PC has both the Java and Bedrock Editions available in the Minecraft Launcher. If you have friends on other platforms, we recommend playing Bedrock so you can play with them.

Meanwhile, "Minecraft: Bedrock Edition" is great if you want to play with friends on different systems. Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

For the past few years, Mojang has been working hard to bridge the gap between Minecraft Bedrock and Java Editions. Previously, they felt entirely different, despite having most features in common.

Java Edition players have their own version of Realms and can play with other Java players. Bedrock Edition is a better option when it comes to players looking for crossplay in Realms.

Here's an overview of the most major differences between the "Java" and "Bedrock" versions of Minecraft, and a summary of what version you should get for yourself. 'Minecraft: Java Edition' vs ...

While the two versions of Minecraft — the "Java" and "Bedrock" editions — are mostly the same in terms of basic gameplay, there are also a few key differences.