Minecraft is one of the most popular computer games in the world. This is partly because you can install it on almost any computer. Installing Minecraft on Windows just got a lot easier, thanks to the new Minecraft Launcher. This new launcher contains all the necessary Java files, so you no longer have to install Java separately. If you're using Mac or Linux, you'll still need to install Java yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Windows
Step 1. Go to the Minecraft download page
You can find it here: minecraft.net/nl-nl/download.
If you have had problems installing Minecraft and Java in the past, download the latest version from minecraft.net/en-nl/download. The latest versions of Minecraft include all the necessary Java files, so you no longer need to install Java separately
Step 2. Click on the link
Minecraft.msi in the "Minecraft for Windows" section.
Here's how to download the latest Minecraft installer.
Step 3. Run the installer
Follow the instructions to install Minecraft on your computer.
Step 4. Open the Minecraft launcher
This is the program you use to open Minecraft. After installing Minecraft, you can find the icon on your desktop.
Step 5. Wait for all files to be downloaded
When you open the launcher for the first time, the necessary files will be downloaded automatically.
Step 6. Sign in with your Minecraft or Mojang account
This is the account you created when purchasing Minecraft.
Step 7. Play Minecraft
When all files are downloaded, you can start playing. Check out this guide to playing tips for beginners.
Resolving problems
Step 1. Minecraft is very slow, or keeps crashing
This is usually due to a computer that does not have the required specs for Minecraft. For the best gaming experience you need at least the following specifications:
- 4GB RAM
- 1 GB storage
- A separate video card
Method 2 of 5: Mac
Step 1. Download and install Java
You need Java to play Minecraft on OS X. You can download Java for OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) from this link.
Mojang is currently working on an installer for Mac that doesn't require Java anymore, but it's not available yet
Step 2. Go to the Minecraft download page
You can find it here: minecraft.net/nl-nl/download.
Step 3. Click on the link 'Show all devices'
This link can be found under the 'Minecraft for Windows' section.
Step 4. Click on the link
Minecraft.dmg.
This is how you download the installer for the Mac version of Minecraft.
Step 5. Double click on the DMG file you downloaded
You can find the file in your Downloads folder.
Step 6. Drag Minecraft to your Applications folder
Minecraft will now be installed.
Resolving problems
Step 1. I get an error message that Minecraft is corrupted when I try to open it
You can get this error if OS X does not allow programs that are not from the App Store.
- Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
- Select the 'Security and Privacy' option.
- Select the 'Everywhere' option in the 'Allow applications downloaded from' section.
Method 3 of 5: Minecraft Pocket Version
Step 1. Open the app store on your device
The Minecraft Pocket version is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
Step 2. Search for "Minecraft Pocket Edition"
Select the game from the search results.
Step 3. Buy the game if you haven't already
You have to buy the Minecraft Pocket version first before you can download it. If you've already paid for it before, you can start downloading right away.
Step 4. Tap "Install" to download and install the Minecraft Pocket version
Then you can find the game on your home screen or in the app drawer.
Method 4 of 5: Linux
Step 1. Download and install the drivers for your video card
If you have a separate video card, Minecraft will work better if you install the drivers for your video card first. Here's how to install drivers on Ubuntu:
- Open the 'Preferences' menu and select 'Software & Updates'.
- Click on the "Additional Drivers" tab.
- Select the 'binary driver' for your video card and click 'Apply changes'.
Step 2. Install Java
You need Java to play Minecraft. You can install Java from the Terminal. Here are the instructions for Ubuntu:
- Open the Terminal. You can press Ctrl+Alt+T to quickly open the Terminal.
- Type sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/java and press ↵ Enter.
- Type sudo apt-get update and press ↵ Enter.
- Type sudo apt-get install oracle-java8-installer and press ↵ Enter.
- Follow the instructions to install Java.
Step 3. Download Minecraft from
minecraft.net/nl-nl/download.
Click the 'Show all devices' link, then click the Minecraft.jar link.
Step 4. After downloading, right click on the
.jarfile and select 'properties'.
Click on the 'Permissions' tab and select the 'Allow file execution' box. Click 'Apply'.
Step 5. Double click on the
.jar file to start Minecraft. If you then click on 'Play', the game will automatically download all files, and you will be instructed to log in with your Minecraft or Mojang account.
Resolving problems
Step 1. I can't open Minecraft in an older version of Ubuntu
If you're using an older version of Ubuntu and can't get your Minecraft to work, check out this guide
Step 2. I keep getting error messages when I play Minecraft
There are many possible reasons why Minecraft on Linux may not work properly. The easiest solution to many problems is to use Wine (a Windows emulator for Linux) to run the Windows version of Minecraft.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing Windows software with Wine
Method 5 of 5: Further installation
Step 1. Set up a Minecraft server
If you want to create a world where you and all your friends can play, you can set up your own Minecraft server. You can do this on a spare computer at your home, or you can rent a server that is always reachable and allows you to play with many players at once.
Step 2. Install mods
Want to make your Minecraft experience a little more interesting? There are thousands of mods for Minecraft, as well as many for the Pocket Edition (although they are a little harder to get).
- Click here for instructions on installing mods for Minecraft.
- Click here for instructions on installing mods for the Pocket version.