The quickest way to change your Minecraft version

The method depends on which launcher you use. If you play through the official Minecraft Launcher (the standard way most people play), you click the version dropdown menu before launching the game. If you use third-party launchers like MultiMC or Prism Launcher, the process is similar but the menu location differs slightly.

On Windows or Mac, open the Minecraft Launcher and look for a dropdown that says something like "Latest Release" or shows a version number. Click it, select the version you want, then click Play. The launcher downloads that version if you don't already have it installed.

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition handle versions differently — Java lets you pick any past version, while Bedrock usually keeps you on the current version with automatic updates. If you need an older Java version specifically, you'll need to select it from the launcher's version list before launching.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Minecraft Launcher has a version dropdown menu visible before you hit Play — click it to see all installed and available versions.
  • Java Edition stores every past version and lets you switch between them freely, while Bedrock Edition updates automatically and doesn't offer version selection.
  • Third-party launchers like MultiMC and Prism Launcher let you manage multiple versions and instances, useful if you play modded versions or older releases regularly.
  • Switching versions doesn't delete your worlds — they stay in your saves folder, though very old worlds may need conversion to work in newer versions.
  • Mods and resource packs are version-specific, so you'll need the right versions for each game version you want to play.

How to change versions in the official Minecraft Launcher

Start by opening the Minecraft Launcher on your computer. On the left side of the window, you'll see your profile name and below it a dropdown menu. This dropdown currently shows which version you're set to play — it might say "Latest Release" or show a specific version number like "1.20.1".

Click that dropdown. A list appears showing every version you've downloaded before, plus available versions you haven't installed yet. Scroll through and select the one you want. The launcher will download it in the background if needed — this usually takes a minute or two depending on your internet speed.

Once selected, click the Play button. The game launches in that version. Your worlds and settings stay the same across versions, though Minecraft may ask to convert older worlds to the current format when you load them.

Java Edition versus Bedrock Edition version differences

Java Edition is the original Minecraft for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It stores every version released since 2009 and lets you switch between them freely through the launcher. This is why Java players can play on version 1.8.9 (popular for multiplayer servers) or 1.12.2 (popular for modded play) whenever they want.

Bedrock Edition is the newer version available on Windows 10/11, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile devices. It updates automatically and doesn't let you choose older versions. If you need to play an older Bedrock version, you're out of luck — the game always runs the latest release.

This matters because some servers and modded communities only work on specific Java versions. If you play on a server that requires 1.19.2, you need Java Edition and the ability to select that version. Bedrock players can't do this.

Using third-party launchers to manage multiple versions

MultiMC and Prism Launcher are community-made launchers that let you create separate "instances" — each one is its own copy of Minecraft with its own version, mods, and settings. This is useful if you play on multiple servers that need different versions, or if you want to keep modded and vanilla play separate.

To use them, download the launcher from its official website, install it, then create a new instance. During setup, you pick which Java version to use and which Minecraft version to install. The launcher handles downloading everything. You can then create as many instances as you want, each running a different version or mod setup.

These launchers are free and don't require a Microsoft account, though you still need a valid Minecraft license to play. They're popular with players who switch versions frequently or run mods, because they keep everything organized and prevent version conflicts.

What happens to your worlds when you change versions

Your worlds don't disappear when you switch versions. Minecraft stores them in a separate folder on your computer, and they're accessible from any version you launch. However, worlds created in newer versions sometimes won't load in older versions — if you built something in 1.20 and try to open it in 1.19, the game may refuse to load it or convert it in a way that loses some blocks.

Going the other direction (old world in new version) usually works fine. Minecraft converts the world automatically, though it may take a moment the first time you load it. New features from the newer version won't appear in the old world's already-explored areas — only in newly generated chunks.

If you're worried about losing a world, make a backup before switching versions. Copy your entire saves folder to another location, and you can always restore it if something goes wrong.

Mods and resource packs are version-specific

A mod or resource pack built for Minecraft 1.19 won't work in 1.20, and vice versa. If you download a mod and it doesn't appear in your game, the first thing to check is whether it's made for the version you're running.

When you switch versions, your mods folder stays in place but the mods won't load if they're incompatible. You'll need to download versions of your mods that match your new game version. Most mod sites like CurseForge and Modrinth let you filter by version, so you can find the right file for what you're playing.

This is another reason third-party launchers are popular — they let you create separate instances with different mod sets, so you don't have to swap mods in and out every time you change versions.

Troubleshooting version switching problems

If the launcher won't let you select a version, make sure you're logged in with your Microsoft account. The official launcher requires authentication, and some versions may be unavailable if there's a server issue on Microsoft's end.

If a version downloads but won't launch, try deleting it and re-downloading it. Right-click the version in the launcher, select "Delete", then select it again from the list to re-download. This fixes corrupted downloads most of the time.

If your world won't load in a new version, try loading it in the version it was created in first, then saving and closing it properly before switching versions. This ensures the world file is in a stable state for conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play on a server that requires a specific version?

Yes, if you're using Java Edition. Select the server's required version in the launcher before joining. Bedrock servers usually run the latest version only, so you can't choose older versions on Bedrock.

Do I lose my progress when I change versions?

No. Your worlds, inventory, and achievements stay in your saves folder and are accessible from any version. However, worlds created in very new versions may not load in older versions.

What's the difference between a snapshot and a release version?

Snapshots are test versions released weekly before official releases. They contain new features but may have bugs. Releases are stable versions. You can select either from the launcher's version list, but snapshots are meant for testing, not long-term play.

Can I run two versions of Minecraft at the same time?

Not with the official launcher — it only lets you run one instance. With third-party launchers like MultiMC, you can create multiple instances and run them simultaneously, each in a different version.

Why does my mod not work after I switched versions?

Mods are version-specific. You need to download the version of the mod that matches your game version. Check the mod's download page and filter by the version you're playing.