Java Edition

Minecraft: Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Notch began development on Minecraft on May 10, 2009, and publicly released it a week later on May 17, 2009. The full release (version 1.0.0) was released on November 18, 2011, at MINECON 2011.

Updates are managed directly by the Minecraft Launcher, so it does not have to go through platform holders' certification.

Logging in with a Microsoft account is required to use the launcher and play the game. In addition to the latest version and latest snapshot, most past versions of Java Edition are also available through the launcher. The launcher allows for separate profiles that are useful for mods, development versions, and old versions.