You can change Minecraft versions through the launcher, and the process depends on whether you own Java Edition or Bedrock Edition

Minecraft has two main editions, and each handles versions differently. Java Edition lets you pick any version from the full history of the game — you can jump between 1.8, 1.12, 1.20, or any release in between. Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows, phones, tablets, and Nintendo Switch) updates automatically and does not let you choose older versions, though you can sometimes roll back one or two updates if a new version causes problems.

The reason this matters: mods, servers, and multiplayer worlds often require a specific version. If your friends play on 1.19 and you are on 1.20, you cannot join their world. If you built something in 1.16 and update to 1.20, that world may not load the same way. Knowing how to switch versions means you can play what you want without losing your progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players can select any version from the launcher's version list before launching the game, and the launcher downloads the version automatically if you do not have it.
  • Bedrock Edition does not offer version selection, but you can sometimes downgrade one or two updates through your device's app settings if a new version breaks your world.
  • Switching versions in Java Edition does not delete your worlds — each version has its own world folder, so your 1.19 worlds stay separate from your 1.20 worlds.
  • Before switching versions, check what version your server, mod pack, or multiplayer world requires so you do not waste time troubleshooting.

How to change versions in Java Edition

Open the Minecraft Launcher and look at the bottom left corner. You will see a dropdown menu that says "Latest Release" or shows a version number. Click that dropdown to see every version available. Scroll through the list and select the version you want — for example, 1.19.2 or 1.16.5. The launcher will read that version if you do not have it already, which can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the version is downloaded, click the green "Play" button. The game will launch in that version. Your worlds from that version will appear in your world list. If you switch to a newer version later, those worlds will still be there, but they may look different because newer versions add new blocks, mobs, and terrain generation.

If you want to go back to the latest version, repeat the process and select "Latest Release" from the dropdown. You can switch versions as many times as you want without losing anything.

What happens to your worlds when you change versions

Java Edition stores worlds separately by version. When you create a world in version 1.19, it lives in the 1.19 folder. When you switch to 1.20 and create a world there, it goes in the 1.20 folder. Your 1.19 worlds do not disappear when you update — they stay in the 1.19 folder and load normally when you switch back to 1.19.

However, if you open a world in a newer version than the one it was created in, Minecraft will convert it. For example, if you open a 1.16 world in 1.20, the game rewrites the world file to 1.20 format. You can still load it in 1.16 afterward, but any new blocks or terrain you added in 1.20 will not appear in 1.16. To be safe, make a backup copy of any world you care about before switching to a newer version.

Bedrock Edition version changes and rollbacks

Bedrock Edition (Windows, mobile, console) does not have a version selector. The game updates automatically when a new version releases, and you cannot choose to stay on an older version. This is by design — Bedrock is meant to keep everyone on the same version so multiplayer works smoothly.

If a new Bedrock update breaks your world or causes crashes, you may be able to roll back one or two updates through your device's app settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Minecraft, click the three dots, and select "Advanced Options." Look for "Repair" or "Reset" — repair usually downgrades you to the previous version without deleting your worlds. On mobile, uninstall the app, then read the previous version from the app store if it is still available, though this is less reliable.

Rollbacks are temporary. The next time you launch the game, it will try to update again. If the new version still does not work for you, check the Minecraft launcher or the official Minecraft website to see if a hotfix has been released.

Finding out what version you need

Before you switch versions, figure out what version your server, mod pack, or world requires. If you are joining a friend's server, ask them directly — they will know. If you are using a mod pack (like Forge or Fabric), the mod pack description or read page will list the version it supports. If you are loading a world file someone else made, check the file name or ask the creator.

You can also check your current version in-game. In Java Edition, open the launcher and look at the version dropdown. In Bedrock, go to Settings > About and look for the version number. Knowing your current version and your target version takes the guesswork out of switching.

Mods, servers, and version compatibility

Mods in Java Edition are version-specific. A mod made for 1.19 will not work in 1.20 without the creator updating it. If you install a mod and then switch versions, the mod may not load or may cause crashes. Always check the mod's page to see which versions it supports, then switch to one of those versions before installing.

Servers also require a specific version. A server running 1.19.2 will not let you join if you are on 1.20. The server list in the multiplayer menu shows the version each server runs, so you can see at a glance whether you need to switch. If you try to join a server on the wrong version, the launcher will tell you and ask if you want to switch automatically — you can say yes and it will change your version for you.

Troubleshooting version switches

If you switch versions and the game will not launch, the most common cause is a corrupted read. Close the launcher, go to your .minecraft folder (on Windows, press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and navigate to .minecraft; on Mac, open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and type ~/Library/process Support/minecraft), and delete the folder for the version you are trying to use. The launcher will re-read it the next time you try to play.

If a world will not load after you switch versions, try opening it in the version it was created in first. If it loads there, the world file may be corrupted by the version change. You can try opening it again in the newer version — sometimes a second attempt works. If it still does not load, you may need to restore from a backup.

If you are on Bedrock and a world stopped working after an update, try the repair option in your app settings. If that does not help, check the Minecraft launcher or official website to see if a hotfix has been released that fixes the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play with friends on different versions?

No. Everyone on a multiplayer server or shared world must be on the same version. If your friends are on 1.19 and you are on 1.20, you cannot join their world. You will need to switch to their version first. The launcher can usually do this automatically when you try to join.

Will I lose my worlds if I change versions?

In Java Edition, no — worlds are stored separately by version, so switching does not delete anything. In Bedrock, worlds update automatically with the game, so you keep them when you update. However, opening an old world in a much newer version may change how it looks, so back up worlds you care about before switching.

How long does it take to read a different version?

It depends on your internet speed and the version size. Most versions are between 200 and 400 megabytes, so on a typical home internet connection, downloading takes 5 to 15 minutes. Newer versions are usually larger than older ones.

Can I have multiple versions installed at the same time?

Yes. Java Edition downloads each version you select and keeps them all installed. You can switch between them when ready by selecting a different version in the launcher. Bedrock does not work this way — only one version is installed at a time.

What if I want to go back to a version that is no longer in the launcher?

Very old versions of Java Edition are still available in the launcher, but Mojang removed some extremely old snapshots and pre-releases. If a version is not in the dropdown, it is no longer available through the official launcher. You would need to find it through third-party sources, which carries security risks.