How to download Minecraft on PC

(Image: © Mojang)

Trying to piece together how to download Minecraft for PC? You’ve come to the right place. 

One of the best Xbox One games, Minecraft can also easily be played on a computer. There are plenty of benefits of taking the time to download it onto your PC, even if the process can be fiddly. 

For starters, if you have one of the best graphic cards for PC, you'll find the resolution stunning and the visuals much sharper. You also have a wide variety of controllers and mice to choose from, and you can even kick back and relax with wireless options. 

There are two PC versions of Minecraft available to download: Minecraft Java Edition, or Minecraft for Windows 10 - commonly known as the Bedrock version. There are some notable differences between the two versions. 

Although Bedrock doesn't have an updated combat system, it does allow for crossplay between PC and Xbox One or mobile plays - and has some content that Java doesn't. 

Meanwhile, whilst Java only allows players to play with other Java players, it is hosted on far more public servers and boasts a comprehensive modding community. If you're not quite sure which to choose then we advise going for Java, as it includes a free copy of Bedrock with it anyway.

Whichever you choose, let’s go through how to download, register, buy the game, and install Minecraft in no time.

How to download Minecraft for PC

How to download Minecraft for PC: Visit the Minecraft website

First things first, when it comes to how to download Minecraft for PC you’ll want to mosey on over to the Minecraft website (opens in new tab). From here you should be greeted by a large picture of Steve and Alex overlooking a Minecraft world. 

Look to the left side and there should be a green box that says ‘get Minecraft’ . Click on that. 

How to download Minecraft for PC: Decide which version is right for you

Upon clicking the button, you now have to make a choice: which version of Minecraft do you want to download? The options here are computer, mobile, console, and others (yes, there are that many versions of Minecraft!). 

For this guide, we want to click on the one marked ‘computer’. 

The next choice you have to make is which version you want to download: the Java Edition of Minecraft or the Windows 10 (Bedrock) version?

If you opted for the Windows 10 game you’ll be transported to a version-specific Minecraft page with a ‘buy’ button. Click ‘buy’ and you’ll then move to the Microsoft Store where you can purchase that version of the game and install it right away. 

Note: If it’s the Windows 10 version you were after, you’re all done now!

If you’d like to download Minecraft for PC in Java Edition, however, click on that version, on the left, and when the next page loads, click buy. 

How to download Minecraft for PC: Register and install

While Windows 10 users are now finished, there are still a few things left to do to grab the Java Edition. 

After you hit ‘buy’, we’ll need to register a new account with an email address and password. Generic passwords aren’t allowed, so no animal names and whatnot.  

Once that’s all filled out hit ‘register’ then open a new tab and pull up your email inbox. You should have received a four letter code you’ll now need to enter back on the Minecraft website to move on. 

Enter the code in the box, hit ‘verify’ and you’re almost done. 

Now comes the buy page. Enter your card details, double check the amount at the bottom, and when you’re happy, click the ‘purchase’ banner at the bottom. 

Wait for the page to load and you’ll be jettisoned to the 'purchase complete' screen. Click on ‘download for Windows’ and a file named ‘MinecraftInstaller.msi’ should auto download.

Click on that file and the game will install. From here, just power through ‘next’ until it’s installed and hit finish. 

A new window should open (that’s the Minecraft launcher), log in with your email address and password then click ‘play’. And there you have it, you now know how to download Minecraft for PC. 

Now just sit back as Minecraft Java Edition downloads and you can jump into a world of endless fun.

• Looking for some Minecraft building tips for beginners? Check out our list!

Wesley Copeland is a content writer (Toys and Games) at Heavy. He has over seven years of experience writing online about toys and video games for the likes IGN, VG24/7, Kotaku, and PC Gamer. He also quite likes Fortnite. 

Heavy is today’s platform for the most sought-after news and information. Through its flagship website, Heavy.com, and Spanish-language platform, AhoraMismo.com, readers benefit from rapid, unbiased reporting to access the content they want in real time.