Install Minecraft Launcher on Windows 11 from the Microsoft Store or Minecraft's official download page. Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or has an active Game Pass subscription, select Minecraft: Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows in the launcher, then install and launch that edition. Avoid third-party launcher downloads.
Open Minecraft's official download page on the Windows 11 PC. Install Minecraft Launcher through the Microsoft Store or use the official Download Launcher control. Do not use a mirror, repack, or third-party launcher to obtain the game.
Complete the Microsoft Store or official installer flow and let Windows finish registering the launcher. If an older launcher is already installed, follow Minecraft's current launcher guidance rather than deleting game folders manually.
Open Minecraft Launcher and sign in with the Microsoft account that purchased Minecraft or has an active Game Pass subscription. If the launcher offers only a demo, check the account, purchase, or subscription before reinstalling anything.
4
Choose the intended Minecraft edition
Select Minecraft: Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows from the launcher. These are different editions with different worlds, servers, and mod support, so confirm the edition required by the people or server you intend to join.
5
Select Install and wait for completion
Choose Install for the selected edition, review the displayed location or storage requirement, and let the download and setup finish. Keep Windows online and avoid moving partial game files while the launcher is applying them.
6
Launch the installed edition
When the launcher shows Play, start the same edition and allow any first-run components to finish. Confirm that the main menu opens under the intended account before adding mods, resource packs, custom launch arguments, or copied worlds.
7
Fix a stalled installation only when it happens
If the download stalls or stops, note the percentage and visible message, then follow Minecraft's current Windows installation-stall instructions. Do not clear saves or purchase the game again to fix a launcher download problem.
If Microsoft Store and Minecraft Launcher show different accounts, close the launcher and sign in to both with the account that purchased Minecraft or has the active Game Pass subscription.
If one edition installs but the other does not, report the exact edition, launcher source, progress point, and error to Minecraft Support instead of treating both editions as one package failure.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
If a button or setting has moved after an update, use the linked official help page to find its current location.
