How to Get Minecraft for Free

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: February 7, 2024 Fact Checked

While there's no legal way to obtain a free copy of Minecraft Java Edition, you can still play Minecraft for free by downloading the demo version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you'd rather play Bedrock Edition for free, we'll show you a trick for getting Bedrock for your Xbox One or PC at no cost if you already own the classic Java edition. Read on to learn how!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Demo

Go to https://www.minecraft.net/ in your browser.
It's in the top-right corner of the page. A menu will appear.

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Click TRIAL & DOWNLOAD. You'll find this option near the bottom-right corner of the menu.
- Minecraft only works on Macbooks and PCs.
This green button is on the right side of the page.^{[1]
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5
Install Minecraft. Double-click the Minecraft setup file, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- On a Mac, you'll first need to verify the download before you can proceed with the setup.
6
Open Minecraft. Its app icon resembles a block of dirt with grass on top of it. Once you open Minecraft, you'll be prompted to enter your Minecraft account information, after which point you'll be able to play the demo for 100 minutes.
- If you don't have a Minecraft account, create one first.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Bedrock Edition on Windows

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Make sure that you own a copy of Minecraft. If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft (purchased before October 19th, 2018), you can download the Bedrock Edition (formerly known as the "Windows 10" edition) of Minecraft for free.^{[2]
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- If you own a copy of Minecraft on Mac, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free on a PC.^{[3]
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Go to https://account.mojang.com/login in your browser.
3
Log into your Mojang account. Enter your Minecraft email address and password, then click Log in. This will log you into the Mojang account that you used to buy Minecraft.
- Make sure that you're using the account with which you bought your initial version of Minecraft.
This heading should be near the middle of the page.
You'll find this button to the right of the "Minecraft for Windows 10" heading. You should be redirected to the Microsoft Store.
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Click Redeem. It's to the right of the Minecraft logo.^{[4]
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- You may first be prompted to log into your Microsoft account. If so, enter your email address and password before continuing.
Once Minecraft's Bedrock Edition finishes downloading, you should be able to find it in the Start
menu.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft on your Xbox One, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free.
Scroll right to the Store tab at the top of the screen, then press A on your controller.
It's in the middle of the Store screen.
Use the on-screen keyboard to do so.
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Press ☰. It's below and to the right of the "Guide" button on your Xbox One controller. This will search for the Minecraft game.
- You can no longer purchase the Xbox One edition of Minecraft from the Store.
It should be one of the top results in the Store. Doing so will open the Minecraft page.
This button is to the right of the Minecraft image.
Once it does, you'll be able to find it in the My games and apps menu.^{[5]
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Question

How would I get a virus?

Community Answer

If you download it from somewhere other than the official Minecraft website, then the Minecraft that you downloaded may contain malware. This is why it's recommended to download software from secure websites.

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Can I get Minecraft Pocket Edition for the Kindle Fire?

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Yes, you should be able to download it from your application store.

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Does the demo of Minecraft allow multiplayer?

Community Answer

No. In order to play multiplayer, you must purchase Minecraft on whatever device you choose.

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Tips

If you have the Xbox One version of Minecraft installed, you may be prompted to upgrade to the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft when opening it.

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If you have enough for it, buy the game. It provides you with more options, gameplay, and fun.

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Warnings

Attempting to download the full version of Minecraft from a third-party website is illegal, and may result in your computer getting a virus.

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