Learning how to update Minecraft Bedrock on PC is essential for any player. Keeping Minecraft Bedrock updated on your computer ensures you have the latest features and security patches. This guide will walk you through every method, from automatic updates to manual fixes, so you never miss out on new content or bug fixes.
How To Update Minecraft Bedrock On Pc
Updating Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your Windows computer is usually straightforward. The process differs slightly depending on where you purchased the game. The primary method involves using the Microsoft Store app, which handles updates automatically in most cases. We will cover the standard procedure first, then address common issues and alternative solutions.
Standard Update Via The Microsoft Store
If you bought Minecraft through the Microsoft Store, updates are managed by the store itself. Here is the standard process to check for and install updates.
Step 1: Open The Microsoft Store Application
Click the Start menu and type “Microsoft Store” to find and open the app. You can also find it pinned to your taskbar or in your list of applications. Ensure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account used to purchase Minecraft.
Step 2: Access Your Library
Once the Store is open, look for the “Library” button. You can typically find this in the bottom-left corner of the app window. Clicking this will show you all the apps and games you own that have available updates.
Step 3: Check For And Install Updates
In your Library, click the “Get updates” button. The Store will then check for all available updates for your installed apps. If a Minecraft Bedrock update is available, it will appear in the list. Simply click the “Update” button next to Minecraft to begin the download and installation. The game will update automatically without any further input needed from you.
- Keep your Microsoft Store app updated for the smoothest experience.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the download.
- If you don’t see an update, your game may already be on the latest version.
Enabling Automatic Updates For Minecraft
To never worry about manual checks again, you can enable automatic updates. This is the most hands-off approach and is highly recommended.
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “App settings.”
- Find the setting labeled “App updates” or “Update apps automatically.”
- Toggle this setting to the “On” position.
With this enabled, the Microsoft Store will download and install updates for Minecraft and your other apps as soon as they are released. This usually happens in the background when your device is idle and connected to the internet. It’s a set-and-forget solution that keeps your game current.
Troubleshooting Common Update Problems
Sometimes, the update process doesn’t go as planned. You might encounter errors, or the update button may be missing. Here are solutions to the most frequent issues players face when trying to update Minecraft Bedrock on PC.
Microsoft Store Not Showing The Update
If you know an update is available but your Microsoft Store isn’t showing it, there are a few steps you can take. This is a common hiccup that can usually be resolved quickly.
Refresh The Store Cache
The Store app caches data, and sometimes this cache becomes corrupted. To reset it, press the Windows Key + R, type “wsreset.exe”, and press Enter. A blank command window will appear; wait for it to close, and the Store will reopen automatically. Then, check for updates again.
Repair Or Reset The Microsoft Store App
You can repair the Store app through Windows Settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “Microsoft Store” in the list, click on it, and select “Advanced options.” Click the “Repair” button first. If that doesn’t work, you can try the “Reset” button, but note this will erase the app’s data on your device.
Error Codes During Installation
Specific error codes can point to the root of the problem. Here’s how to address some common ones.
- Error 0x80070005: This is an access denied error. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters).
- Error 0x80073CF9: Often related to a lack of storage space. Check that you have several gigabytes of free space on your primary drive.
- Error 0x80070020: This can indicate a process is blocking the update. Restart your computer and try the update again immediately after booting.
Manual Update Installation Methods
When automatic methods fail, a manual installation can be your best recourse. This involves downloading the update package directly.
Using The Windows Package Manager (WinGet)
If you are comfortable with command-line tools, WinGet offers a powerful alternative. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an Administrator and type the following command: winget upgrade --id Microsoft.MinecraftUWP. This will force the system to check for and install any available upgrade for the Minecraft Bedrock package.
Downloading From The Official Website
As a last resort, you can sometimes download the latest installer directly. Visit the official Minecraft website and log into your Microsoft account. If a full installer is available for the latest version, you can download and run it. This will typically overwrite your existing installation with the updated files. Be sure to back up your worlds first, just in case.
Pre-Update Checklist And Best Practices
Before you initiate any update, following a simple checklist can prevent data loss and ensure a smooth transition to the new version.
Backup Your Minecraft Worlds
World corruption, though rare, can happen during an update. It is crucial to backup your saves. Open Minecraft Bedrock and go to Settings > Storage. Here, you can see all your worlds. Select each important world and choose the “Export World” option. Save the backup files to a safe location, like your Documents folder or an external drive. This gives you peace of mind.
Check System Requirements
Major updates can sometimes change the minimum system requirements. Before updating, verify your PC still meets the needs for the latest version. The current requirements typically include Windows 10 or 11, a recent GPU from Intel, AMD, or Nvidia, and at least 4GB of RAM. Having more than the minimum is always advisable for better performance.
Free Up Sufficient Disk Space
Game updates require free space to download and unpack. Ensure you have at least 2-3 gigabytes of free space on the drive where Minecraft is installed. You can check this by opening File Explorer, right-clicking on your C: drive (or the relevant drive), and selecting “Properties.” The available space will be displayed.
Post-Update Steps And Verification
After the update is complete, you should verify that it installed correctly and that your game is functioning.
Confirming The Update Version
Launch Minecraft Bedrock. On the main title screen, look for the version number in the lower-right corner. Compare this number to the latest version announced on the official Minecraft website or social media channels. If the numbers match, your update was successful.
Testing Your Worlds And Resources
Load into each of your major worlds. Check for any unusual behavior, missing textures, or functionality issues. Also, test any add-ons or resource packs you use frequently to ensure they are compatible with the new version. Some community-created content may need updates from their creators.
Reviewing New Features And Changes
Once confirmed, take a moment to explore what’s new. You can view the official patch notes from the game’s main menu under “Settings” or “News.” This helps you understand new gameplay mechanics, blocks, mobs, or bug fixes that have been implemented. It’s the rewarding part of staying updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about updating Minecraft Bedrock on a computer.
How Do I Update Minecraft Bedrock On Windows 10?
The process is identical for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Use the Microsoft Store app, go to your Library, and click “Get updates.” Enable automatic updates in the Store settings for a seamless experience going forward.
Why Is My Minecraft Bedrock Not Updating?
If your Minecraft Bedrock is not updating, common causes include a poor internet connection, insufficient storage space, a corrupted Microsoft Store cache, or an account mismatch. Work through the troubleshooting steps outlined earlier, starting with a store cache reset.
Can I Play On Older Versions Of Minecraft Bedrock?
Officially, the Minecraft Bedrock launcher does not support easily rolling back to older versions like the Java Edition does. Your installation is typically tied to the latest version. To play an older version, you would need a separate, manual installation of that specific version, which is not supported by Mojang and can be complex.
Is Updating Minecraft Bedrock Free?
Yes, all updates for Minecraft Bedrock Edition are completely free. Once you purchase the game, you recieve all subsequent feature and security updates at no additional cost. Be wary of any websites or sources claiming you need to pay for an update.
How Long Do Updates Usually Take?
Update times vary based on your internet speed and the size of the update. A minor patch might take a few minutes, while a major content update could take 15-30 minutes to download and install. Slower connections will naturally take longer, so be patient during the process.