Minecraft is a paid game, but there are official, legal ways to play it for free on a Windows 10 PC. The main one is Mojang’s free trial, which works for both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. This guide shows how to download and install the trial, what it includes, other free options, and why you should avoid “free full version” downloads from other sites. After buying, you can install the full Java or Bedrock edition on Windows 10 from the same launcher.
Quick answer
Go to the Minecraft free trial page, choose Windows 10/11 under Bedrock Edition or Java Edition, install the download, and sign in with a free Microsoft account. You can then play about 100 minutes of in-game time in Survival mode for free.
What the free trial includes
- Full core gameplay: Survival mode with crafting, exploring, and combat.
- About 100 minutes: That’s roughly five in-game days. The exact length can vary slightly by device.
- Offline play: You can play without an internet connection once it’s installed.
- LAN multiplayer only: You can’t join online servers during the trial, but you can play with others on the same local network.
Java Edition or Bedrock Edition?
Both editions have a free trial for Windows 10. Which one to try depends on how you want to play:
| Java Edition | Bedrock Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, consoles, phones, tablets |
| Crossplay | With other Java players | Across consoles, mobile, and PC |
| Mods | Huge modding community | Add-ons and Marketplace content |
| Performance | Heavier on older PCs | Usually runs better on low-end hardware |
If you buy the game for PC, you get both editions together as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, so you don’t have to choose for good.
How to download the Minecraft free trial on Windows 10
- Open your browser and go to minecraft.net/en-us/free-trial.
- In the trial downloads box, select Windows 10/11 under the edition you want.
- Follow the prompts. For Java Edition, this downloads the Minecraft Launcher installer. For Bedrock Edition, it opens the download in the Microsoft Store.
- Run the installer (or click Get or Install in the Microsoft Store) and wait for it to finish.
- Open the Minecraft Launcher or Minecraft from the Start menu.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, you can create one for free from the sign-in screen.
- Choose the trial option in the launcher (on Java Edition it’s labeled as the demo), then create a world and start playing.
If the download doesn’t start, the trial page has an alternate download link at the bottom of the box. Minecraft’s support site also has a guide for troubleshooting the launcher.
System requirements
Minecraft runs on most Windows 10 PCs from the last several years. As a general guide, you’ll want a 64-bit version of Windows 10, at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB is better), a reasonably recent graphics card or integrated graphics with up-to-date drivers, and a few gigabytes of free storage. Java Edition benefits more from extra memory, especially with mods.
What happens when the trial ends?
When your trial time runs out, the game stops letting you continue. To keep playing, buy the full game from minecraft.net or the Microsoft Store and sign in with the same Microsoft account. You won’t need a separate download in most cases, because the same launcher or app unlocks the full game.
Other legal ways to play Minecraft for free
- PC Game Pass: Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition is included with PC Game Pass. If Xbox is running a discounted or free first-month offer for new members, you can play the full game during that time.
- Minecraft Education: If your school uses Microsoft 365 Education, students and teachers may be able to sign in to Minecraft Education with their school account at no extra cost.
- Someone else’s account on a shared PC: If a family member already owns the game, you can play on the same computer by signing in with their account.
Avoid “free full version” downloads
Sites and videos that offer a cracked or “free full version” of Minecraft are not legal, and the downloads are a common way to spread malware, password stealers, and adware. They also can’t sign in to official servers or Realms. Stick to minecraft.net and the Microsoft Store.
Once you have the full game, see how to install Minecraft mods on Windows 10 and use a controller with Minecraft on PC.
Related: How to make Minecraft full screen on Windows 10.
Related: Allow Minecraft through the firewall on Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Minecraft free trial really free?
Yes. It’s offered by Mojang and requires only a free Microsoft account. You don’t need to enter payment details to play the trial.
Can I play online with the trial?
No. Online servers are disabled during the trial because the trial player name can’t be changed. LAN play on your home network is allowed.
Is Minecraft free on Windows 10 if I already bought it on another device?
Not automatically. Bedrock purchases on consoles or phones don’t carry over to PC. On PC, a single purchase of Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition covers both editions with the same Microsoft account.
Where are Minecraft files stored on my PC?
See our guide on finding the Minecraft folder on Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.