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Windows 11 supports both Minecraft editions through the current Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC bundle. You can install the Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store or download its installer from Minecraft.net. In either case, the Launcher is installed first; the actual Java or Bedrock game files download afterward.
Before you install Minecraft on Windows 11
- Use the Microsoft account that owns or will purchase Minecraft.
- Have an active internet connection for the Launcher and game download.
- Make sure Windows 11 is up to date, particularly if the Microsoft Store or Xbox-related services are not working correctly.
The Windows PC bundle provides access to both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows, which is the Bedrock Edition. You do not normally need to buy Java and Bedrock separately when purchasing the current PC product.
Method 1: Install Minecraft from the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Search for Minecraft Launcher.
- Open the official Minecraft Launcher listing. Check the publisher and listing before installing.
- Select Get or Install. The button can vary depending on your Windows installation and whether Minecraft is already associated with your Microsoft account.
- Wait for the Store to download and install the Launcher.
- Select Open, or launch Minecraft Launcher from Start.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft.
- Choose the PC edition you want to install, such as Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows.
- Select Install or Play, depending on the screen shown. The Launcher will download the selected game.
The Store installs the Launcher, not the complete playable game by itself. The edition-specific download starts inside the Launcher after you sign in and choose a game.
Microsoft Store installation guidance is available in Minecraft’s official Launcher installation instructions.
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Method 2: Download the Launcher from Minecraft.net
- Open the official Minecraft download page.
- Under the Windows 10/11 section, select Download the Launcher.
- When the download finishes, open the downloaded Minecraft Launcher installer.
- Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
- Open the Launcher from the Start menu.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account used to purchase or redeem Minecraft.
- Select Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows.
- Select Play to download and install the selected edition.
The official instructions do not require a Command Prompt or PowerShell command. Download the installer only from Minecraft.net or the Microsoft Store; avoid third-party “Minecraft launcher” downloads.
What to do if Minecraft asks you to buy the game
If the Launcher shows Buy Now instead of an install or Play button, it is usually signed in with a Microsoft account that does not own Minecraft. Sign out of the Launcher and sign in again with the account used to buy or redeem the game.
You can also purchase the PC bundle from the official Minecraft website or from inside the Launcher by selecting a game and choosing Buy Now. Buying the game with one Microsoft account does not transfer ownership to a different account.
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Choose Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows
| Edition | Usually best for |
|---|---|
| Java Edition | PC servers, Java mods, mod loaders, and the traditional Java version of Minecraft. |
| Minecraft for Windows | Bedrock cross-play with supported consoles and mobile devices, and the Windows version distributed through Microsoft services. |
Both editions can be installed and launched from the same Windows Launcher when your Microsoft account owns the PC bundle. They use different game versions and settings, so installing one does not automatically install the other.
How to update Minecraft on Windows 11
Update the Minecraft Launcher
- Open Minecraft Launcher.
- Open Settings.
- Select About.
- Check for the available Launcher update or follow the update prompt shown there.
Update Microsoft Store components
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Select Library in the lower-left corner.
- Select Get updates. Microsoft may use slightly different wording, such as Get Updated, depending on the Store version.
Updating the Store is useful when the Launcher will not install, opens to a blank window, or reports that a required component cannot be downloaded.
Fix Minecraft installation problems
The installation is stuck or stops
If the download remains at the same percentage or stops, first close and reopen the Microsoft Store and Launcher. Then check for Store updates and retry the installation. Minecraft’s official troubleshooting guidance also recommends resetting the Microsoft Store or repairing the Launcher.
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Reset the Microsoft Store cache
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
wsreset.exe. - Press Enter.
- Wait for the cache reset to finish and for the Store to open.
- Try installing or updating the Launcher again.
Repair or reset the Launcher
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Minecraft Launcher.
- Select the three-dot menu next to it, then choose Advanced options.
- Select Repair and test the Launcher.
- If repair does not help, return to the same screen and select Reset.
Resetting app data may require you to sign in again. Do not uninstall the Launcher before backing up any worlds that are stored locally. Minecraft’s troubleshooting guidance specifically recommends backing up worlds before uninstalling and reinstalling.
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The Launcher crashes, freezes, or says “This App Can’t Open”
Install pending Windows and Microsoft Store updates, then restart the computer. If the problem continues, use the Gaming Services Repair Tool, repair the Launcher from Windows app settings, reset the Microsoft Store cache, or reinstall the Launcher. These problems can be caused by Microsoft Store or Gaming Services components rather than by the Minecraft game files themselves.
Reinstall the Minecraft Launcher
Back up local worlds before removing the Launcher. After that, uninstall the Launcher from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, restart Windows, and download it again from either the official Minecraft download page or the Microsoft Store.
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If you have an older application called Minecraft Unified Launcher, use Minecraft’s official old-launcher uninstall instructions before installing the current Launcher. Reinstalling the Launcher does not replace the need to sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Official sources
- Download and install the Minecraft Launcher
- Minecraft for PC purchase and installation information
- Fix Minecraft installation stalling or stopping on Windows
- Fix Minecraft Launcher crashes and freezes
FAQ
Is Minecraft available for Windows 11?
Yes. Minecraft supports Windows 11 through the Minecraft Launcher. The current PC product includes Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows, the Bedrock Edition.
Can I install Minecraft without the Microsoft Store?
Yes. Go to Minecraft.net, open the Download page, choose Download the Launcher under Windows 10/11, run the installer, and sign in through the Launcher.
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Do I need to buy Java and Bedrock separately on Windows 11?
No, the current Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC bundle provides both editions for Windows users who own the product.
Why does Minecraft show Buy Now instead of Play?
The Launcher is probably signed in with a Microsoft account that does not own or redeem Minecraft. Sign in with the account used for the purchase.
Does installing the Minecraft Launcher install the game?
No. The Launcher is installed first. After signing in, select Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows and choose Play to download the selected game.
Will uninstalling the Launcher delete my worlds?
You should back up local worlds before uninstalling. Minecraft’s troubleshooting instructions recommend making a backup before removing and reinstalling the Launcher.
The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 users, the simplest route is to install Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store, sign in with the owning Microsoft account, and select Play for Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows. If the Store is not working, download the Launcher directly from Minecraft.net. The two official routes install the same Launcher and still require a separate in-Launcher game download.
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