How to Play Minecraft Bedrock on PC?

Elsa Updated on Dec 23, 2024 Filed to: Screen Mirroring

Planning to play Minecraft Bedrock on your PC or Mac? Do you want to join your friends on Xbox or mobile in a cross-platform adventure? Whether you're new to Minecraft or a seasoned player, the Bedrock Edition is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities, offering smooth multiplayer experiences.

But how do you get started on your PC? Is it different from the Java Edition? Let’s walk you through the simple steps to get Minecraft Bedrock running on your PC, so you can jump right into the action.

Get you ready to mine, build, and explore!

What's the Difference Between Minecraft Bedrock and Minecraft Java?

Minecraft has two main versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, each with distinct features.

Platform Compatibility

Java edition is exclusive to PC, Mac, and Linux. Bedrock edition, however, works on nearly all devices, including consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch), mobile devices, Chromebooks, and Smart TVs, except for Mac and Linux.

Cross-Play

Bedrock edition supports cross-play, allowing you to play with friends across different platforms. Java edition only allows multiplayer with other Java users.

Performance

Bedrock edition runs more smoothly on lower-end systems, offering consistent performance with fewer dropped frames. Java can be more demanding but supports advanced graphics mods.

Mods and Servers

Java edition features limitless free mods, enabling customization of graphics, gameplay, and more. It also boasts massive multiplayer servers with popular mini-games like Bed Wars. Bedrock has fewer paid modding options.

Game Modes

Java edition includes Hardcore mode, where you have one life and no respawn, offering a unique challenge.

If you want to play with friends across different devices, go for Bedrock. If you’re into mods or prefer PC-only gameplay, Java Edition is for you. Choose based on your platform and preferences.

How to Play Bedrock on PC?

Playing Minecraft Bedrock on your PC is a simple process, and you need to follow the steps:

1. Step 1.Open your Minecraft Launcher.

1. Step 2.Then, log in to the Microsoft account.

1. Step 3.In the sidebar, click on "Minecraft for Windows."

1. Step 4.Hit the green “Play” button to start the game.

If you don’t have the Minecraft Launcher:

1. Step 1.Go to the Minecraft website and select "Get Minecraft."

1. Step 2.Choose from “Deluxe Collection” or simple “Minecraft.”

1. Step 3.You can also sign in with your Microsoft or Xbox account.
2. Step 4.After purchasing, download the Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store.
3. Step 5.Search for "Minecraft Launcher" and click “Get.”

How to Play Minecraft Bedrock on a PC With Xbox Controller?

Since Microsoft owns both Minecraft and Xbox, you can download Minecraft from the Xbox app on your PC. The Xbox app is available in the Microsoft Store, which is pre-installed on most Windows computers.

Here are the steps to do it:

1. Step 1.Open the Microsoft Store from your taskbar.
2. Step 2.Search for “Xbox” and install the Xbox app.

1. Step 3.Open the Xbox app, search for “Minecraft,” and select the “Minecraft for Windows + Launcher” option.

1. Step 4.Click “Install.”

Once installed, you can choose between Minecraft Launcher and Minecraft for Windows. The Launcher lets you switch between Bedrock and Java editions. Log in to your Xbox account, and you're ready to play.

To play with an Xbox controller, make sure it's connected via USB or Bluetooth. After the initial setup, you can launch Minecraft directly from the desktop or the Launcher, and play with friends across Xbox, PC, PS4, and mobile devices.

How to Play Minecraft Bedrock on Mac?

There’s no officially supported method to play Bedrock edition on Mac. But here are a few options you can consider:

1. Virtualization

You can use tools like Parallels Desktop to run an operating system (such as Windows or Linux) on your Mac, without rebooting. Note that you'll need to purchase the edition if you don’t already own it.

1. Step 1.Open the Parallels Desktop and go to Control Center and click Get Windows 11 from Microsoft.

1. Step 2.Click on Continue and then install Windows.

1. Step 3.When the installation is complete, click on “I accept” to complete the process.

Step 4.Then, download the Minecraft Bedrock version from the official Minecraft website or the Microsoft Store.
Step 5.Install Bedrock on the virtual machine, and you're ready to start playing!

2. Boot Camp (For Intel Macs)

You can install Windows via Boot Camp on your Mac. The tool will help you create a separate partition on your Mac's hard drive for Windows. The method is more efficient than virtualization but requires rebooting into Windows each time you want to play.

1. Step 1.Open the Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac (found under Applications> Utilities).
2. Step 2.Follow the prompts in Boot Camp Assistant to partition your drive and install Windows. You'll need a Windows installation disk or ISO file for this.

Step 3.Once Windows is installed, restart your Mac and boot into the Windows partition.
Step 4.Now that you're running Windows, download and install the Minecraft Bedrock edition and play within the Windows environment. When you're done, simply reboot your Mac into macOS.

You can also use platforms like Shadow PC as they allow you to rent a virtual PC with customizable specifications. You can install Bedrock on the cloud PC and access it from your Mac via the macOS app or a browser. This is a more expensive option but offers flexibility.

How to Play Minecraft on PC If You Bought It on Your Phone?

Unfortunately, if you purchased Minecraft on your phone, you can't transfer that license to play on your PC. You'll need to buy the game again for Windows or Java Edition to play on a PC. Alternatively, you can consider playing with:

1. With Emulators

Emulators let you run mobile apps, including Minecraft Bedrock, on your PC. One popular option is BlueStacks. Here's how to use it:

1. Step 1.Download and install BlueStacks from the official website.
2. Step 2.Launch BlueStacks and sign in to your Google account.

1. Step 3.Go to the Google Play Store and search for Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

Step 4.Download and install it.
Step 5.Open the game, sign in, and start playing.

While emulators are a workaround, performance may vary depending on your system.

2. With AirDroid Cast

AirDroid Cast is a screen-mirroring tool that lets you stream mobile gameplay to your PC, even if both devices are far away. It also mirrors the device's audio and sound from the microphone. Here’s how to use it:

1. 1. Step 1.Download AirDroid Cast on your phone and PC.
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1. Step 2.Open AirDroid on both devices. Use a wireless connection or a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC.
2. Step 3.For a wireless connection, you need to initiate a casting request through a code or QR code.

1. Step 4.Accept the casting request on PC, and you’re done.

Step 5.Start Minecraft Bedrock on your phone. Your gameplay will appear on your PC screen.
Step 6.AirDroid allows you to control the game using your mouse and keyboard.

The method is ideal if you don’t want to buy Minecraft Bedrock separately for PC.

FAQs

1. Is Bedrock Free If You Buy Java?

If you buy Minecraft Java Edition for Windows 10 or 11, you’ll get Minecraft Bedrock Edition for free. Both versions come as part of the Java and Bedrock Edition bundle. If you already own one, the other will appear automatically in the Minecraft Launcher within 2–3 days.

2. Can You Get Minecraft Bedrock for Free?

No, Minecraft is a paid game and cannot be downloaded for free on its own. However, if you purchase any previous Java edition, you will get the Bedrock edition for free. This offer is only available through the official Minecraft launcher and applies to PC players.

3. How to Play Bedrock on PC With Friends?

To play with friends, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1.Select “Play” and go to the Friends.
Step 2.Click Add Friend, then choose how you want to add them:
- Search Gamertag: Enter your friend’s Microsoft account Gamertag.
- Scan QR Code: Let your friend scan your QR code with their mobile device to add you.
- Share: Use the Share button to send your gamertag via chat or email.
- Copy: Press Copy to share your gamertag through text, chat, or email.
Step 3.Once your friend is added, you can join their active game by clicking the Join button in the Friends tab.

Conclusion

Whether you're playing Minecraft Bedrock on a PC, Mac, or even through an emulator, there are plenty of ways to dive into the game, regardless of your platform.

The Bedrock Edition offers a smooth, cross-platform experience, making it ideal for multiplayer fun with friends across different devices.

While the process may vary slightly depending on the device, with the right tools and setup, you'll be able to enjoy Minecraft without a hitch.

So, go ahead and get started. Your next adventure in the blocky world of Minecraft awaits!

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Elsa

Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.

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