| Step | Action | Details | |------|--------|---------| | | Create (or log into) a Mojang/Microsoft account | Go to https://account.mojang.com or https://login.live.com . You’ll need a valid email address and, for new accounts, a purchase of Minecraft Java Edition (or a Minecraft Bedrock Edition license if you prefer that platform). | | 2 | Purchase/confirm ownership of Minecraft Java Edition | If you haven’t bought the game yet, click “Buy Minecraft” and follow the checkout flow. Existing owners can skip this step. | | 3 | Download the official launcher | Visit https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download and click the appropriate installer for your OS (Windows .exe , macOS .dmg , or Linux .tar.gz ). | | 4 | Install the launcher | Run the installer and follow the prompts. On macOS, you may need to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy because it’s not from the App Store. | | 5 | Log into the launcher | Open the launcher, sign in with the Microsoft account you used for the purchase. | | 6 | Select a version | In the “Installations” tab, click “+ New” → choose “Release” and pick a version from the dropdown (e.g., 1.20.4 ). If you need an older snapshot, switch the dropdown to “Snapshots” . | | 7 | Download & play | Click “Play” ; the launcher will automatically download the selected version and launch the game. |