Which version do I need, and how do I update?

Java: 1.21.8 and above.
Bedrock: 1.21.120 and above.

Beta, Preview and snapshot builds cannot join, whatever their version number.

Which version am I on?

Bedrock: the version is printed in the bottom corner of the main menu.

Bedrock Edition: Home Screen

Java: the version is shown next to the Play button in the Minecraft Launcher, and in the bottom corner of the in-game main menu.

Java Edition: Home Screen

Updating Bedrock

Bedrock updates through whichever store you installed it from: Microsoft Store, App Store, Google Play, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store or Amazon Appstore.

Open that store, find Minecraft, and select Update if the option is there.

If no update is offered, your device may have automatic updates paused, or your platform may not have received the release yet. Console releases can lag a few days behind mobile.

On a Preview build? Preview is a separate app from Minecraft, and it cannot join. Open the normal Minecraft app instead.

Updating Java

Open the Minecraft Launcher.
Go to the 'Installations' tab.
Either select an existing installation of 1.21.8 or above, or select New installation and pick the version from the dropdown.
Select Play.

Why we drop older versions

Each Minecraft version needs its own compatibility work. Supporting old releases means slower updates and more bugs for everyone, so we support recent versions only. This also allows us to use all the new blocks & mechanics added to the game!

Updated on: 17/08/2026

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