You can change your Minecraft version through the launcher, and the process depends on whether you play Java Edition or Bedrock Edition

Minecraft has multiple versions running at the same time. Java Edition lets you pick from hundreds of releases going back years, while Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows, consoles, and mobile) updates automatically but lets you roll back to older versions in some cases. The method you use depends on which edition you own and which version you want to run.

Most players switch versions to use mods, play on servers that require a specific version, or test their world in an older release. Some switch because a new update broke something they relied on. Whatever your reason, both editions give you control — you just need to know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition players open the launcher, click the version dropdown next to the Play button, and select from a list of every release Minecraft has ever made.
  • Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and 11 can roll back to previous versions through Settings, but console and mobile versions do not offer this option.
  • Switching versions in Java Edition does not delete your world — your saves stay in place and load in whichever version you choose.
  • Some servers and mods only work on specific versions, so check what version a server requires before you try to join it.

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 currently shows your installed version — it might say "Latest Release" or a specific number like "1.20.1". Click that dropdown to see every version available to read.

Scroll through the list to find the version you want. Versions are listed newest first, so if you want an older release, you will need to scroll down. Once you find it, click the version name. The launcher will read it if you do not already have it installed — this can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

After the version downloads, the Play button becomes active. Click it to start the game in that version. Your worlds and settings stay exactly where they are. When you switch back to a different version later, everything is still there.

How to change versions in Bedrock Edition on Windows

Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and 11 does not let you pick versions the way Java Edition does. Instead, the game updates automatically when Microsoft releases a new version. However, you can roll back to the previous version if a recent update caused problems.

Open the Microsoft Store and find Minecraft. Click the three dots next to the Play button and select "See more". Look for an option labeled "Version history" or "Rollback". If this option appears, click it and choose an earlier version from the list. The Store will read and install that version, replacing your current one.

Not all older versions stay available this way — Microsoft typically keeps only the current version and the one before it. If you need a version older than that, you may not be able to access it through Bedrock Edition.

Why your world might not load in a different version

Worlds created in a newer version sometimes fail to load in older versions. This happens because newer versions add blocks, items, and features that older versions do not recognize. When you load a world that contains something the old version does not know about, the game either skips it or crashes.

The reverse usually works fine — a world made in an old version loads in a new version without trouble. If you want to test a world in an older release, make a backup copy first. Right-click your world folder in the saves directory, select "Copy", and paste it somewhere safe before you switch versions.

Checking what version a server requires

Before you join a multiplayer server, find out what version it runs on. Most servers list this information on their website or in the server description. Look for text like "1.19.2" or "Latest" — that tells you which version you need to be running.

If you join a server running a different version than the one you are using, the launcher will usually warn you or refuse to connect. Some servers are flexible and accept multiple versions, but many lock you to one specific release. Switching to the correct version before you try to join saves you time and confusion.

Using version snapshots and pre-releases

Minecraft releases test versions before the official launch. Snapshots are early builds of upcoming features, while pre-releases are nearly finished versions waiting for final approval. Both are available in the Java Edition launcher — they appear in the version list with labels like "Snapshot" or "Pre-Release".

These versions are not stable. Worlds made in snapshots might break when the official version launches, and pre-releases can have bugs. Use them only if you want to test new features or help find problems before release. Keep your main world in a stable version, and use a separate world for testing.

Mods and version compatibility

Most mods only work on specific versions of Java Edition. A mod built for version 1.19 will not load in 1.20, even if the difference seems small. Before you read a mod, check what version it supports — the mod page always lists this.

If you want to use a mod, you need to run the version it was built for. This is one of the most common reasons players switch versions. If you have multiple mods you want to use and they support different versions, you will need to choose which mod to prioritize, or find versions that overlap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will switching versions delete my worlds?

No. Your worlds stay in your saves folder no matter which version you run. When you switch back to an older version, your worlds are still there. The only risk is that a world made in a newer version might not load properly in an older one, so back up important worlds before you downgrade.

Can I play on a server with a different version than the one it runs?

Not usually. Most servers require you to run the exact version they use. If you try to join with a different version, the server will reject you or the launcher will warn you before you connect. Switch to the server's version first.

How long does it take to read a different version?

Most versions read in a few minutes on a standard internet connection. Larger versions or slower connections might take longer. The launcher shows a progress bar while it downloads, so you can see how much time is left.

Do I need to uninstall Minecraft to switch versions?

No. The launcher manages multiple versions at once. You can have ten different versions installed and switch between them by clicking the dropdown. Each version takes up disk space, so if you run low on storage, you can delete old versions you no longer use.

What is the difference between a snapshot and the official release?

Snapshots are test builds released weekly during development. They contain new features but may have bugs. Official releases are stable versions tested and approved for public play. Use snapshots to preview upcoming features, but keep your main world in an official release.