why is minecraft java edition not available in my market?

Hello, Sean Yu

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A

Thank you for your feedback. I understand your confusion, especially regarding your comment, “I have the Bedrock Edition and want to get the Java Edition because it's free?” This involves some important differences between Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, as well as their current methods of acquisition.

First, regarding the misunderstanding about “free”:

Minecraft Java Edition itself is not free. The reason you may have the impression that it's “free” is because Microsoft introduced a policy in June 2022:

If you purchase the Minecraft Java Edition, you will receive the Bedrock Edition for free.

If you purchase the Minecraft Bedrock Edition, you will receive the Java Edition for free.

However, this policy applies only to “new purchases.” If you already owned the Bedrock Edition before the policy took effect, you will not automatically receive the Java Edition for free. You will still need to purchase the Java Edition separately.

Secondly, regarding the issue of “not available on the Microsoft Store”:

Minecraft Java Edition is primarily not sold or distributed through the Microsoft Store.

The primary purchase and download channel for Minecraft Java Edition is the official Minecraft website: www.minecraft.net.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the version primarily sold and distributed through the Microsoft Store.

The Minecraft Launcher can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. This launcher allows you to launch the Java Edition game after purchasing it (it can also launch the Bedrock Edition).

Therefore, it is normal that you cannot find Minecraft Java Edition in the Microsoft Store, as it is not directly sold there.

Solution steps:

1. Visit the Minecraft official website to purchase the Java Edition:

Open your web browser and visit www.minecraft.net.

Click the “Get Minecraft” button (or a similar purchase button) on the website.

Select “Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition” (if you already own the Bedrock Edition, purchasing this bundle is still the most direct way, but you will receive another Bedrock Edition license).

Follow the prompts to complete the purchase process. You will need to log in with your Microsoft account and complete the payment.

2. Download and install the Minecraft Launcher:

After completing the purchase, the website will guide you to download the Minecraft Launcher.

You can also search for “Minecraft Launcher” in the Microsoft Store and download and install it.

After installation, open the Minecraft Launcher.

Log in to the launcher using your Microsoft account:

In the Minecraft Launcher, log in using the same Microsoft account you used to purchase the Java Edition.

• After logging in, you should see the option to launch Minecraft Java Edition.

I look forward to your feedback.

Best Regards,

Ami | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist