Java Edition
Mods, redstone, technical servers
Launcher library
Four games, one sidebar
The official Minecraft Launcher mirrors Mojang's edition rail on Windows: Java Edition, Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock), Minecraft Dungeons, and Minecraft Legends share one app and one Microsoft sign-in. macOS and Linux installs deliver Java Edition only. Use this page to compare titles before you download.
Edition spotlight
Pick a title to preview
Click each edition in the rail to see launcher screenshots and a summary of what that game offers on PC.
Java Edition
The original PC sandbox
Full mod support with Forge and Fabric, community servers, weekly snapshots, and separate installations for every version. Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Bedrock
Cross-play with console & mobile
Dungeons
Co-op dungeon crawler
Legends
Real-time strategy adventure
Platform support
What runs where
Not every edition is available on every OS. Check this before you download or buy a game. New to the franchise? Read what Minecraft is and how dimensions and world saves work in each edition.
| Edition | Windows | macOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java Edition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bedrock (Windows) | Yes | No | No |
| Minecraft Dungeons | Yes | No | No |
| Minecraft Legends | Yes | No | No |
- Pick Java if you want mods, technical servers, snapshots, or play on Mac or Linux.
- Pick Bedrock if you need cross-play with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile on Windows.
- Stay on the official launcher for Bedrock, Game Pass, Realms, and Dungeons or Legends.
- Consider Prism or Modrinth only for advanced Java instance management. They do not replace the official launcher for Bedrock.
- Avoid cracked launchers like TLauncher. They carry security risks and can break multiplayer access.
- Windows has two legacy names: the current Store app is "Minecraft Launcher for Windows." The old Unified Launcher should be uninstalled to avoid confusion.
Ownership
How entitlements appear in the launcher
The launcher reads your Microsoft account and shows Play buttons only for games you own or access through subscriptions.
Java Edition
Purchased standalone or bundled in some promotions. Requires a Microsoft account linked to the license. Game Pass for PC also includes Java and Bedrock on Windows when the subscription is active.
Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock)
Often bundled with Java on PC. Marketplace purchases and Realms subscriptions are tied to your Microsoft account and sync when you launch Bedrock from the launcher.
Dungeons and Legends
Separate products with their own purchase or Game Pass entitlements. They appear as additional tiles in the launcher sidebar on Windows when your account qualifies. They do not install on Mac or Linux through the official launcher.
Game Pass
If you subscribe to PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate, sign in with the same Microsoft account in the launcher. Titles included in your plan show without a separate purchase step. If a game says it is unavailable, confirm the subscription is active on xbox.com and that you are signed into the same account in the Microsoft Store.