You can try Minecraft for free on Windows 10 with Mojang’s official free trial. There’s one for Bedrock Edition, which you get from the Microsoft Store, and one for Java Edition, which runs through the Minecraft Launcher. Each gives you roughly 100 minutes of play, about five in-game days, and you need a free Microsoft account. When the trial ends you can buy the full game and keep playing. This guide covers both trials, the differences between them, and what to avoid.
What the free trial includes
According to Minecraft’s own free trial page:
- About 100 minutes of in-game time, roughly five Minecraft days. It can vary slightly by device.
- Survival mode, playable offline.
- No joining online multiplayer servers, though LAN play on your home network is allowed.
- A fixed player name, “Player,” that you can’t change.
The trial is for Windows 10 and Windows 11. You’ll need a Microsoft account, which you can create for free during sign-in.
Bedrock or Java: which trial should you pick?
- Bedrock Edition is the version on consoles, phones, and tablets. Pick it if you want to play with friends on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile once you buy the game. It usually runs more smoothly on lower-end PCs.
- Java Edition is the original PC version. Pick it if you’re interested in mods or Java servers, or you’re playing with friends on Mac or Linux.
If you buy Minecraft for PC now, you get Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, which includes both, so you don’t have to choose permanently.
How to start the Bedrock Edition trial
- Go to the free trial page at minecraft.net/free-trial.
- Under Bedrock Edition, choose the Windows 10/11 download. It opens the trial in the Microsoft Store.
- Click Get or Install and sign in with your Microsoft account when asked.
- When it finishes installing, click Play. You’ll also find it in the Start menu.
If the Microsoft Store app won’t open or is missing, see how to install or reinstall the Microsoft Store.
How to start the Java Edition trial
- On the same free trial page, choose the Windows 10/11 download under Java Edition. This downloads the Minecraft Launcher.
- Run the installer and open the Minecraft Launcher.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select Minecraft: Java Edition and click Play Demo. The launcher downloads the game files the first time, which can take a few minutes.
Play Minecraft Classic in your browser
Mojang also released Minecraft Classic, the 2009 version of the game, to play free in a web browser for the game’s 10th anniversary. It has 32 blocks, creative building, and no survival mode or mobs. Search for “Minecraft Classic” on minecraft.net to find it. It’s a fun look at where the game started rather than a substitute for the full game.
What happens when the trial ends?
When your trial time runs out, the game asks you to buy it. If you buy the full version with the same Microsoft account, you can keep going, but trial worlds may not carry over to the full game. Build anything you care about once you’ve bought it.
Once you own it, see how to install Minecraft on Windows 10 and how to update Minecraft on Windows 10.
Other ways to play without buying it outright
PC Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service, has included Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. It isn’t free, but if you already subscribe, you can install Minecraft through the Xbox app at no extra cost. Check the Game Pass catalog in the Xbox app to confirm it’s still included.
Avoid “free Minecraft” downloads
Sites offering a cracked or “free full version” of Minecraft are a common way to spread malware and steal accounts. Only download Minecraft from minecraft.net, the Microsoft Store, or the Xbox app.
Troubleshooting
The trial won’t install from the Microsoft Store
Make sure Windows is up to date (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update), sign out of the Store and back in, and try again. The free trial page also has an alternate download link if the main one doesn’t work.
It says I’ve already used my trial
The trial is a one-time taste of the game. Bedrock and Java are separate trials, so if you’ve used one you can still try the other.
The game runs slowly
Lower the Render Distance in Settings > Video, and close other programs while you play. Bedrock generally performs better than Java on older PCs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Minecraft trial really free?
Yes. You don’t need to buy anything to play it, only sign in with a Microsoft account.
Can I play the trial with friends?
Only on your local network. Online servers and Realms aren’t available in the trial. Once you buy the game, you can play with friends online.
Does Minecraft still work on Windows 10?
Yes, the trial is offered for Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft ended regular Windows 10 security updates in October 2025, so keep that in mind for the PC itself.
Summary
Go to minecraft.net/free-trial and pick Bedrock (Microsoft Store) or Java (Minecraft Launcher). Sign in with a Microsoft account and you get about 100 minutes of free play. Avoid unofficial “free Minecraft” downloads.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.