How to Download and Install the Minecraft Launcher on a Mac

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• A Mac computer with internet access

• A Microsoft account

• Permission to install applications on the Mac

• Enough available storage for Minecraft Launcher and any Minecraft edition you plan to install

You do not need to own Minecraft before downloading the launcher.

Steps

1. Visit the official Minecraft website.

2. Navigate to Games → Minecraft → PC/Mac/Linux.

3. Select the macOS download option.

4. Download the Minecraft Launcher .dmg file.

5. Open the downloaded .dmg file.

6. Drag Minecraft Launcher into the Applications folder.

7. Open Applications and launch Minecraft Launcher.

8. Sign in using your Microsoft account.

9. Review the available game options shown in the launcher.

What You Should See

If you already own Minecraft:

• The launcher displays Install or Play for the Minecraft editions associated with your Microsoft account

If you do not own Minecraft:

• The launcher displays Buy Now or Get Game instead of Play

• Selecting Buy Now or Get Game opens the official Minecraft purchase page in your web browser

• After purchasing Minecraft using the same Microsoft account, the launcher updates to display Install or Play

macOS Edition Availability:

• Minecraft Java Edition is the only Minecraft edition supported natively on macOS

• Minecraft Bedrock Edition is not available natively on macOS

Authura Class Requirements:

• Authura Minecraft classes require Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11

• Minecraft Java Edition cannot be used to connect to Authura Minecraft class servers

• If you are purchasing Minecraft specifically for an Authura class, purchase Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11 using the same Microsoft account you use in Minecraft Launcher

• Mac users who need Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11 should use Parallels

• Mobile versions, console versions, Android emulators, and other unofficial workarounds are not supported for connecting to Authura class servers

Common Issues

I'm confused about Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition
Authura Minecraft classes require Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11. Minecraft Java Edition cannot connect to Authura class servers.

I expected Minecraft Bedrock Edition to be available on my Mac
Minecraft Bedrock Edition is not available natively on macOS. Mac users who need Bedrock Edition for Authura classes should use Parallels.

I signed into the launcher with a different Microsoft account
Purchases and ownership are tied to the Microsoft account used to buy Minecraft. Sign in with the same account used for your purchase.

I expected Play to appear immediately
If you do not own Minecraft, the launcher displays Buy Now or Get Game instead. After purchasing with the same Microsoft account, the launcher updates to show Install or Play.

I'm trying to use Minecraft Java Edition for an Authura class
Minecraft Java Edition cannot be used to join Authura Minecraft class servers. Authura classes require Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11.

I'm using an Android emulator or another workaround
Android emulators, mobile versions, console versions, and other unofficial workarounds are not supported for connecting to Authura Minecraft class servers.

What's Next

• Minecraft Java vs Bedrock Differences
  Learn the differences between Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition and choose the correct version for your needs.

• Minecraft Says You Don't Own the Game
  Troubleshoot ownership and licensing issues when Minecraft does not appear in your launcher.

• Sign In with a Microsoft Account
  Learn how to sign in correctly and manage account-related access issues.

• Minecraft System Requirements
  Confirm that your device meets the requirements for the Minecraft edition you plan to use.

• How to Use Parallels for Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Mac
  Learn the recommended approach for running Minecraft Bedrock Edition for Windows 10/11 on a Mac.