MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS
This article answers basic questions about the Minecraft Launcher for Windows.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
A new launcher is now available in the Microsoft Store, enabling you to start Minecraft Dungeons, Java Edition, and Bedrock Edition all from the same place.
CAN I PLAY MINECRAFT: BEDROCK EDITION, MINECRAFT: JAVA EDITION, MINECRAFT DUNGEONS, OR MINECRAFT LEGENDS WITHOUT THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS?
Although you don’t have to utilize it, having all of your Minecraft games available from one place will save you time.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER?
It is available for download from the Microsoft Store.
WHERE DO I INSTALL THE LAUNCHER?
To prevent any potential problems, please install the Launcher on your C: drive for the time being.
MAY I USE THE NEW LAUNCHER IF I ALREADY OWN ONE OR MORE GAMES ON THE MICROSOFT STORE?
Sure, It is intended to house all of your past, present, and future Minecraft games in one location. To get the latest Launcher and begin mining, simply click the aforementioned link.
IS THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FREE?
The games themselves require separate purchases in order to be played, however, the launcher is free.
CAN I ACCESS ALL GAMES AUTOMATICALLY WITH THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS?
No, you still have to buy Minecraft separately. Recall that you may access both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition with a single purchase thanks to the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC bundle.
To access Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, and Minecraft Dungeons, you can also subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for PC or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
WHICH PLATFORMS WILL THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER RUN ON?
Windows 10 (May 2019 Update), version 1903, or later.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS FROM THE MINECRAFT UNIFIED LAUNCHER?
The Minecraft Unified Launcher was designed for Windows 7/8 and only launched Java Edition and Minecraft Dungeons. These games as well as Minecraft: Bedrock Edition can be launched with the Minecraft Launcher for Windows, which is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
COMPARED TO THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS, HOW ARE MINECRAFT DUNGEONS DIFFERENT?
The purchase entitlements for the game and any owned downloadable content (DLC) packs are available on both the old and Windows versions of the Minecraft Launcher if you bought Minecraft Dungeons from minecraftdungeons.net or the Microsoft Store.
To play, make sure you are logged in with the Microsoft Account that is the owner of the Minecraft Dungeons.
IS THERE GOING TO BE A MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS THAT OFFERS MINECRAFT EDUCATION?
No, the launcher used by Minecraft Education is unique. Here is more information about Minecraft education: The Official Minecraft Website | Minecraft Education.
CAN I ACCESS MINECRAFT STORY MODE USING THIS LAUNCHER?
No, there is no longer any development or support for Minecraft Story Mode.
A FEW MONTHS/YEARS AGO, I RECEIVED A MINECRAFT FOR WINDOWS CODE AND I PLAY JAVA EDITION. WHAT SETS THIS APART FROM THAT?
When redeemed through the Windows Store, the Minecraft for Windows coupons are redeemable for one copy of the game. This new launcher allows you to access your copy of Minecraft rather than a copy of the game itself.
Note:
DOES THE OLD LAUNCHER NEED TO BE UNINSTALLED?
Although it is not necessary, we highly advise uninstalling the previous launcher (Minecraft Unified Launcher) to reduce confusion. Should you choose to remove the previous launcher?
Q&A ABOUT THE ACCOUNT
CAN I USE THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER FOR WINDOWS WITHOUT A MICROSOFT ACCOUNT?
Indeed, in order to get the updated Launcher from the Microsoft Store, you will want a Microsoft account.
WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR MY ACCOUNT(S)?
Using your Microsoft account, you can log in. Please get in touch with Xbox support if you need assistance logging into your Microsoft account.
CONCERNING THE MIGRATION OF MICROSOFT ACCOUNTS, I HAVE A QUESTION
Our Minecraft: Java Edition Account Migration FAQ contains the answers.
TO PLAY MY GAMES, HOW DO I SWITCH BETWEEN MY MICROSOFT ACCOUNTS?
Your username can be clicked in the upper left corner. Click the drop-down menu and choose Switch Account. This will open a new window where you can log in to a different Microsoft account. This option will let you switch between any additional accounts that have been added.
Another option is to access Settings and select the Accounts tab. You can add new accounts or switch existing ones by doing this as well. It is important to remember that you can only have one Microsoft account open at any given time.
HOW CAN I PLAY IF I CAN’T SEE MY GAMES OR FIND A “PLAY” BUTTON TO PRESS?
It’s possible that the Store and Launcher have separate Microsoft accounts linked to you. Make sure the account you use to log into the Minecraft Launcher is the same one you use to log into the Microsoft Store.
Click here to access the Store and check or change the active account. On the upper left corner of the screen, you will see your account information (or a sign-in option if you are not already).
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
UPDATING THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER HOW DO I DO THAT?
You will be prompted to upgrade whenever a new version becomes available. You can check the launcher’s settings to manually update.
WAYS TO ENSURE I HAVE THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER AND NOT THE ANCIENT UNIFIED LAUNCHER?
By entering the “Settings” menu and choosing the “About” option, you can see which Launcher you are now using. You can see what each Launcher will look like by clicking on the screenshots below.
THE LATEST WINDOWS LAUNCHER FOR MINECRAFT:
Previous Minecraft Unified Launcher (Win32):
ARE THERE ANY WINDOWS BETA VERSIONS OF THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER THAT I CAN ACCESS?
You can click the option labeled “Use the beta version of the launcher” in the settings if you have the Minecraft Launcher for Windows installed.
ARE THE PROFILES AND INSTALLATIONS FOR MINECRAFT: JAVA EDITION TRANSFERABLE TO THE NEW LAUNCHER?
Please take the following actions if your installations and profiles have not been transferred over:
- Slide open the folder %appdata%/.minecraft
- Duplicate launcher_profiles.json.
- Remove the Microsoft Store launcher profiles.json file.
- Launcher_profiles.json should be renamed launcher_profiles_microsoft_store.json after being copied.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO CREATE A DESKTOP SHORTCUT FOR THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER?
Launch the Xbox PC app. You will see icons for the titles you own on the right-hand side. ‘Create desktop shortcut’ is the option that appears when you right-click on the Launcher icon.
CURRENT SAVE FILES FOR MINECRAFT DUNGEONS: WHAT HAPPENS?
Your saved files will be automatically detected by the new launcher. You ought to be able to continue where you left off as soon as you log into the new launcher.
- This data is by default found in %HOMEPATH%\Saved Games\Mojang Studios\Dungeons for Minecraft Dungeons.
- All of your saves, worlds, and other content will transfer over because the new launcher for Java Edition uses the exact same data found in yours. minecraft folder. Both new and old launchers will recognize changes you make to a setting in. minecraft.
- There will be no modifications to Bedrock; nonetheless, the default save location is %LocalAppData%\Packages\com.mojang\minecraftWorlds, Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\games.
I’M FINDING IT HARD TO USE THE WINDOWS MINECRAFT LAUNCHER. MAY YOU ASSIST?
Please describe your problem in full when contacting Minecraft Support. When appropriate, kindly share screenshots.
CAN I REPORT ERRORS IN THE MINECRAFT LAUNCHER HERE?
To find bugs you’ve found, please visit https://aka.ms/MCBugTrackerHelp.
IS THE GAME’S BETA VERSION ACCESSIBLE IN THE LAUNCHER?
Right now, the only versions of Minecraft Bedrock Edition that are available are the published versions.
You can play on both new snapshots and previous releases of Minecraft Java Edition.
DOES THIS IMPLY THAT BEDROCK AND JAVA PLAYERS CAN CROSS-PLAY?
It is not possible to play Java Edition games on Bedrock.
CAN I USE MY MODS WITH THE NEW LAUNCHER?
Before uninstalling the previous launcher, you must move any installed game modifications or launchers to the new installation location of the Minecraft Launcher for Windows. For further information, please contact your mod creator.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum | Optimum | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher, Xbox One | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher, Xbox One |
| Architecture | ARM, x64, x86 | ARM, x64, x86 |
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Motion controller | Not specified | Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers |
DESIRE A VARIABLE FLAVOR?
Not an issue! A range of download choices are available here: