To find the Minecraft folder on Windows 10, press Windows + R, type %appdata%\.minecraft, and press Enter. That opens the Minecraft: Java Edition folder, where you’ll find saves (your worlds), resourcepacks, mods, and screenshots. If you play Minecraft Bedrock (the version from the Microsoft Store or Xbox app), type %appdata%\Minecraft Bedrock instead. Bedrock moved its files there in late 2025, starting with version 1.21.120.
Here’s exactly where each edition keeps its files, and how to find them if the shortcut doesn’t work.
Minecraft folder locations at a glance
| Edition | Type this in the Run box | Worlds are in |
|---|---|---|
| Java Edition | %appdata%\.minecraft | saves |
| Bedrock Edition (1.21.120 and newer) | %appdata%\Minecraft Bedrock | Users > your user ID folder > games > com.mojang > minecraftWorlds |
| Bedrock Edition (older versions) | %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\games\com.mojang | minecraftWorlds |
Not sure which edition you have? If you launch it from the Minecraft Launcher and see “Java Edition,” it’s Java. If the title screen shows a Marketplace button, it’s Bedrock.
How to find the Java Edition folder
Method 1: Run box
- Press Windows + R.
- Type %appdata%\.minecraft and press Enter.
Method 2: From the Minecraft Launcher
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Minecraft: Java Edition.
- Click Installations, hover over an installation, and click the folder icon.
Method 3: From inside the game
In the main menu, click Options > Resource Packs > Open Pack Folder. That opens the resourcepacks folder inside .minecraft. You can go up one level to see everything.
Method 4: File Explorer
- Open File Explorer and go to This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Users > your name.
- Click View and check Hidden items so the AppData folder shows up.
- Open AppData > Roaming > .minecraft.
What’s inside the .minecraft folder
- saves: Your single-player worlds. Each world is its own folder.
- resourcepacks and shaderpacks: Texture and shader packs. See how to install texture packs.
- mods: Appears after you install a mod loader like Forge or Fabric. See how to install Minecraft mods.
- screenshots: Pictures you take with F2.
- options.txt: Your game settings.
- logs and crash-reports: Useful for troubleshooting crashes.
How to find the Bedrock Edition folder
- Press Windows + R, type %appdata%\Minecraft Bedrock, and press Enter.
- Open Users. You’ll see a Shared folder and a folder with a long number for each signed-in Microsoft account.
- Open your account’s folder, then games > com.mojang.
- Your worlds are in minecraftWorlds. Packs are in resource_packs and behavior_packs. Some packs may be in the Shared folder instead.
If that folder doesn’t exist, you’re on an older version. Use the older path from the table above, or update Minecraft in the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. Each Bedrock world folder has a random name. Open levelname.txt inside to see which world it is. For more, see how to find Minecraft world files on Windows 10.
Tips
- Back up worlds before updating, installing mods, or moving to a new PC. Copy the saves or minecraftWorlds folder to another drive. See how to back up Minecraft worlds.
- Pin the folder to Quick access: right-click it and choose Pin to Quick access.
- Don’t edit files while the game is running. Close Minecraft first to avoid corrupting worlds.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see the AppData folder?
It’s hidden by default. Use the Run box method, or turn on Hidden items in File Explorer’s View menu.
Where is the Minecraft folder on Windows 11?
It’s in the same place. All of these steps work on Windows 11.
Can I move the .minecraft folder to another drive?
Yes, for Java Edition. In the launcher, edit an installation, click More options, and change the Game directory. Bedrock’s location can’t be changed.
Where does the Minecraft Launcher install the game itself?
The launcher is typically installed through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app, and its game files are managed for you. Your worlds and settings always live in the folders above.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.