If you're downloading Minecraft for your child, install Minecraft for Windows. You can even keep both installed, if you want. As long as you buy Minecraft, you can change your mind about which version to play whenever you need to. The good news is that both are included with your purchase now, meaning you don't need to sweat the purchase.

If you're new to Minecraft, the differences between the original Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft for Windows (also called Bedrock) aren't obvious. Whether you're installing Minecraft for yourself for the first time or you're setting it up for a kid, we'll walk you through where to buy it and how to download the version that suits your play style. Nowadays, a Microsoft account is a prerequisite for playing Minecraft, so be prepared to either use your existing account or create a new one that will handle all your Minecraft account info and any additional microtransaction purchases you make.

Both versions of Minecraft are compatible with the Windows operating system, despite one specifically being named Minecraft for Windows. Unlike in the past, you cannot screw things up by purchasing the wrong one. Yes! First-time users get a free 30-day trial of Minecraft Realms when they sign up for a 10-user subscription.Although there are two versions of Minecraft, they're now sold as a package deal and are more equivalent to one another than ever. This is because the default trial name (Player) cannot be changed.Ĭan I get a free trial for Minecraft Realms? While multiplayer Minecraft servers are inaccessible during your free trial, LAN multiplayer is allowed with the limitation that only one demo account can join at a time. The length of your Minecraft: Java Edition free trial varies based on your device, but the average trial length is approximately five in-game days or around 100 minutes of in-game time.Ĭan I play multiplayer during my free Minecraft trial? Yes! Minecraft: Java Edition is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is the Minecraft free trial compatible with Mac and PC? If that doesn't work, click the link at the bottom of the box for an alternate download option. Before you start your free trial, download Minecraft by scrolling to the grey box in the middle of the page, selecting the icon that represents your device and following the download instructions. Your free trial of Minecraft: Java Edition is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

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