Do I have to buy Minecraft again if I have Java Edition?
If you already own Minecraft Java Edition, you do not need to buy Minecraft again to play the game, but you may need to purchase a different edition, such as Minecraft Bedrock Edition, if you want to access its unique features and play with players who use that edition. The Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC bundle allows you to get both Java and Bedrock for one low price, and if you’ve already bought Minecraft before, you can get the other edition for free.
Introduction to Minecraft Editions
Minecraft has two main editions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Understanding the differences between these editions can help you decide whether you need to buy Minecraft again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to buy Minecraft again for Java and Bedrock?
If you’ve never bought Minecraft before, you can now get both Java and Bedrock for one low price, also called Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. If you have bought Minecraft before, you’re now getting the other edition for free.
2. Do I have to buy Minecraft again for Windows 10 if I have Java?
As of Summer 2022, new purchases of Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for Windows will be offered as a bundle for one price. At this release, existing owners of either game will be granted an entitlement to download both games on one Microsoft account.
3. Do I have to buy both versions of Minecraft?
If you have bought Minecraft before, you’re now getting the other edition for free. Note that if you still only have a Mojang account and have not yet migrated to a Microsoft account, you will have to migrate to a Microsoft account before you can redeem your new game.
4. Can I play Minecraft Windows if I own Java?
Because Minecraft for Windows and Minecraft: Java Edition exist as separate games, worlds that you’ve created in both games will remain separate, as well. Minecraft for Windows isn’t intended to be an upgrade to Minecraft: Java Edition.
5. Is Bedrock free if you have Java?
If you already own the Minecraft Java Edition, you should be able to get the Minecraft Bedrock Edition for PC for free. To do this, sign-in to the Microsoft Store with your Microsoft account.
6. Is there a difference between Minecraft Windows and Java?
The two-game versions have distinct differences. However, their main difference lies in their modding capabilities and crossplay features. Java generally has a larger modding community, while Windows provides a seamless multiplayer experience.
7. Can I have both Java and Bedrock Minecraft?
Not only can you run either edition, but you will be able to get them together when the Minecraft: PC Bundle launches on Xbox Game Pass for PC. Both the Bedrock and Java Edition will be included in your subscription, and you will be able to start both from the same launcher.
8. How do I switch from Java to Bedrock?
On your server’s control panel, on the left-side click Switch Game. This will open a menu that will allow you to pick between Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
9. Is Java or Bedrock better?
Java Edition can create custom fonts and GLSL shaders, while Bedrock cannot. Bedrock Edition can create custom particles and fogs, while Java cannot.
10. Why is Minecraft not free anymore?
Earlier versions of Minecraft were themselves free up to version 1.3, but as the game continued to develop, it started attaching price tags to it. However, there may still be some ways to play the beloved game without paying a penny.
11. Why is Minecraft making me pay again?
You might have to rebuy the game if you bought Minecraft on a different account than the one that you tried to log in with, or if you tried to use a different edition of Minecraft than the one that you bought.
12. Is Minecraft Java free?
Originally, the Java edition of Minecraft is not free, but if you buy the Bedrock version first, you get both versions. If you buy either the Java or Bedrock version, you get both versions.
13. Do I need a new account for Java if I have an account on Bedrock?
Once you buy Java, you can use that same account on any PC anywhere, whenever, but Bedrock must be bought on individual devices, and accounts are free (Microsoft accounts).
14. How do I download Minecraft Java if I already bought it?
If you haven’t played for a while or you’ve switched devices, you do not have to buy Minecraft again. If you need to download the game again, visit the Download page and follow the instructions for the version you prefer.
15. Can I transfer my Java account to Bedrock?
After migrating, you will be able to play Minecraft: Java Edition and the Windows version of Bedrock with the same account if you migrate your Mojang account to a Microsoft account that has been used to play Bedrock (on any platform).