Minecraft
Genre: Open-World-Survival
Studio: Mojang
Publisher: Mojang
Rent a Minecraft Server
Rent a server
Genre: Open-World-Survival
Studio: Mojang
Publisher: Mojang
Rent a Minecraft Server

How to download and install Minecraft

A lot of people have tried playing Minecraft throughout the years. But there is one thing standing between you and the endless fun that Minecraft has to offer: Installing the game. However, as daunting as that might seem initially, downloading and installing Minecraft is actually pretty easy. After all, accessibility is one of the quality features of Minecraft: Installation is simple and no third-party launchers like Steam or UPlay are required for the download. So, if you cannot wait to embark on your epic journey, we have the ultimate guide for installing Minecraft right here.

Overview Minecraft Installation:

  • choose the right edition
  • create a Mojang account
  • download the Minecraft launcher
  • install & play Minecraft

The first Choice: Which Edition do I need?

As you may have heard, there are several different editions of the basic Minecraft game. The 3 most relevant ones are:

  • Java Edition: Java is the original Minecraft edition and is available for Windows, macOS as well as Linux. It offers a lot of mod support and is perhaps the most well-known edition.
  • Bedrock Edition: As Java is exclusive for PC, Bedrock was developed for consoles. If you play on a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch, the Bedrock edition is the one you will need. Note that newer versions of Windows also allow for the Bedrock edition to be used. This is also the edition that runs on mobile phones, also known as Pocket Edition. However, the mobile edition has a few more limitations.
  • Minecraft Education Edition: This version was developed specifically for the use in school and explores physics and chemistry processes in more detail.

How to download Minecraft

To run Minecraft on your computer, you need to install the launcher first. You can start the Minecraft launcher download directly on minecraft.net. If you have never installed Minecraft before, you will be prompted to create a Mojang account. Insert your email and username and verify your account via the automated email. You can also change your username later if you want to try something new. After that, you can choose your platform and version to buy and download Minecraft. If you already own Minecraft, you can easily download the installation file again from the download page. With this step done, you have now successfully installed the Minecraft launcher.

How to install Minecraft

Fortunately, the launcher you just installed is programmed to do most of the hard work for you. Launch the MinecraftInstaller.msi file once the download is complete. The installation wizard will then guide you through the process. You have the option to choose a destination folder for the game files. Try to install the game on a drive that has some RAM to spare, as you might want to install some mods later, which can take a lot of processing power. If you notice a dive in game quality, you might need to allocate more RAM to your game later. However, the default settings should usually be fine. You also have the option to create a desktop shortcut. We do recommend doing so simply for convenience.

During the Minecraft installation process, you will also need to accept the terms and conditions. Afterwards, you will be asked to confirm the installation of Minecraft. You might need administrator rights and have to approve the process. Now the game files will be unpacked to complete the Minecraft installation. You also have the option to launch Minecraft directly.

How to launch Minecraft for the first time

After you have downloaded and installed Minecraft, you will need to log in to your Mojang account again when you launch it for the first time. Therefore, you should keep your login data at hand. Before you can set off into the block world, you still have to download the latest Minecraft patch, upgrading the game to the current version. However, this happens all by itself as soon as you start the game. As the game has gone through numerous updates throughout its 15 years of existence, this step might take some time depending on your internet connection.

Before you begin your first adventure, we recommend checking the graphic settings and adjusting them if necessary. If your computer is a bit older or does not have a lot of processing power, you should consider starting a world with lower graphic settings. If you don’t, you might risk a game crash, which can cause damage to your game files. If you later decide that you set your graphics too low, you can always adjust the settings later. For more detailed customization options, a shader can also be used.

Once you are ready, create your first world by clicking the ‘singleplayer’ or the ‘play’ button (in Java or Bedrock, respectively) and select ‘Create New World.’ You can choose from a variety of game modes, though we would recommend creative mode if you want to become familiar with the game first. 

As you can see, this Minecraft installation guide is not that long, which shows just how easy it is to install Minecraft. Of course, this is only the beginning of your Minecraft journey. Why not spice things up by installing a mod that brings new and fresh ideas to the world, like Biomes o’ Plenty or Aether? Or you can join an SMP server and test your ability to survive against the odds. You can even try and set up your own server by following our Minecraft server guide. But whatever you decide to do, one thing will remain true at all times: With your friends and a server from G-Portal, it will be even more fun!

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