Java Edition or Bedrock Edition?
There are two versions for PC. Java Edition is the original version, with the most mods, shaders and servers. Bedrock Edition is the version for Windows, consoles and tablets; with it you play together with friends on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch or a phone.
On Minecraft.net you buy them together as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. The version your child starts decides which requirements count.
Official system requirements of Java Edition
These requirements apply since 21 July 2026. For the minimum, Mojang aims at 1080p at 30 FPS with the Fast preset, for the recommended level at 1080p at 60 FPS with Fancy.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12 or later, Linux 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14 or later, Linux 64-bit |
| Memory | 8 GB with a dedicated graphics card, 12 GB with integrated graphics | 16 GB |
| Processor | 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 card | Vulkan 1.3 with at least 2 GB of video memory: NVIDIA GTX 950, AMD Radeon RX 460, Intel Arc A310 or newer, or integrated graphics from Intel i5-6400, Apple M1 or Snapdragon X | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580 or Apple M2 Pro, with 6 GB of video memory |
Official system requirements of Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition asks less. Here too, Mojang aims at 1080p at 30 FPS with Fast and 60 FPS with Fancy.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or later | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or later |
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100 | Intel i7-6500U or AMD A8-6600K |
| Graphics card | Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 220, or a card with Shader Model 5.0 | NVIDIA GeForce 940M or AMD Radeon HD 8570D |
Shaders, mods and big worlds: what do they ask on top?
According to Minecraft.net, Minecraft leans more on the processor than on the graphics card. Big worlds, lots of mods and your own server mostly ask for a fast processor and more memory. With 16 GB you're fine; with lots of mods or a server on the same PC, 32 GB is comfortable. Expanding an existing PC? See our memory.
Shaders change light, shadows and water, and they ask a lot of the graphics card. Playing with shaders? Then pick a PC with a mid range graphics card, such as an RTX 5060 Ti or RX 9060 XT.
Which gaming PC suits Minecraft?
For Minecraft without shaders, a PC with a dedicated graphics card from our entry level is enough. Do compare the processor with the recommended requirements of Java Edition (Ryzen 5 5600 or Core i5-12400), because that's where the game leans most. Playing with shaders? Look at the mid range.
These are gaming PCs in stock today, each with a different graphics card. Rather choose yourself? In the PC Builder you put together a PC with parts that work together.
Minecraft for your child
Minecraft has online servers and a chat, and you play it with a Microsoft account. With Microsoft Family Safety you set play time, purchases and contact with other players. Which agreements help is in our guide for parents.
Frequently asked questions
Does Minecraft run on a PC without a dedicated graphics card?
Yes, with integrated graphics from an Intel i5-6400, Apple M1 or Snapdragon X. Java Edition then asks for at least 12 GB of memory. With a dedicated graphics card, 8 GB is the minimum.
How much RAM do I need for Minecraft?
For Java Edition, Mojang recommends 16 GB. With lots of mods or your own server on the same PC, 32 GB is comfortable. Bedrock Edition asks less: 8 GB recommended.
What's the difference between Java and Bedrock?
Java Edition has the most mods and servers and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Bedrock Edition asks less of your PC and lets you play together with consoles and phones.
Why did the Java Edition requirements go up?
According to Mojang, the old requirements were based on older hardware and older graphics technology. Java Edition is moving from OpenGL to Vulkan, and that needs a graphics card with Vulkan 1.3.
Does Minecraft still work on my old PC?
According to Mojang, Java Edition usually still starts below the new minimum, but performance and image quality are no longer guaranteed. Later the game may not start at all on such PCs, mainly because of the move to Vulkan.
Read also
Sources
The official figures come from these pages of the makers, read on 7 November 2026. Check there for the latest version.
