Minecraft comes in two main versions on PC: Java Edition, the original with mods and huge servers, and Bedrock Edition, which runs smoothly on lower-end hardware and lets you play with friends on consoles, phones and tablets. If you own Java Edition, you almost certainly already own Bedrock on Windows too, because Minecraft for PC has come as a bundle of both since 2022. Switching is mostly a matter of installing Bedrock from the Minecraft Launcher. This guide covers installing and launching Bedrock, moving your worlds and skins, and the differences to expect.
Quick Answer
Open the Minecraft Launcher, sign in with your Microsoft account, select Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition) in the left sidebar, click Install, then click Play. Your Java worlds stay in Java Edition; you can convert them with a world-conversion tool if you want them in Bedrock.
Do You Already Own Bedrock?
Since June 2022, buying Minecraft for PC gives you both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition for Windows. If you bought Java before then, Mojang gave existing Java owners Bedrock for free when they signed in with a Microsoft account. Players who never migrated an old Mojang account to a Microsoft account may need to do that first; Mojang ended account migration, so contact Minecraft support if you still have an unmigrated account.
How to Install Bedrock Edition on Windows 10
- Make sure you’re running 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 and have installed the latest updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Open the Minecraft Launcher. If you don’t have it, download it from the official Minecraft website or the Microsoft Store.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account you use for Java Edition.
- In the left sidebar, click Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition). The name in the launcher may vary slightly by version.
- Click Install. The download is several hundred megabytes.
- When it finishes, click Play.
To switch back to Java, select Minecraft: Java Edition in the same sidebar and click Play. Both versions can be installed side by side.
Move Your Java Worlds to Bedrock
Java and Bedrock save worlds in different formats, so Bedrock can’t open Java worlds directly. To bring a world across:
- Back up the world first. Java worlds are in
%appdata%\.minecraft\saves. See how to find Minecraft world files on Windows 10. - Use a world converter, such as the free, open-source Chunker tool, to convert the world folder to Bedrock format.
- Import the converted world into Bedrock by double-clicking the exported .mcworld file, or by copying the folder into Bedrock’s minecraftWorlds folder.
Expect some differences after converting. Redstone contraptions may behave differently, some blocks may not exist in both versions, and modded content won’t carry over.
Skins, Mods and Servers
- Skins: Your Java skin doesn’t automatically transfer. In Bedrock, go to Dressing Room (or Profile) > Edit Character > Classic Skins > Owned > Import and choose your skin’s PNG file.
- Mods: Java mods (Forge, Fabric) don’t work in Bedrock. Bedrock uses add-ons, resource packs and Marketplace content instead.
- Servers: Java servers aren’t available in Bedrock. Bedrock has featured servers and supports adding servers by address. Some servers support both editions through bridging software.
- Realms: Java Realms and Bedrock Realms are separate subscriptions.
Java vs. Bedrock: Key Differences
- Cross-play: Bedrock plays with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS and Android. Java only plays with other Java players.
- Performance: Bedrock is generally smoother on older or low-end PCs and supports ray tracing on compatible graphics cards.
- Controls: Bedrock supports controllers and touch natively.
- Game mechanics: Combat, redstone and some mob behavior differ slightly.
- Feature parity: Some game modes and settings arrive in one edition before the other, so check the patch notes if a feature you use is missing.
Troubleshooting
- Bedrock isn’t in the launcher: update the launcher and Windows, then sign out and back in. If it still says “Buy,” check you’re signed in with the Microsoft account that owns the game.
- Install fails: install or update the Xbox app and Gaming Services from the Microsoft Store, restart, and try again.
- Game won’t start: update your graphics drivers, and check the Microsoft Store isn’t downloading an update in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay again for Bedrock?
No, if you own Minecraft for PC (Java & Bedrock) or migrated a Java account. Otherwise, the PC bundle includes both.
Will switching delete my Java worlds?
No. Java Edition and its worlds stay installed. Installing Bedrock doesn’t touch them.
Can I play Bedrock on Windows 7 or 8?
No. Bedrock for PC requires Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Can I play Bedrock and Java on the same account?
Yes. Both editions use your Microsoft account; your gamertag is shown in Bedrock and your Java profile name in Java.
Summary
- Open the Minecraft Launcher and sign in.
- Select Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) in the sidebar.
- Click Install, then Play.
- Convert Java worlds with a tool such as Chunker if you want them in Bedrock.
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.