Since June 7, 2022, Microsoft has combined Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition for PC in a single purchase, and if you already own one or the other, you are entitled to a free copy of the other.
What changed? Historically, you had the option of purchasing the original version of Minecraftthe Java version or the purchase of the Rock Base for PC Edition. You can buy both, of course, but you’d essentially be forced to pay twice to access the full gamut of the Minecraft experience on PC.
From today, this is no longer a problem. Neither edition is going away – the editions remain completely independent – but the days when you bought one and realized you needed the other to, say, play with friends using Bedrock on their console, or similar situations, is behind us.
Here’s how to get your free copy, based on your current Mojang/Microsoft account status and past promotions you may have taken advantage of.
If you own Minecraft: Java Edition and you picked up a free copy during the promotion that ran in early 2020 where Microsoft gave away Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition to anyone who already owns Minecraft: Java Editionthen you are already switching the two copies. Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition is Bedrock Edition for PC (and was later renamed to reflect this).
If you have already purchased Minecraft: Java Edition Where Minecraft: Bedrock PC Edition (maybe Windows 10 edition at the time of your purchase), then simply sign in to your Microsoft account and check the Microsoft Store listing for the Java edition (now that the two editions are merged, they are in the old listing of the Java edition).
Simply click the “Get” button, located where the “Buy” button would normally be, to upgrade your account to get both versions. If the button says “Install/Play” instead, you already have both editions and the Microsoft Store has automatically updated the status for you.
Note that if you haven’t migrated your Mojang account to a Microsoft account, you’ll need to do so to take advantage of this offer. (And, for that matter, to continue playing Minecraft because migration is now mandatory.)
After visiting the Microsft Store and, if necessary, migrating your account, you will now have access to both Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock PC Edition in the same unified launcher. And hey, if you really want to complete the games stable in the Minecraft launcher, you can always buy Minecraft Dungeons-a fun Minecraft themed dungeon crawler with big Baby’s First Diablo vibes.