How to Update Minecraft on Windows 10

Minecraft gets regular updates with new blocks, mobs and fixes, and you usually need the latest version to join friends or servers. On Windows 10 (and Windows 11), updates normally install automatically, but sometimes the game gets stuck on an old version. How you update depends on which edition you play: Bedrock Edition (called Minecraft for Windows) updates through the Microsoft Store or Minecraft Launcher, while Java Edition updates through the Minecraft Launcher. This guide covers both, plus fixes when updates won’t install.

Quick Answer

Open the Minecraft Launcher, select your edition, and click Play (or Update if shown); the launcher downloads the latest release first. For Bedrock, you can also open the Microsoft Store, click Library, and click Get updates.

Update Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition)

Through the Minecraft Launcher

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Select Minecraft for Windows in the left sidebar.
3. Click Play. If an update is available, the launcher updates the game first (you may see Update instead of Play).

Through the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Click Library in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Get updates. Minecraft and the Minecraft Launcher update if new versions are available.

To make sure future updates install automatically, click your profile picture in the Store, choose Settings, and turn on App updates.

Update Minecraft Java Edition

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Minecraft: Java Edition.
2. Make sure Latest release is selected in the version drop-down next to the Play button.
3. Click Play. The launcher downloads the newest version before starting.

If you created a custom installation for an older version or a modded profile (Forge, Fabric), it stays on that version. Open the Installations tab and choose or edit the Latest release installation. Mods usually need updated versions before they work with a new Minecraft release.

Minecraft Won’t Update? Try These Fixes

• Update the launcher: check the Microsoft Store Library for a Minecraft Launcher update, or reinstall the launcher.
• Update Gaming Services: in the Store Library, update Gaming Services and the Xbox app; Bedrock depends on them.
• Sign out and back in: sign out of the Microsoft Store and the launcher, restart the PC, and sign in with the account that owns Minecraft.
• Reset the Store cache: press Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
• Update Windows: new Bedrock versions may require recent Windows updates; run Windows Update.
• Repair the launcher: in Settings > Apps, select Minecraft Launcher > Advanced options > Repair.

Back up your worlds before reinstalling. Bedrock worlds are in %appdata%\Minecraft Bedrock on recent versions; see how to find Minecraft world files on Windows 10.

Check Your Minecraft Version

• Bedrock: the version number appears at the bottom right of the title screen, and in Settings > General.
• Java: the version appears at the bottom left of the title screen.

Changing computers? See how to transfer a Minecraft world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I join my friend’s world?

You’re probably on different versions. Both players need the same version; update both games.

Can I play an older version?

Java Edition lets you create an installation for any older version. Bedrock doesn’t officially support choosing older versions.

Can I try new features early?

Yes. Java has snapshots (enable them in Installations), and Bedrock has Minecraft Preview, installed separately from the launcher.

Summary

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and click Play or Update.
2. For Bedrock, use Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
3. For Java, choose Latest release before playing.
4. Update Gaming Services and Windows if updates fail.