You can download the official Minecraft Launcher and try Minecraft for free on a Windows 10 PC, but the full game is not free. Minecraft offers limited Java and Bedrock trials, each allowing approximately 100 minutes of in-game time—about five in-game days—with the duration varying slightly by device, according to Minecraft’s official free-trial page.
Start at Minecraft’s official free-trial page to choose a Windows trial, or get the Launcher from Minecraft’s download page or the Microsoft Store. The Launcher is free, but downloading it does not unlock a paid edition. Avoid unofficial copies and installers.
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What you can play for free
| Option | Windows 10 PC availability | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Java Edition trial | Available through Minecraft’s official free-trial instructions | Approximately 100 minutes of in-game time; offline and LAN play are allowed, but online servers are disabled |
| Bedrock Edition trial | Listed for Windows 10/11 on Minecraft’s official free-trial page | Approximately 100 minutes of in-game time; offline and LAN play are allowed, but online servers are disabled |
| Full Minecraft for PC | Available through the official PC product listing | Requires purchase unless you already own it; existing owners can reinstall using the Microsoft account used for the purchase |
Minecraft’s official trial page says both editions provide approximately 100 minutes of in-game time, about five in-game days, and notes that the duration may vary slightly by device. The trials let you play the core Survival experience; they are not unlimited free licenses.
The PC product combines Java and Bedrock. Java is suitable for playing with friends on Windows, Mac, or Linux; Bedrock supports cross-platform play with listed consoles and mobile platforms. Cross-play depends on edition, platform, account settings, and the particular server or service. Bedrock supports controllers; Java does not have native controller support.
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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).
Before you start
- Use or create a Microsoft account. Sign in when prompted by the Launcher or the trial instructions.
- Check your Windows version and the current official requirements. Minecraft lists Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher for Bedrock. Windows 10 or later is required for Java online play and continued Launcher updates, according to Minecraft Help.
- Check the requirements for the edition you want. Minecraft lists 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended memory for Bedrock. Java requirements are higher and vary by target; check Minecraft’s current Java requirements before installing or purchasing.
Download the official Minecraft Launcher
- Open the official Minecraft download page, or open the Microsoft Store.
- Choose the Launcher download option on Minecraft.net, or search for the official Minecraft Launcher listing in the Store.
- Run the installer and follow the setup prompts.
- Open Minecraft Launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account.
The Launcher provides access to PC Minecraft games, but installing it alone does not unlock a paid edition.
How to play the free Java Edition trial
- Open Minecraft’s official free-trial page.
- Choose the Windows option for Java Edition and follow Minecraft’s download instructions.
- Install or open the Minecraft Launcher if prompted, then sign in with or create a Microsoft account.
- Launch the Java trial from the Launcher and start a Survival world.
Minecraft says the Java trial provides approximately 100 minutes of in-game time, about five in-game days. Offline and LAN play are allowed, but online multiplayer servers are disabled.
How to try Bedrock Edition on Windows
- Open the official Minecraft free-trial page.
- Choose the Windows option for Bedrock Edition and follow the download instructions.
- Install or open the Minecraft Launcher if prompted, then sign in with or create a Microsoft account.
- Launch the Bedrock trial and start a Survival world.
Minecraft says the Bedrock trial also provides approximately 100 minutes of in-game time, about five in-game days. Offline and LAN play are allowed, but online multiplayer servers are disabled.
What happens when the trial ends?
The trial does not unlock the full game. To continue without trial limits, purchase Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, unless you already own it. Installing the Launcher again or changing game settings does not turn the trial into a full license.
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- ULTIMATE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, five Bedrock add-ons, five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 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).
Buying the full version on Windows 10
- Open the official Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC page.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account you intend to use for Minecraft.
- Complete the purchase if you do not already own the PC edition.
- Open Minecraft Launcher and sign in with the same account used for the purchase.
- Select Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows in the Launcher.
If you already own Minecraft for PC, you can reinstall without buying it again: sign into the Launcher with the Microsoft account used for the purchase.
Fixes when the Launcher only shows Demo or Trial
1. Check the Microsoft account
Sign out of the Launcher and sign back in with the account used for the purchase. Another email address may not have the entitlement.
2. Restart the Launcher
Close the Launcher completely, reopen it, and check the edition again.
3. Update the Launcher
Check for Launcher updates and install any available update, then restart it.
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- 8,800 MINECOINS — Get 8,800 Minecoins to spend on creator-made content in the Minecraft Marketplace.
- MINECRAFT MARKETPLACE — Browse a constantly updating library of content from Minecraft creators, with new content available every week.
- CREATOR-MADE CONTENT — Use Minecoins to get Marketplace content such as skin packs, mash-up packs, mini-games, and adventure maps.
- ACCESS ACROSS DEVICES — Once redeemed and linked to your Microsoft account, your Minecoins and purchases are available on supported devices that run Minecraft, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Xbox.
- A GIFT FOR PLAYERS — Give Minecraft players Minecoins to spend on content in the in-game Marketplace.
4. Check your purchase
Confirm that the purchase was completed and that you are using the account associated with it. If you own the game, Minecraft’s product information says to sign into the Launcher with the account used for the purchase.
Windows 10 compatibility notes
Minecraft Help says Windows 10 or later is required for Java online play and continued Launcher updates since March 2025. For Bedrock, Minecraft’s PC listing specifies Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher.
Minecraft’s Java requirements page, published July 21, 2026, lists targets including a 64-bit system, four-core processor, Vulkan 1.3-capable graphics with at least 2 GB of VRAM for the minimum target, and 8 GB RAM with a discrete GPU or 12 GB with integrated graphics. These are Minecraft’s stated targets, not independently tested performance guarantees. Check the current official requirements because they can change.
Do not use “Minecraft Classic” as a substitute
Browser-based Minecraft Classic is not the current Java or Bedrock PC game. For an official free test, use the trial instructions on Minecraft’s free-trial page.
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FAQ
Is Minecraft completely free on a Windows 10 PC?
No. Minecraft offers limited Java and Bedrock trials. The official trial page says each provides approximately 100 minutes of in-game time; the full PC game requires purchase unless you already own it.
How do I download the Minecraft trial?
Go to Minecraft’s official free-trial page, choose the Windows option for the edition you want, follow the download instructions, sign in with a Microsoft account, and launch the trial.
Can I play multiplayer in the free trial?
Minecraft says offline and LAN play are allowed, but online multiplayer servers are disabled during the trial.
Which Minecraft edition should I choose on Windows 10?
Choose Java when playing with friends on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Choose Bedrock for cross-platform play with listed consoles and mobile platforms, or if you prefer controller support. Cross-play depends on edition, platform, account settings, and the service or server.
Why does my purchased copy still show a trial?
Check that the Launcher is signed in with the Microsoft account used for the purchase. Then confirm the purchase and restart the Launcher.
Can I reinstall Minecraft without buying it again?
Yes, if you already own the PC edition. Sign into the Launcher with the same Microsoft account used for the purchase.
The Bottom Line
For a legitimate free test on Windows 10, visit Minecraft’s official free-trial page, choose Java or Bedrock for Windows, and follow the download instructions. Both trials provide approximately 100 minutes of in-game time, according to Minecraft; offline and LAN play are allowed, but online servers are disabled. The full PC game requires purchase unless you already own it.
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