Minecraft PC requirements: Check Java and Bedrock before installing
Minecraft PC requirements explained: check official Java and Bedrock memory, graphics, storage, and operating system specifications before installing.
Checked against official Minecraft sources on October 11, 2026.
Minecraft PC requirements depend on whether you are installing Java Edition or Bedrock Edition: use the hardware table for your actual edition, then check your operating system, memory, graphics, and storage. Mojang's official PC store lists both, while its Java requirements announcement explains why Java's baseline changed.
Jump to: Java requirements · Bedrock requirements · Hardware checklist · Installation · FAQ.
Minecraft Java PC requirements
Confirmed: the official Java table targets 1080p at 30 FPS on the Fast preset for minimum specifications and 1080p at 60 FPS on Fancy for recommended specifications. Those settings matter when interpreting the hardware list; the table does not promise the same results at every resolution or configuration. Official Java table.
| Component | Official minimum | Official recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 8 GB with a discrete GPU; 12 GB with integrated graphics | 16 GB |
| CPU examples | Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X, or Apple M1; at least 4 physical cores | Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600, or Apple M2 Pro |
| Graphics baseline | Vulkan 1.3-capable GPU; at least 2 GB VRAM | Listed examples: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580, or Apple M2 Pro; table lists 6 GB VRAM |
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit |
All entries are taken from the official PC requirements table, checked October 11, 2026. The graphics row summarizes the baseline and recommended examples; consult the complete official list when checking a particular model.
The difference between integrated and discrete graphics is relevant because Mojang assigns different minimum memory amounts to those configurations. When comparing your computer, match the applicable row instead of stopping at the smaller memory figure. Java requirements announcement.
Mojang's July 21, 2026 announcement explained that its older requirements no longer represented the hardware needed for a good experience. It also distinguished being below specification from an immediate inability to launch: performance and visual quality were no longer guaranteed below the new baseline, with future compatibility a concern as Java moves toward Vulkan. Official announcement.
Do not interpret that July statement as a guarantee that every older computer will run every later build. Our recommendation is to compare against the current official table and check the version you plan to use before making a hardware purchase.
Minecraft Bedrock PC requirements
Confirmed: the Bedrock table lists 4 GB of memory as the minimum and 8 GB as recommended, with Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher in both operating-system columns. These are Bedrock specifications, separate from Java's newer requirements. Official Bedrock table.
| Component | Official minimum | Official recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100 | Intel i7-6500U or AMD A8-6600K |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 | NVIDIA GeForce 940M or AMD Radeon HD 8570D |
| OS | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher |
The official PC store is the source for every entry. It also identifies Minecraft for Windows as Bedrock, which helps if the launcher name differs from the edition name your friends use.
Use this table for the base edition rather than treating it as a promise about every enhanced graphics feature. The same official comparison says ray tracing requires a DXR-capable GPU. A machine matching the basic table therefore still needs a separate feature check if ray tracing is your goal. Official feature comparison.
How to check your PC for Minecraft
Compare your hardware component by component. Our recommended checklist uses Mojang's published categories, so you can identify which part of the machine needs closer investigation.
- Write down whether you intend to play Java or Bedrock.
- Check the operating-system version against that edition's table.
- Record the processor model rather than just its product family.
- Check installed memory and, for Java, which graphics configuration applies.
- Compare the GPU model and required graphics support with the official listing.
- Check available storage before installing.
This is planning advice, not a benchmark or a claim that we tested your hardware. A component whose name is missing from the examples needs further checking; absence from a short example list alone does not establish either compatibility or incompatibility.
Choose your multiplayer edition before spending money on upgrades. Our Java vs. Bedrock crossplay guide explains why the Windows bundle's two editions still connect to separate multiplayer groups.
Minecraft PC installation and storage
The official PC FAQ lists Java storage as 2 GB minimum and 4 GB recommended, and Bedrock as 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommended. Treat these as the published storage guidance, rather than a fixed download size for every installation. Storage FAQ.
Download the launcher from the official Minecraft downloads page and select the appropriate operating-system download. Its FAQ says the launcher updates automatically when started; if it does not, update it through the Windows Store Library tab. If you already purchased PC Minecraft, the store FAQ says to sign in using the same Microsoft account to reinstall it. Reinstallation FAQ.
If your next step is a shared hosted world, our Realms plan comparison covers the separate subscription decision.
Minecraft PC requirements FAQ
Does Minecraft Java need 16 GB of RAM?
That is the recommended amount. The official minimum is 8 GB with discrete graphics or 12 GB with integrated graphics. Source.
Can I use the Java requirements for Bedrock?
Use Bedrock's own table. Mojang publishes separate lists for the two editions. Source.
Is the minimum target the same as recommended performance?
No. Java's listed targets use different frame rates and graphics presets: 30 FPS on Fast versus 60 FPS on Fancy, both at 1080p. Source.
More Minecraft guides
- Minecraft Java vs. Bedrock crossplay: which edition can play with which devices.
- Minecraft Realms plans explained: prices, player limits and which edition each plan supports.
Sources
- Minecraft: Official PC requirements and FAQ — verified October 11, 2026.
- Mojang: Java Edition system requirements announcement — verified October 11, 2026.
- Minecraft: Official downloads and launcher FAQ — verified October 11, 2026.