Is Minecraft on Steam?

No. PC players get the Minecraft Launcher from Minecraft.net.

Do I need a Microsoft account to play?

Yes. Minecraft says all players have needed a Microsoft account for all versions since July 25, 2022.

Will Minecraft Java still run on my old PC?

It should still launch, but Mojang says performance and visuals are not guaranteed below the new minimum, and future updates may cause problems.

How much RAM does Minecraft Java need?

At least 8 GB with a dedicated GPU or 12 GB with integrated graphics. Mojang recommends 16 GB.

Minecraft System Requirements 2026: Java and Bedrock on PC

Minecraft runs on many computers, but Java Edition raised its recommended hardware on July 21, 2026. Mojang says older machines should still launch the game, but performance is no longer guaranteed below the new minimum. Figures below come from Minecraft.net, checked on October 9, 2026, and can change.

Key takeaways

Java minimum: 4-core CPU, 8 GB RAM with a dedicated GPU (12 GB with integrated graphics), Vulkan 1.3 GPU with 2 GB VRAM.
Java recommended: 16 GB RAM and a GPU with 6 GB VRAM for 1080p at 60 FPS.
Bedrock on PC needs far less: Windows 10 and 4 GB RAM at the minimum.
Old graphics cards and some older Intel Macs may fall below the Java minimum.

Grian — Ao vivo agora: lives de Minecraft

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Requirements table

	Java min	Java recommended	Bedrock min	Bedrock recommended
OS	Windows 10 64-bit, macOS 12+, Linux 64-bit	Windows 11, macOS 14+, Linux 64-bit	Windows 10 (19041.0+)	Windows 10 (19041.0+)
Memory	8 GB (12 GB integrated GPU)	16 GB	4 GB	8 GB
Graphics	Vulkan 1.3 GPU, 2 GB VRAM	6 GB VRAM, such as RTX 2060	Intel HD 4000 or Radeon R5	GeForce 940M or Radeon HD 8570D
Storage	2 GB	4 GB	4 GB	8 GB

Mojang is moving Java from OpenGL to Vulkan, which is why a Vulkan 1.3 graphics card is now listed. The company also says Java does not need a high-end gaming PC.

How to install Minecraft on PC

Go to the official Minecraft.net download page and get the Minecraft Launcher.
Open the launcher and sign in with a Microsoft account. All versions need one.
No account yet? Choose the option to create a new Microsoft account and follow the steps. You will pick a gamertag.
Buy the game if you do not own it, then press Play in the launcher.
Choose Java or Bedrock if you own the bundle.