To install either version, just click it in the sidebar and hit the big green 'Install' button. When you open the Minecraft Launcher, you should see both 'Minecraft: Java Edition' and 'Minecraft for Windows' in the left sidebar. It allows cross-platform multiplayer and is likely what they're looking for to play with friends. 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.

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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. Although there are two versions of Minecraft, they're now sold as a package deal and are more equivalent to one another than ever.

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