While there's no legal way to obtain a free copy of Minecraft Java Edition, you can still play Minecraft for free by downloading the demo version for Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you'd rather play Bedrock Edition for free, we'll show you a trick for getting Bedrock for your Xbox One or PC at no cost if you already own the classic Java edition. Read on to learn how!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Demo

  1. 1
    Open the Minecraft website. Go to https://www.minecraft.net/ in your browser.
  2. 2
    Click MENU. It's in the top-right corner of the page. A menu will appear.
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  3. 3
    Click TRIAL & DOWNLOAD. You'll find this option near the bottom-right corner of the menu.
    • Minecraft only works on Macbooks and PCs.
  4. 4
    Click DOWNLOAD. This green button is on the right side of the page.
  5. 5
    Install Minecraft. Double-click the Minecraft setup file, then follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. 6
    Open Minecraft. Its app icon resembles a block of dirt with grass on top of it. Once you open Minecraft, you'll be prompted to enter your Minecraft account information, after which point you'll be able to play the demo for 100 minutes.
    • If you don't have a Minecraft account, create one first.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Bedrock Edition on Windows

  1. 1
    Make sure that you own a copy of Minecraft. If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft (purchased before October 19th, 2018 [1] ), you can download the Bedrock Edition (formerly known as the "Windows 10" edition) of Minecraft for free.
    • If you own a copy of Minecraft on Mac, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free on a PC.
  2. 2
    Open the Mojang website. Go to https://account.mojang.com/login in your browser.
  3. 3
    Log into your Mojang account. Enter your Minecraft email address and password, then click Log in. This will log you into the Mojang account that you used to buy Minecraft.
    • Make sure that you're using the account with which you bought your initial version of Minecraft.
  4. 4
    Find the "Minecraft for Windows 10" section. This heading should be near the middle of the page.
  5. 5
    Click Claim your free copy. You'll find this button to the right of the "Minecraft for Windows 10" heading. You should be redirected to the Microsoft Store.
  6. 6
    Click Redeem. It's to the right of the Minecraft logo.
    • You may first be prompted to log into your Microsoft account. If so, enter your email address and password before continuing.
  7. 7
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Bedrock Edition on Xbox One

  1. 1
    Make sure that you own a copy of Minecraft. If you already have a copy of classic Minecraft on your Xbox One, you can download the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft for free.
  2. 2
    Select the Store tab. Scroll right to the Store tab at the top of the screen, then press A on your controller.
  3. 3
    Select Search and press A. It's in the middle of the Store screen.
  4. 4
    Type in minecraft. Use the on-screen keyboard to do so.
  5. 5
    Press . It's below and to the right of the "Guide" button on your Xbox One controller. This will search for the Minecraft game.
    • You can no longer purchase the Xbox One edition of Minecraft from the Store.
  6. 6
    Select Minecraft and press A. It should be one of the top results in the Store. Doing so will open the Minecraft page.
  7. 7
    Select Get and press A. This button is to the right of the Minecraft image.
  8. 8
    Wait for Minecraft to finish installing. Once it does, you'll be able to find it in the My games and apps menu.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How would I get a virus?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you download it from somewhere other than the official Minecraft website, then the Minecraft that you downloaded may contain malware. This is why it's recommended to download software from secure websites.
  • Question
    Can I get Minecraft Pocket Edition for the Kindle Fire?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should be able to download it from your application store.
  • Question
    Does the demo of Minecraft allow multiplayer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. In order to play multiplayer, you must purchase Minecraft on whatever device you choose.
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Warnings

  • Attempting to download the full version of Minecraft from a third-party website is illegal, and may result in your computer getting a virus.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 1,929,387 times.
1,758 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 91
Updated: March 16, 2023
Views: 1,929,387
Categories: Minecraft
Article SummaryX

To get the Minecraft demo for free, go to the Minecraft website and click on the menu bar in the top-right corner of the page. From here, tap on “Trial and Download,” which should be near the bottom of the menu. Then, click the green “Download” button and double click the Minecraft setup file to install the game on your computer. To finish the installation, follow the on-screen instructions. When you’re done with the set-up, click on the app icon, which looks like a block of dirt with grass on top. Once the app opens, you’ll be prompted to enter your account information, after which you’ll have 100 minutes to play the demo for free. To learn how to use the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft on Windows, keep reading!

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