How to Change the Version of Minecraft (Java & Bedrock Guide)
Minecraft is one of the few games where version control genuinely matters. Whether you're trying to join a friend's server running an older version, load up a world that was built in a specific release, or test mods designed for a particular update — knowing how to switch versions is a practical skill every player eventually needs.
The process differs significantly depending on which edition you're playing, and getting it wrong usually just means the game won't load correctly. Here's how it works across the main platforms.
Why Players Switch Minecraft Versions
Before diving into the how, it helps to understand the common reasons:
- Server compatibility — Most multiplayer servers specify a required version. Joining with the wrong one results in an error.
- Mod compatibility — Mods are version-specific. A mod built for 1.16.5 won't run on 1.20+ without an updated release.
- World preservation — Older worlds can break or behave unexpectedly if opened in a newer version.
- Snapshots and betas — Some players want early access to upcoming features before a full release.
How to Change Versions in Minecraft Java Edition 🖥️
Java Edition gives players the most control over versioning, built directly into the official launcher.
Step-by-Step: Using the Minecraft Launcher
- Open the Minecraft Launcher on your PC or Mac.
- In the left sidebar, click Installations.
- Click the New Installation button (or edit an existing one).
- Under the Version dropdown, you'll see a full list of available releases — including older versions, snapshots, and beta builds.
- Select the version you need, give the installation a name if you want to keep it organized, and click Save.
- Return to the main screen, use the dropdown arrow next to the Play button to select your new installation, and launch.
Key detail: Java Edition stores each installation separately, so you can have multiple versions installed simultaneously. This makes it easy to switch between a modded 1.12.2 setup and the latest release without overwriting anything.
Enabling Older Versions and Snapshots
By default, the launcher only shows recent stable releases. To see older versions or experimental snapshots:
- Go to Installations, then check the boxes for Snapshots and/or Historical Versions near the top of the screen.
This unlocks the full archive going back to early Alpha and Beta builds.
How to Change Versions in Minecraft Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition — the version available on Windows 10/11 (via the Microsoft Store), Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile — handles versioning differently. Players have less direct control compared to Java.
On Windows (Microsoft Store / Xbox App)
Bedrock on Windows does not offer a built-in version selector in the same way Java does. The game updates automatically through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. Rolling back to a previous version requires more manual steps and is not officially supported by Mojang — meaning it carries some risk and can interfere with game data.
Some players use third-party tools like MCLauncher to manage Bedrock versions on Windows, but these tools exist outside the official ecosystem.
On Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch)
Version control on consoles is largely handled by the platform's update system. You can pause automatic updates through your console's storage or update settings to stay on a specific version temporarily, but downgrading after an update has been applied is generally not possible through official means.
On Mobile (iOS and Android)
Similar to consoles — the app stores push updates automatically. Staying on an older version requires either not updating when prompted or, on Android, sideloading an older APK file. This approach carries security and stability considerations worth understanding before attempting it.
Version Compatibility: What the Variables Look Like
| Scenario | Platform | Ease of Version Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Playing older mods | Java Edition (PC/Mac) | ✅ Easy — built into launcher |
| Joining a specific server | Java Edition | ✅ Easy — create new installation |
| Accessing snapshots | Java Edition | ✅ Easy — toggle in launcher |
| Downgrading on Windows | Bedrock (PC) | ⚠️ Possible, third-party tools |
| Downgrading on console | Bedrock (Xbox/PS/Switch) | ❌ Not officially supported |
| Downgrading on mobile | Bedrock (Android) | ⚠️ Possible via APK, with caveats |
| Downgrading on iOS | Bedrock (iPhone/iPad) | ❌ Very difficult, limited options |
Protecting Your Worlds Before Switching 🗂️
Regardless of platform, back up your world saves before changing versions. Opening a world in a newer version of Minecraft can trigger chunk updates that make it incompatible with older versions going forward. The game typically warns you before doing this, but the warning is easy to dismiss.
On Java Edition, world saves are stored locally in your %appdata%.minecraftsaves folder on Windows, or the equivalent path on Mac and Linux. Copying that folder before any version switch takes less than a minute and prevents irreversible data changes.
The Factor That Determines Your Path
How straightforward this process is depends heavily on which edition you're using, which platform you're on, and why you're switching in the first place. A Java Edition player managing a modpack has a clean, well-supported path. A Bedrock player on a PlayStation trying to match a friend's older version faces a fundamentally different set of constraints.
The technical steps above are consistent — but whether they're the right steps for your situation depends on your platform, your world data, and what you're ultimately trying to do with that version.