Can you install Minecraft Java and Bedrock on the same computer.

Question

I am purchasing Minecraft for my child. He has two friend groups. One that plays on PC (Java Edition) and one that plays on Xbox and PlayStation (Bedrock). Can I install both versions of Minecraft on the same computer so that he can go back and forth between the two depending on who he is playing with?

Answer 1

Yes. Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition can both be installed and used on the same Windows PC.

Key points relevant to the scenario:

1. Platform support
   • Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs.
   • Bedrock Edition runs on Windows PCs as well as consoles and mobile devices.
   • This means a single Windows 10/11 PC can have both editions installed side by side.
2. How they are installed and launched
   • Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate applications with separate game files and launchers.
   • Bedrock on Windows is typically installed via the Minecraft Launcher or Microsoft Store. The same Bedrock installation also includes access to features like the Bedrock Editor mode on PC.
   • Java Edition is installed via the Minecraft Launcher as a separate profile from Bedrock.
   • The child can choose which edition to launch from the Launcher depending on which friends are being played with (Java friends on PC vs. Bedrock friends on Xbox/PlayStation-compatible worlds/servers/Realms).
3. Multiplayer compatibility
   • Java and Bedrock are different editions and do not crossplay with each other.
   • Friends on Xbox and PlayStation use Bedrock, so the child will use Bedrock Edition on the PC to play with them.
   • Friends on PC using Java Edition will require the child to launch Java Edition.

So on a single Windows 10/11 computer, both editions can be installed and the child can switch between them as needed.

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References:

• Differences Between Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition
• How to get Minecraft Editor