Wonder how to download minecraft it’s the first step on a journey that will lead you to one of the most beautiful and innovative games ever made. Luckily, we’re here to help you further down that path, with a step-by-step guide on how to download the sandbox game, including its different versions, from all available sources.
From its beautifully ethereal soundtrack to the addictive feel of yet another trip down the mines (you gotta get those diamonds), it’s easy to see how Minecraft has become one of the best PC games of all time. Throw in Minecraft mods, maps, and annual content changes, like the upcoming 1.20 Trails and Tales update, and it’s hard to get bored of the survival game. It’s relatively easy to buy, download and install Minecraft through Microsoft, and you can download it for free with Game Pass, so we’ll cover both, but with different versions available to buy and download, it can be hard to say. where to start. So here is everything you need to know about how to download Minecraft on PC.
How to Download Minecraft on PC
Downloading Minecraft on PC now requires the Minecraft Launcher, which is your central hub for all Minecraft editions and games. Whether you already own the game or not, you can download the launcher for free, select the game or edition, then purchase and install directly from there.
You can download the Minecraft launcher from various sources:
Download Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net
To download Minecraft Launcher from the official Minecraft site:
- And a Minecraft.net.
- Click “Get Minecraft” in the upper right corner.
- Select ‘Computer’, then choose the Deluxe edition or the Standard edition.
- Follow the instructions to purchase and download Minecraft.
If you already own Minecraft, make sure you’re signed in to Minecraft.net with your Microsoft account and scroll down after step two above. Under the platform options, you will see a button that says “Download Minecraft again”. Click on it and you will be taken to the download screen for existing Minecraft owners.
Download Minecraft Launcher with Game Pass
This method requires you to be a Game Pass PC or Game Pass Ultimate subscriber. If so, here’s how to download Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass:
- Visit the Minecraft page on the Microsoft Store.
- With membership, you will see the option to download “Minecraft Java and Bedrock Version for PC”, which includes the free launcher.
- Click the download button and follow the next steps that appear (these may vary slightly depending on your device).
You can only play Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass as long as you have an active Game Pass subscription. If you decide to cancel your subscription at any time, you will still have access to the free launcher, but you will need to purchase the full game.
Download Minecraft on Amazon
- Visit the Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft product page.
- Buy the game.
- Under ‘Your Account’, click ‘Games and Software Library’.
- Follow the instructions to download the launcher to your device. You will need to sign in or create a Microsoft account.
How to download Minecraft from the official launcher
Once you have installed Minecraft Launcher, you can download any Minecraft game on your PC, including Minecraft Dungeons and the upcoming Minecraft Legends.
- Sign in to Minecraft Launcher with your Microsoft account.
- Select the game you want to download from the list on the left side, if you have Game Pass you will have access to all released games.
- If the game is already installed, you will see a big “Play” button, if not, it will say “Install”.
- Click on the “Install” button and the game will be installed in the launcher.
As soon as the installation is complete, the button will show ‘Play’.
If you don’t own the game or don’t have Game Pass, you won’t be able to download the file, but you will be taken to a screen to buy the game. Follow the instructions to buy the game and return to the launcher to download it.
Different versions of Minecraft
There are several different versions of Minecraft which can be confusing for those planning to play the game for the first time. Here is an overview of the different versions you are likely to encounter:
- Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock: Nowadays, if you buy Minecraft for PC, you will get Java and Bedrock editions together. When you read “Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition” above, it refers to the launcher with both games installed. You can read their differences below.
- bedrock editing– It is basically an amalgamation of Windows 10 edition, Pocket edition and legacy console editions. It was designed to be a full edition, playable on consoles and PC, with crossplay enabled between them. However, cross-play is not possible between Bedrock and the Java Edition.
- java edition– It is the original and main version of Minecraft which has been available for over a decade. It differs from Bedrock Edition in that it’s only available to play on PC, and you’ll find that most Minecraft PC players use this version, thanks to the slightly different modding abilities and mechanics. However, Mojang Studios is working towards parity between Bedrock and Java editions.
- minecraft pocket edition– If you plan to play on a mobile device, you may have heard of Minecraft: Pocket Edition. However, this is an outdated version of the game, which has since been absorbed into Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
- Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition– This may also seem like an option for anyone playing on PC, but this too has been merged into Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and is no longer available.
If you want to download Minecraft on your mobile phone, you need to follow additional steps:
- If you are using Android, you can download Minecraft Bedrock Edition from the Play Store.
- If you’re using an iPhone, you can purchase Minecraft Bedrock Edition directly from the Apple App Store.
Once you’ve downloaded it and it’s ready, we hope you have a lot of fun playing Minecraft. Once you get started, you might be interested in our guide to the best Minecraft seeds, which can be used in both Bedrock and Java editions, and our article on cool Minecraft builds, which can help you. give inspiration for yourself. the creations. .