Where to buy Minecraft for Windows

You can buy Minecraft for PC through the official Microsoft Store or through the Minecraft Launcher itself. Both routes lead to the same game and cost the same amount — currently $26.99 USD, though the price varies by region and currency. The Microsoft Store is simpler if you already use Windows 10 or 11, while the Minecraft Launcher is the direct route if you want to go straight to the source.

Do not buy Minecraft from third-party key resellers or grey-market sites. These often sell keys that were purchased with stolen payment methods, which means your account can be locked or the key revoked after you've already paid. The official Microsoft Store and Minecraft Launcher are the only places where your purchase is may provide to stay valid.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft for PC costs $26.99 USD and can be bought through the Microsoft Store or the official Minecraft Launcher.
  • You need a Microsoft account to play — you can create one for free during the purchase process if you don't already have one.
  • The game downloads and installs automatically after purchase, and you can start playing within minutes on most internet connections.
  • If you already own Minecraft Java Edition, you do not get Windows Edition free, and vice versa — they are separate purchases.
  • Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not your computer, so you can download and play on any PC you sign into.

Buying through the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC. Search for "Minecraft" in the search bar at the top. Click on "Minecraft for Windows" — make sure it shows the official Minecraft logo and is published by Microsoft. Click the price button (showing $26.99 or your region's equivalent), then click "Buy".

You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you don't have one, click "Create one" and follow the prompts to set up a new account with an email address and password. After you sign in and confirm your payment method, the download starts automatically. The game is about 1 GB in size, so it typically takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Buying through the Minecraft Launcher

Go to minecraft.net in your web browser and click "Download Launcher" at the top of the page. Run the installer file that downloads to your computer. Once the Minecraft Launcher opens, click "Log in" and sign in with your Microsoft account (or create a new one if you don't have one yet).

After you log in, you will see a button to purchase the game. Click it, confirm your payment method, and the launcher will download and install Minecraft automatically. You can watch the progress bar in the launcher window. Once installation finishes, click "Play" to start the game.

What happens after you buy

Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not to the specific computer you bought it on. This means you can download and play Minecraft on any Windows PC as long as you sign in with the same Microsoft account. If you get a new computer or reinstall Windows, you don't need to buy the game again — just download the launcher, sign in, and play.

The first time you launch the game, it may take a minute or two to load while it sets up your world and settings. After that, startup is much faster. You can play offline, but you need an internet connection at least once every 30 days to verify your license.

Java Edition versus Windows Edition

Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows (also called Bedrock Edition) are two different versions of the game. They have different features, different mods and add-ons, and players on Java Edition cannot play with players on Windows Edition. If you already own one version, you do not automatically own the other — you have to buy them separately.

Most new players should buy Minecraft for Windows, which is what you get through the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft Launcher. Java Edition is mainly for players who want to use custom mods or who already have a Java Edition world they want to keep playing. If you're not sure which one you want, start with Windows Edition.

Troubleshooting a stuck download

If the download stalls or seems frozen, close the Microsoft Store or Minecraft Launcher completely. Wait 30 seconds, then open it again and check the download status. The game should resume where it left off. If it starts over from the beginning, that's normal — it will still count toward your purchase and you won't be charged twice.

If you see an error message about payment, check that your payment method is valid and that your billing address matches what your bank has on file. If the error persists, try a different payment method. If you're still stuck, you can contact Microsoft Support through the Microsoft Store app — click your profile icon, then "Settings", then "Support".

Playing on multiple computers

You can install Minecraft on as many computers as you want using the same Microsoft account. However, only one person can play at a time on that account across all devices. If you want multiple people in your household to play simultaneously, each person needs their own Microsoft account and their own copy of the game.

If you share a computer with someone else, you can set up a separate Windows user account for them. They can then sign in with their own Microsoft account and download Minecraft under their account. Each Windows user account on the computer will have its own Minecraft worlds and settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free before I buy it?

No, but you can watch gameplay videos on YouTube to see if it's the kind of game you want. There is no free trial or demo version. However, the game has a 30-day return window through the Microsoft Store if you buy it and decide it's not for you.

What if my payment gets declined?

Check that your payment method is valid and that your billing address matches your bank's records. Try a different payment method if you have one. If you're using a debit card, make sure you have enough funds. Contact your bank if they're blocking the charge — sometimes banks flag online purchases as suspicious.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft?

No. Minecraft for Windows is included with Xbox Game Pass for PC, but you can also buy it separately for $26.99. If you already have Xbox Game Pass, you can play Minecraft without paying extra. If you don't have Game Pass, you need to buy the game outright.

Can I refund Minecraft if I don't like it?

Yes, through the Microsoft Store. You have 30 days from purchase to request a refund as long as you haven't played more than 2 hours. Go to your Microsoft account, find the purchase in your order history, and click "Request a refund". Microsoft will review your request and usually approves it within a few days.

What if I lose access to my Microsoft account?

Your Minecraft license is tied to your Microsoft account. If you lose access to the account, you lose access to the game. To prevent this, keep your account recovery email and phone number up to date, and use a strong password. If you do lose access, contact Microsoft Account Support to recover your account.