How to Download and Install the Minecraft Launcher on a PC

Download, install, and sign in to Minecraft Launcher on a Windows PC so you can access or purchase the correct Minecraft edition for your Authura Game Quest

Written By Maya

Last updated 8 minutes ago

What You’ll Do

Download and install the Minecraft Launcher on your Windows PC, sign in with a Microsoft account, and learn what to do next whether you already own Minecraft or still need to purchase it.

Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Steps

  1. Visit the official Minecraft website and navigate to Games → Minecraft → PC/Mac/Linux.

  2. Select the Windows download option to download the Minecraft Launcher installer.

  3. Open the downloaded installer file from your Downloads folder.

  4. Follow the installation prompts shown on your screen. Depending on your device, part of the installation process may open or interact with the Microsoft Store.

  5. Wait for the installation to finish, then launch Minecraft Launcher.

  6. Sign in using your Microsoft account.

Important: Authura Minecraft Game Quests require the Windows 10/11 PC version of Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Mobile versions, console versions, Android emulators, and other unofficial workarounds are not supported for connecting to Authura game servers.

If you need to purchase Minecraft, use the same Microsoft account that you plan to use in Minecraft Launcher and your Authura Game Quest.

  1. After signing in, review the game options available in the launcher.

  2. If you already own Minecraft, select Install or Play for the edition associated with your Microsoft account.

  3. If you do not own Minecraft, select Buy Now or Get Game to open the official Minecraft purchase experience in your web browser.

  4. After purchasing Minecraft with the same Microsoft account, return to the launcher. The available options will update to show Install or Play for eligible editions.

What You Should See

Note: Downloading Minecraft Launcher is free and does not require owning Minecraft. Ownership only affects whether the launcher displays Install or Play, or Buy Now or Get Game.

If you already own Minecraft:

  • The launcher displays Install or Play for the 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

If you are joining an Authura Minecraft Game Quest:

  • Authura Minecraft Game Quests require the Windows 10/11 PC version of Minecraft Bedrock Edition

  • If you are purchasing Minecraft specifically for an Authura Minecraft Game Quest, purchase the Windows PC version using the same Microsoft account you use to sign in to Minecraft Launcher

  • Mobile editions, console editions, Android emulator solutions, and other unofficial workarounds cannot be used to connect to Authura game servers

Common Issues

I cannot find the correct game edition
Many learners confuse Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Authura Minecraft Game Quests require the Windows PC version of Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

I cannot find the correct Minecraft download page
Always download Minecraft Launcher from the official Minecraft website to ensure you receive the correct installer.

The launcher shows Buy Now instead of Play
You can download and install the launcher without owning Minecraft. Buy Now or Get Game appears until Minecraft is purchased using the signed-in Microsoft account.

I signed in but my purchase is missing
Make sure you signed in with the same Microsoft account that was used to purchase Minecraft.

I bought Minecraft on a phone or console and expected it to work for my Game Quest
Authura Minecraft Game Quests require the Windows 10/11 PC version of Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Mobile and console purchases may not provide the required Windows PC access.

I am trying to use an Android emulator instead of a Windows PC version
Android emulators and other unofficial workarounds are not supported for connecting to Authura game servers.

What's Next