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Setup & mods · Tutorial

Minecraft Java or Bedrock: which edition to buy

On a Windows PC you get both editions in one purchase. Elsewhere your device decides. Here is how mods, friends, servers and redstone tip the choice.

Beginner 3 min read Updated Tested on Java 26.3
On this page · 6
  1. Check which edition your device runs
  2. Check who you will play with
  3. Decide if you want mods
  4. Compare what plays differently
  5. Look at servers and Realms
  6. Buy and install your edition

On a Windows PC you do not have to choose: Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC contains both editions, opened from the same launcher. A Mac or a Linux PC runs Java Edition only, and consoles, phones, tablets and Chromebooks run Bedrock Edition only. The real question is which one you will play: Java for mods, shaders and snapshots, Bedrock to play with friends on consoles and phones.

Check which edition your device runs

DeviceEdition
Windows PCJava and Bedrock, one purchase
Mac, LinuxJava
Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2Bedrock
Android, iOS, ChromebookBedrock

The PC bundle has been the only way to buy Minecraft for Windows since 7 June 2022. If you owned one PC edition before that date, Mojang added the other one to your account for free.

Check who you will play with

Java and Bedrock cannot join each other's worlds, servers or Realms. Java players play together on Windows, Mac and Linux. Bedrock players play together on every Bedrock device, as long as Cross-Platform Play is turned on. If your friends play on a console or a phone, choose Bedrock. If they play on Mac or on a Java server, choose Java.

Decide if you want mods

  • Java Edition: free mods as .jar files, loaded by Fabric or NeoForge, plus shaders through Iris and data packs. Start with how to install Fabric and browse the mods catalog.
  • Bedrock Edition: add-ons made of behavior packs and resource packs, and the Marketplace, paid with Minecoins. On Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, only Marketplace content can be installed.

Want hundreds of mods in one modpack, or tools like minimaps and recipe viewers? That is Java only.

Compare what plays differently

  • Redstone: in Java Edition a piston also turns on when the block above it is powered. Many Java contraptions use this, so a Java redstone tutorial does not always work in Bedrock.
  • Commands: most are shared, but some names differ. The game rule that stops mobs from breaking blocks is mob_griefing in Java 26.3 and mobgriefing in Bedrock.
  • Graphics: Bedrock has a built-in Vibrant Visuals mode on supported devices. Java gets that kind of look from shaders, see how to install shaders.
  • Early features: Java has snapshots, Bedrock has Minecraft Preview.
  • Skins: Java takes a PNG skin file you upload in the launcher. Bedrock uses the Dressing Room: Character Creator, classic skins and Marketplace skins.

Hardcore and Spectator modes exist in both editions, and new game drops reach both on the same day.

Look at servers and Realms

  • Java Edition: thousands of community servers, and the free server software lets you host your own, see how to run a Java server.
  • Bedrock Edition: the Servers tab lists featured servers, Mojang offers a free Bedrock Dedicated Server, and Realms Plus includes the Marketplace Pass content.

Joining a server, a LAN world or a Realm is explained in how to play multiplayer.

Buy and install your edition

  1. Buy Minecraft only on minecraft.net or in your device's official store.
  2. On PC, install the Minecraft Launcher and sign in with your Microsoft account.
  3. Pick Java Edition or Bedrock Edition in the left column, then click Play.

Java Edition needs no separate Java install: the launcher downloads the right runtime, Java 25 for the 26.x versions.

FAQ

Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Not with the game itself. Java Edition joins Java worlds and servers, Bedrock Edition joins Bedrock worlds, Realms and servers. Pick the edition your friends already play.

Do I have to buy Minecraft twice on PC?

No. Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC is one purchase that includes both editions, and both open from the Minecraft Launcher.

Can I move a world from Bedrock to Java?

The game has no converter in either direction. Choose the edition before you start a world you want to keep.

Which edition runs better on a weak PC?

Bedrock Edition usually runs more smoothly on modest hardware. On Java Edition, the Sodium mod gives a large performance boost.

Blocks & items in this guide

1 · recipe, drops and data for each
  • Piston