Product, license and technical answers
Minecraft Free Launcher FAQ
These answers describe the current public beta. Claims are intentionally narrower than the roadmap.
FAQ
Minecraft Free Launcher FAQ
Is the launcher free?
Yes, the launcher installer and its community demo workflow are free. This does not grant a license to the complete Minecraft game.
Why is there no Microsoft login?
This build is intentionally community-only. It stores a local display name and always starts the official demo mode.
Where are game files stored?
By default they are placed under your Windows profile in AppData. You can choose another folder in Settings without changing the official launcher directory.
Is Java included?
The installer bundles .NET for the launcher itself. The launcher then obtains the Java runtime required by the Minecraft version you choose.
Will old versions work on Windows 11?
They can be installed, but individual historical builds may depend on old graphics or input behavior that modern Windows and drivers no longer reproduce perfectly.
Can I use mods?
The beta does not install mods. If an official mod-loader installer creates a compatible profile in the selected directory, the underlying launcher library can recognize modified clients. Back up worlds first.
Does the launcher collect passwords?
No. There is no account sign-in or password field in the application.
How do I check an update?
Use only the download page on minecraft.co.com and compare the displayed version and SHA-256 checksum.