How to Download Minecraft After Purchase on Microsoft: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve taken the plunge and bought Minecraft on the Microsoft platform – excellent choice! Now you’re probably eager to jump into the blocky world and start building. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to download Minecraft after your purchase:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Store: On your Windows PC, open the Microsoft Store application. Ensure you are signed in with the Microsoft account (MSA) you used to purchase Minecraft.
2. Navigate to Your Library: Click on the three dots (the ellipsis icon) usually located near your profile picture in the top-right corner of the Microsoft Store window. In the dropdown menu, select “My Library.”
3. Find Minecraft: Scroll through your library to find Minecraft. If you own the game, it should be listed here.
4. Download and Install: If Minecraft hasn’t been downloaded yet, you’ll see a “Download” or “Install” button next to its listing. Click this button to start the download and installation process.
5. Launch Minecraft: Once the installation is complete, the “Download” or “Install” button will change to a “Launch” button. Click it to start Minecraft and begin your adventure!

If you purchased the Minecraft Launcher, which grants access to both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition), you’ll download the Launcher first. Once the Launcher is installed, you’ll use it to download the specific Minecraft editions you own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Downloading Minecraft from Microsoft

Here’s a deep dive into common questions Minecraft players encounter when trying to download the game:

Can’t Find Minecraft in My Library – What Should I Do?

• Double-check your Microsoft Account: Ensure you are logged into the Microsoft Store with the exact Microsoft account you used to purchase Minecraft. It’s surprisingly easy to have multiple accounts and forget which one you used.
• Order History Verification: Go to your Microsoft account order history online to confirm the Minecraft purchase. If it’s not there, you may not have completed the transaction or used a different account.
• Wait a Bit: Sometimes, there can be a delay in the purchase being reflected in your library. Give it a few hours and check again.
• Contact Microsoft Support: If you’ve confirmed the purchase and are using the correct account, contact Microsoft Support for assistance. There might be an issue with your account or the Microsoft Store.

Do I Have to Rebuy Minecraft if I Switch Devices?

• No, you shouldn’t have to! As long as you’re using the same Microsoft account that was used for the initial purchase, you can download Minecraft on multiple Windows 10 or Windows 11 devices without repurchasing. This applies to the Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store. However, transferring worlds may involve using Realms, a subscription service, as mentioned later in the FAQs.

What’s the Difference Between the Minecraft Launcher and Minecraft Itself?

• The Minecraft Launcher acts as a central hub for accessing various Minecraft versions. If you own both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition), the Launcher allows you to choose which version to play. It’s essentially a portal to your Minecraft world, or in this case, worlds! It also manages your game files, updates, and account information.

Minecraft Launcher Won’t Install – What’s Going On?

• Outdated Windows: The most common cause is an outdated Windows operating system. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates“. Install any available updates, then try installing the Minecraft Launcher again. Minecraft requires at least Windows 10 version 1903 to run properly.
• Microsoft Store Issues: The Microsoft Store itself might be experiencing problems. Try resetting the Microsoft Store cache by typing “wsreset.exe” in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter. This will clear the store’s cache and may resolve installation issues.
• Antivirus Interference: Your antivirus software might be blocking the installation. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try installing the Launcher again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus afterward.
• Corrupted System Files: Run the System File Checker tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

How Do I Update Minecraft?

• Automatic Updates (Bedrock Edition): If you purchased Minecraft through the Microsoft Store, updates are typically handled automatically. The Microsoft Store will download and install updates in the background.
• Manual Check (Bedrock Edition): You can also manually check for updates in the Microsoft Store. Go to “My Library” and see if there are any pending updates for Minecraft.
• Launcher Updates (Java Edition): For Minecraft: Java Edition, the Minecraft Launcher will usually prompt you to update when a new version is available. You can also manually check for updates within the Launcher’s settings.

Where is Minecraft Stored on My Computer?

• Microsoft Store Version (Bedrock): The files for the Bedrock Edition (purchased through the Microsoft Store) are located in a protected folder called WindowsApps (C:Program FilesWindowsApps). This folder is generally inaccessible to prevent tampering with the game files.
• Java Edition: For Minecraft: Java Edition, the game files are typically stored in the %appdata%.minecraft folder. You can access this folder by pressing Win + R, typing %appdata%.minecraft, and pressing Enter.

How Do I Install a Downloaded Minecraft World (Java Edition)?

• Locate the Saves Folder: Press Win + R, type %appdata%.minecraftsaves, and press Enter to open the saves folder.
• Extract the World File: Download the world save and unzip the file. You’ll usually get a folder containing the world’s data.
• Move the World Folder: Move the unzipped world folder into the saves folder.
• Launch Minecraft: Launch Minecraft: Java Edition and select the world from the list of available worlds.

Can I Transfer My Minecraft Worlds to Another Device?

• Bedrock Edition: To transfer worlds between devices on Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, you can use Minecraft Realms. A Realms subscription lets you upload your world to the cloud and download it on another device signed in with the same Microsoft account.
• Java Edition: For Java Edition, you can manually copy the world folder from your saves folder on one computer to the saves folder on another.

Why Can’t I Download Anything from the Microsoft Store?

• Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required.
• Restart Your PC: Sometimes a simple restart can fix temporary glitches.
• Microsoft Account Issues: Make sure you’re logged into the correct Microsoft account, and that your account has no outstanding issues (like billing problems).
• Update Windows: An outdated version of Windows may cause issues with the Microsoft Store.
• Reset Microsoft Store Cache: As mentioned earlier, type “wsreset.exe” in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

Is Minecraft Launcher the Same as Minecraft?

• No, the Minecraft Launcher is simply a program that launches the actual game. It’s like a gateway to your Minecraft experience, letting you choose which version of Minecraft to play (if you own multiple versions). Minecraft is the actual game itself with the blocky worlds, crafting, and adventures.

What’s the Difference Between Minecraft Java and Windows?

• Minecraft: Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft, known for its modding community and flexibility. It primarily supports mouse and keyboard controls.
• Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock Edition) is optimized for Windows 10 and 11 and offers cross-platform play with consoles and mobile devices. It supports mouse, keyboard, and controller inputs. The Bedrock Edition also features a more streamlined store for in-game purchases.

How Do I Install Minecraft Without the Play Store (Android)?

• Sideloading: While generally not recommended due to security risks, you can install Minecraft on Android without the Play Store by downloading the APK (Android Package Kit) file from a third-party website. However, be extremely cautious as these sources may contain malware. Always use a reputable source and scan the APK file with an antivirus program before installing. It is much safer and generally preferred to use the Play Store.

What is the best way to learn more about Minecraft for education?

• The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, is a great resource for educators. Games Learning Society has great information on integrating games, including Minecraft, into education, providing resources and best practices for leveraging the game’s educational potential. GamesLearningSociety.org helps bridge the gap between gameplay and meaningful learning.

Why can’t I download Minecraft because of the Microsoft Store error code 0x80073D02?

• This error code often indicates a problem with the Microsoft Store’s permissions or app installation. Try the following steps:
  • Reset the Microsoft Store: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Microsoft Store, click on Advanced options, and then click Reset.
  • Run the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Find Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter.
  • Check your system files: Open Command Prompt as an administrator, and then type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.
  • Re-register the Microsoft Store: Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command: Get-AppXPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}.
  • Check your Date and Time: Make sure that your Date and Time settings are configured correctly and that they are in sync with your region.
  • If none of these work, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Can Minecraft Education Edition be played outside of school?

• Minecraft Education Edition is specifically designed for classroom use and requires a valid Microsoft 365 Education account to log in and play. Typically, this account is provided by a school or educational institution. While it’s possible some schools might allow students to use their accounts outside of school hours, generally, you cannot play the Education Edition without a school-provided account. For personal use, you would need to purchase the standard Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Java Edition.