Minecraft Windows VS Bedrock? A Clear Comparison

Minecraft is an extensive game. You’d be hard-pressed to find an example of another game quite as impactful.

That said, the game has changed quite a bit since it was released, with extensive new ways to create your own world and play within it. If you’ve paid attention to Minecraft over all these years, you may have a few questions about its history, such as what happened to Minecraft for Windows. This guide has you covered.

We’ll break down if Minecraft for Windows is the same as Bedrock Edition, what the differences between both versions are, and answer other lingering questions. Let’s get started.

Is Minecraft For Windows The Same As Bedrock Edition?

If you’ve been playing Minecraft for a while, you’re certainly aware of the game’s different editions on various platforms. Most notably, there’s Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Java Edition. However, you may remember a time when there was Minecraft for Windows PC. Whatever happened to that version? Is Minecraft for Windows the same as Bedrock Edition?

The short answer is yes. Minecraft Windows is the same as Bedrock Edition, with the latter replacing the former. The long answer is a little bit more complicated.

The Early Days of Minecraft

When Minecraft first launched back in 2011 (and in its early access period before that), it was a game built in the Java programming language.

Having been built in Java, the game runs just great on Windows, Mac, and PC. But there are a few problems with Java as a programming language.

For one, the way it runs Minecraft isn’t very compatible with older or weaker devices, such as less powerful smartphones. While it will run fine on most PCs, that performance does not necessarily extend to other platforms.

This limitation was fine when Minecraft was run by Mojang as an independent company. But, when Microsoft purchased Mojang in 2014, some problems arose.

You see, Microsoft wanted to make money back on their $2.5 billion purchase. To do that, they had to make Minecraft as accessible as possible, launching it on consoles, mobile devices, and so much more. But Java’s limitations prevented this.

The Java Workaround

Instead of pushing Java Edition to consoles and other platforms, Microsoft instead rebuilt the game in C++, a programming language that’s much more compatible with other devices.

For the most part, this version had the same game mechanics, the ability to play online, and the overall same game look and feel.

Microsoft called this version Minecraft for Windows, or Minecraft Windows 10 Edition.

As time went on, the corporation continued to publish Minecraft for different devices, such as Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition or Minecraft: PlayStation 3 Edition, with Minecraft: Pocket Edition for mobile devices like Android or iOS.

All of these Editions ran very similarly, though no two versions were exactly the same. This made it hard for players to play online on different platforms, and they couldn’t transfer the same world to different game versions.

Eventually, something had to change.

The Bedrock Solution

As consoles and mobile devices continued to grow more powerful, their versions of Minecraft came closer and closer to the PC editions. Microsoft understood this and realized it was time for one unified platform.

Enter Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, also known as just Minecraft.

Microsoft built Bedrock Edition as one game that works on most platforms. The benefits of this included cross-platform play and the ability to play on worlds across two Editions or more.

Bedrock Edition replaced Minecraft for Windows, though it was ultimately the same experience as before; it was just renamed.

The version that almost everyone plays today is Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, which allows Microsoft to implement unified updates through the Minecraft Marketplace or to run servers all under one roof.

Of course, this didn’t replace Java Edition. Instead, Bedrock Edition and Java Edition run in tandem, with the latter running on Mac and Linux alongside Windows. Unfortunately, these two versions are not compatible in any way. You cannot play multiplayer across both versions, nor can you transfer maps, resource packs, or even friends between either one.

Let’s break down a few of the differences between both Editions of the game.

The Differences Between Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition runs on multiple devices, including the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile. It is cross-compatible with all the devices it runs on, though it’s harder to install mods and other player-made upgrades for free.

Instead, players must go through the paid Minecraft Marketplace to install add-ons like Resource Packs or new maps.

Bedrock Edition has extensive controller support as well, with menus and a user interface built with these devices in mind.

It’s a version of the game that unites the Minecraft community and allows them to play together with minimal issues. Unfortunately, this accessibility means player customization takes a step back, as Microsoft runs the show here.

Java Edition

Java Edition is the more open version of Minecraft. Here, players have much more control over which mods they want to install, which packs they want to run, and what servers they want to play on.

Due to these differences, however, players do not have access to the Minecraft Marketplace, nor can they play across other platforms like Bedrock Edition can. In some players’ opinion, these limitations are fine, as they enjoy the more open experience. To others, customization doesn’t matter as much, and they’d rather just play the game they’re presented with.

All of this said, Java and Bedrock are both called Minecraft, and both are perfectly valid methods of play. Both editions have similar blocks, world types, and other core features. Updates are even released around the same time for both versions.

With this extensive knowledge of both Minecraft versions filling your brain, it’s time to pick one. However, make sure you and your friends are all playing the same version!

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