Minecraft 1.21.1 debuted for Java Edition on August 8, 2024, as a hotfix update to fix a few critical exploits that were being used to intentionally crash multiplayer servers.

Though Minecraft Java Edition can be downloaded and installed using Mojang's official launcher, the same can be achieved via custom launchers.

You'll need a Microsoft account to download Minecraft but that's no sweat to do. Choosing between the two versions, Java and ...

Minecraft players struggle to play Java Edition with the new Launcher causing log-in difficulties and long download times.

“Starting June 7, all players that have either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition will receive the edition they do not currently own for free, right in the Minecraft Launcher,” Mojang said.

Minecraft's latest launcher unifies the Java, Bedrock, Windows and Dungeons edition and here is how to get the minecraft launcher.

The Java edition of Minecraft is not free to play, and this will likely never change since it is still the most popular version despite the release of the Bedrock Edition that aims to replace it.

Minecraft is coming to Game Pass for PC as the Minecraft: PC Bundle which includes both the Java and Bedrock Editions.