The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you own Minecraft for Windows (the Bedrock edition for PC), sign in to the Minecraft Launcher with the Microsoft account that bought it and select Minecraft: Java Edition. Minecraft says owning one PC edition entitles you to the other. In the Launcher, Play or Install means Java is shown as owned; Buy Now means it is not shown as owned on that account.
A Bedrock purchase on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android, or iOS does not by itself establish that you own Java for PC. Check the PC Launcher or Microsoft Store while signed in to the account you intend to use.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 | $42.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 (Renewed) | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Check whether your Bedrock purchase qualifies
The free second-edition entitlement applies to the PC editions. Minecraft’s guidance says Windows 10 or 11 PC owners can get both Java and Bedrock. The PC bundle was released on June 7, 2022. The entitlement is tied to the Microsoft account that owns the PC game, so check that account before buying anything.
| Your situation | What to do | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| You own Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) on PC | Sign in to the purchasing Microsoft account and check Java in the Launcher or Microsoft Store. | The other PC edition should be available on that account. |
| You own Bedrock only on a console or mobile device | Check the PC product page and your PC account library separately. | That console or mobile purchase is not proof of Java PC ownership. |
| You have an old, unmigrated Mojang Java account | Contact current official account support about your specific account issue. | The migration process has ended; the old migration route is no longer available. |
Minecraft describes Java Edition as available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Bedrock is available on Windows as well as consoles and mobile devices, but a license on one of those other platforms should not be treated as a PC license.
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- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
How to find and install Java Edition
- On a Windows 10 or 11 PC, open the Minecraft Launcher. If needed, install the official Launcher from Minecraft’s download page.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase Minecraft for PC. It is not enough to be signed in to Windows or Xbox with an account that did not buy the game.
- Select Minecraft: Java Edition in the Launcher. If the button says Play or Install, the Launcher shows that edition as owned on the signed-in account. Select it to play or install.
- Alternatively, open the Java & Bedrock Edition for PC product page in the Microsoft Store while signed in to the same account, then check the ownership or install status.
- If Java is not shown as owned, confirm both the account and the platform of your Bedrock purchase. If the account still does not show Java PC ownership, the official product is Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC.
If the Launcher says “Buy Now”
- Verify the account. Use the Microsoft account that purchased the PC game, rather than assuming the account currently active in Windows or Xbox is the right one.
- Check the platform. A Bedrock purchase on console or mobile does not establish PC ownership. Check the PC product page separately.
- Check both official storefronts. Review Java in the Launcher and the PC product page in the Microsoft Store while signed in to the same account.
- For a prepaid code, confirm it was entered correctly, has not already been redeemed, and was redeemed to the account you are checking. Minecraft requires an active Microsoft account for code redemption; details are on the official redemption page.
- For an old Mojang account, migration ended on December 18, 2023. Minecraft Help says support no longer assists with migration-related queries. The cutoff does not determine whether a particular account can be recovered, so consult current official account support for that account.
Choose the edition your friends play
Java and Bedrock are separate editions and do not directly play together in the ordinary cross-play setup described by Minecraft. Java multiplayer supports Windows, Mac, and Linux; Bedrock cross-play supports Windows and a range of consoles and mobile devices. Before installing Java, check which edition and devices your friends use, since that determines which version you need for multiplayer.
For Minecraft’s edition comparison and platform details, see its Java-versus-Bedrock guide. The 2022 bundle announcement explained the PC entitlement at launch, but its rollout timing was specific to that 2022 launch and is not a current wait-time promise.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
- access new mini games and game modes through servers
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
