While we’ve yet to receive official confirmation from Microsoft and Mojang that Minecraft will indeed work on Windows 11, it’s safe to assume that one of the world’s most popular games will run on the new operating system once it launches in earnest later this year. Indeed, there’s already proof that Minecraft works in Windows 11, thanks to no shortage of people on YouTube showcasing the game running in the new OS.
It’s safe to presume that the fully vetted version of Minecraft for Windows 11 will trigger automatic updates, as is the case with the current Windows 10 and Java Editions, but in this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to update Minecraft on Windows 11 manually.
Remember that until Mojang pushes out an optimization patch specifically for Windows 11, you may encounter occasional issues linked to running older software optimized for Windows 10 on what is essentially a beta version of the OS.
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How To Update Minecraft: Java Edition On Windows 11
Step
Open launcher
Open the Minecraft Launcher by double-clicking the desktop icon, if you have one, or click the Search icon in the Windows 11 taskbar and type ‘Minecraft Launcher’ into the search field, then click on the ‘Best Match’ result with the same name.
Step
Log into your account
Log in using either your Microsoft or Mojang account by entering your username/email and password and click Log In.
Step
Click Play Tab
In the Minecraft Launcher, click on the Play tab among the options running horizontally along the top of the window.
Step
Check version
Note the Latest Release drop-down menu in the bottom left of the window, which will note the latest version of Minecraft available. If it’s accompanied by ‘Download,’ this means an update is ready to download. Click Play to start the update download and wait for it to complete. Once updated to the latest version, Minecraft will start up as usual.
Should Minecraft fail to update and you know that a new version is available, you may need to uninstall then download the latest version of the Minecraft installer. You can find the required installer over on the official Minecraft website. Here are the steps.
Download the latest version
Step
Access Settings
Go to Settings. There are several ways to do this in Windows 11:
- Tap the Windows key or click the Start Menu icon, then select the ‘Settings’ cogwheel from the pinned shortcuts
- Click the ‘Search’ magnifying glass on the Windows 11 taskbar and type in ‘Settings,’ then click on the first ‘Best Match’ result of the same name.
Step
Select Apps
Click on Apps. Scroll down the list of apps, find Minecraft, or type Minecraft into the ‘Search this list’ field. Click on the Minecraft app, then click on Uninstall, then Uninstall once more.
Click on the Minecraft app, then click on Uninstall, then Uninstall once more.
Follow the steps in the uninstall wizard.
Visit the official Minecraft website and download the latest version installer.
Run the file and follow the installation wizard process.
Run Minecraft, then follow the steps detailed above.
How To Update Minecraft Bedrock On Windows 11
The Bedrock version of Minecraft for Windows should update automatically to the latest version available, but if it doesn’t, here are the steps required to nudge it to do so manually.
Step
Open Windows Store
Open the Windows Store. There are multiple ways to do this in Windows 11:
- Tap the Windows key or click the Start Menu icon, then select the ‘Microsoft Store’ icon from the pinned shortcuts,
- Click the ‘Search’ magnifying glass on the Windows 11 taskbar and type in Microsoft Store,’ then click on the first ‘Best Match’ result of the same name.
Step
Once in Store
In the Microsoft Store window, click on the three dots located in the top right-hand corner.
Step
Download & Updates
In the drop-down menu that appears, click on ‘Downloads and updates.’
Under ‘Downloads and updates’, click on the ‘Get updates’ button in the top right-hand corner to prompt the Microsoft Store to search for any available updates for all your apps, including Minecraft.
If any updates are available, the Microsoft Store will download and install them, so allow some time for this.
In recent activity, scroll down until you find Minecraft and check that the version number lines up with the latest update for the game.
Launch Minecraft as you usually would.
Summary
With these steps, you should be well equipped to keep Minecraft up to date with the latest version on Windows 11 if, for some reason, automatic updates fall short.
While we’re convinced our guide has all the information required to quickly and easily update Minecraft in Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch via the comments section below with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
We have a growing list of dedicated Windows 11 guides here at PC Guide, so be sure to check them out if you are struggling with any aspect of Microsoft’s shiny new operating system.