Minecraft is one of the most popular games worldwide, and keeping it updated ensures you enjoy the latest features and bug fixes. If you play Minecraft on Windows 10, updates usually happen automatically. However, sometimes errors can occur, preventing the update from completing.
This guide will walk you through the basic steps to update Minecraft on Windows 10. It also covers easy troubleshooting tips to fix common update errors.
Following these instructions carefully will help you get back to playing Minecraft without hassle. Even if you are not very tech-savvy, each step is explained in simple terms.
Let’s get started with the quick checks before diving into the update process.
Quick Note: Before You Start
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential because Minecraft downloads update files from the internet.
- Make sure you have enough storage space: Updates need free disk space to install properly.
- Confirm you are logged into the Microsoft Store: Minecraft updates on Windows 10 are managed through the Microsoft Store app, so you need to be signed in.
- Close Minecraft before updating: The game must be closed to allow the update files to replace the old ones.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store app is where Windows 10 manages updates for apps including Minecraft. To open it, click on the Start menu (Windows icon at the bottom-left corner of your screen), then type Microsoft Store. Click the app icon to launch it.
Opening the Microsoft Store is important because Minecraft updates are automatically checked and downloaded through this app.
Step 2: Check for Minecraft Updates
Once inside the Microsoft Store, look to the top-right corner for your profile icon, then click the three dots (•••) next to it. Select Downloads and updates from the dropdown menu.
On this page, click the Get updates button. The Store will now check for available updates for all your installed apps, including Minecraft.
If there is an update for Minecraft, it will start downloading automatically. If no update appears, your Minecraft is already up to date.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After the update downloads and installs, restart your computer. Restarting helps finalize the installation by refreshing system files and clearing any temporary issues.
Step 4: Launch Minecraft and Verify the Update
After restarting, open Minecraft from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. Once the game loads, check the version number usually shown on the main menu screen. It should match the latest update version available on the official Minecraft website.
If the version matches, congratulations! Your Minecraft is now successfully updated.
Troubleshooting Common Update Errors
1. Microsoft Store Won’t Download or Update Minecraft
If the update doesn’t start or fails midway, try these simple fixes:
- Sign out and sign back into the Microsoft Store: Click your profile icon, select Sign out, then sign back in with your Microsoft account.
- Reset the Microsoft Store cache: Press
Windows + R, typewsreset.exe, and press Enter. This will clear the Store cache and reopen it automatically. - Run Windows Update: Sometimes pending Windows updates can block app updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
2. Minecraft Won’t Launch After Update
If Minecraft crashes or won’t open after updating, try these steps:
- Restart your PC: This simple step can fix many temporary issues.
- Update your graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can cause crashes. Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest driver.
- Repair or reset Minecraft: Go to Settings > Apps > Minecraft > Advanced options. Here, you can try the Repair option first, and if that doesn’t help, use Reset. Resetting will reinstall the app but keep your saved data.
3. Error Codes During Update
Microsoft Store may show error codes like 0x80070005 or 0x80073CF9 during updates. These often relate to permission or storage issues.
- Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, then select Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter.
- Check your disk space: Make sure you have at least 5GB free on your system drive.
- Create a new user account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes update errors. Create a new Windows user account and try updating Minecraft from there.
Alternative Method: Update Minecraft Using Xbox App
If you have the Xbox app installed on Windows 10, you can also update Minecraft through it. Open the Xbox app, go to My Library > Updates, and check if Minecraft has an update available. This can sometimes bypass Microsoft Store issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Minecraft not updating on Windows 10?
Common reasons include poor internet connection, Microsoft Store glitches, pending Windows updates, or insufficient storage space. Following the troubleshooting steps usually resolves these problems.
Do I lose my Minecraft worlds when updating?
No. Updating Minecraft does not delete your saved worlds. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your worlds before making any major changes.
How do I check the Minecraft version on Windows 10?
Open Minecraft and look at the bottom-left corner of the main menu screen. The version number is displayed there.
Can I manually download Minecraft updates?
No. Minecraft updates for Windows 10 Edition are distributed only through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. Manually downloading update files is not supported.
What should I do if the update keeps failing?
Try resetting the Microsoft Store, running Windows Update, or using the Xbox app to update. If none work, see the next section.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot update Minecraft, you can try the following final options:
- Uninstall and reinstall Minecraft: This ensures a fresh installation. Remember to back up your worlds located in
%LocalAppData%PackagesMicrosoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbweLocalStategamescom.mojangminecraftWorlds. - Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for help with Microsoft Store or Xbox app issues.
- Visit Minecraft Help Center: The Minecraft Help Center offers guides and troubleshooting tips for Minecraft problems.
Conclusion
Updating Minecraft on Windows 10 is usually straightforward through the Microsoft Store or Xbox app. Ensuring a stable internet connection, sufficient storage, and signing into the Store are key prerequisites.
If updates fail, simple troubleshooting steps like resetting the Store cache, repairing the app, or updating Windows itself often fix the issues. For more stubborn problems, reinstalling Minecraft or reaching out to official support is recommended.
By following this detailed guide, you should be able to keep your Minecraft game up to date and enjoy the latest features without frustration.