10
- Revamped touch controls, controller support, and a controller mapping screen
- Enhanced Weather effects! Accumulating snow and more
If you see Buy instead of Install or Play:
- Check which Microsoft account is signed in to the Microsoft Store.
- Check the account inside Minecraft Launcher.
- Sign out and sign back in with the account that made the purchase.
- Check Minecraft.net and your account’s game library.
- Confirm that the purchase was for Windows PC, not only Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android, or iOS.
These are likely explanations rather than a guaranteed diagnosis. Do not purchase a second copy until you have confirmed the account and platform entitlement. Minecraft’s official buying guide explains how previously purchased PC copies appear in the account library.
Installing Minecraft with Game Pass
Eligible Game Pass subscriptions can provide access to Minecraft for Windows. The exact included tiers, names, prices, and catalog can change, so check the live Xbox/Microsoft Store listing.
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- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- 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).
The installation steps are the same: install Minecraft Launcher, sign in with the Microsoft account connected to the subscription, choose Minecraft for Windows, and select Install or Play. Subscription-based access normally depends on keeping the eligible subscription active.
Buying the standard PC bundle is the simpler long-term choice if Minecraft is the only game you intend to play. Deluxe and Ultimate collections add digital extras such as Minecoins and add-ons; choose them only if you specifically want those inclusions.
Rank #4
- The classic UNO card game builds fun on game night with a Minecraft theme.
- UNO Minecraft features a deck and storage tin decorated with graphics from the popular video game.
- Players match colors and numbers to the card on top of the discard pile as in the classic game.
- The Creeper card unique to this deck forces other players to draw 3 cards.
- Makes a great gift for kid, teen, adult and family game nights with 2 to 10 players ages 7 years and older, especially Minecraft and video game fans.
If Minecraft for Windows does not appear
- Confirm that the Launcher is signed in to the correct Microsoft account.
- Close and reopen the Launcher.
- Sign out of the Launcher, then sign back in.
- Install pending Windows and Microsoft Store updates.
- Restart the PC.
- Check that your Windows version, RAM, graphics hardware, processor, and storage meet the published requirements.
- Make sure you are viewing the Launcher’s game selector, not only the Java Edition page.
- Use the official Minecraft download and troubleshooting page.
Installing the Launcher from the Store is only the first stage. The Bedrock game files are normally downloaded after you select Minecraft for Windows inside the Launcher.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Minecraft for Windows versus Java Edition
| Feature | Minecraft for Windows / Bedrock | Java Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Yes | Yes |
| macOS and Linux | Not the normal PC Bedrock version | Yes |
| Play with consoles and mobile devices | Supported, subject to account and service limitations | No direct Bedrock cross-play |
| Marketplace | Yes | No equivalent official Marketplace |
| World and save compatibility | Separate from Java | Separate from Bedrock |
Java and Bedrock are separate editions even when they come in the same PC bundle. Java worlds and saves are not automatically interchangeable with Bedrock worlds. Bedrock supports broad cross-platform play, but that does not mean every edition, server, feature, or online service is compatible with every other platform.
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- The Minecraft Labyrinth invites 2-4 people aged 7 and over to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft, move corridors and search for hidden characters and items
- The classic in the look of the well-known and popular computer game Minecraft! The labyrinth has been delighting children and adults for decades and has become a highlight among board games
- A fun family game for children and adults: This board game for ages 7 and up is a must-have in any game collection! Simple rules, entertaining games and exciting rounds ensure long-lasting fun
- A search and slide game that challenges and encourages logical thinking in a playful way
- A great gift or souvenir for all Minecraft fans: the characteristic illustrations provide an authentic gaming experience
Want to try Minecraft first?
Minecraft offers an official Bedrock free-trial option for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The general process is to download the appropriate software, sign in or create a Microsoft account, and launch the trial. Availability and conditions can vary by region and account. Use the official Minecraft free-trial page.
Stay with official downloads
Use the Microsoft Store, Minecraft.net, or an official Xbox/Microsoft Store product page. Avoid cracked launchers, unofficial repacks, fake “Bedrock APK for PC” pages, and third-party download sites that may bundle malware or steal account credentials.
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