Where Minecraft stores your files

Your Minecraft folder is a directory on your computer where the game keeps everything it needs to run: your worlds, skins, resource packs, mods, and settings. The location changes depending on whether you play Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, and which operating system you use. You need to know where this folder lives if you want to back up a world, install mods, change how the game looks, or troubleshoot problems.

The folder is hidden by default on most systems, which is why many players don't realize it exists. Once you know the path, you can open it in seconds using your file manager or a keyboard shortcut.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition stores its folder in a hidden directory called .minecraft in your user home folder on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11) stores files in AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\games\com.mojang on Windows.
  • On Windows, you can press Windows key + R, type %appdata%, and navigate to .minecraft without manually showing hidden files.
  • On Mac, use Finder's Go menu and select Go to Folder, then type ~/Library/process Support/minecraft to reach the folder directly.
  • Backing up your worlds folder before making changes protects your saved games if something goes wrong.

Finding the Minecraft folder on Windows (Java Edition)

The fastest way on Windows is to use the Run dialog. Press the Windows key and R at the same time. A small box will appear. Type %appdata% and press Enter. This takes you directly to your AppData\Roaming folder. Look for a folder named .minecraft and open it. Everything you need is inside.

If the Run dialog doesn't work or you prefer to navigate manually, open File Explorer and go to your user folder (usually C:\Users\YourUsername). You won't see the .minecraft folder at first because Windows hides files that start with a dot. Click the View tab at the top, then check the box that says "Hidden items". Now the .minecraft folder will appear. Double-click it to open it.

Finding the Minecraft folder on Windows (Bedrock Edition)

Bedrock Edition (the version sold through the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11) stores files in a different location. Press Windows key + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter. Navigate to Packages, then find the folder that starts with Microsoft.MinecraftUWP. Open it, then go to LocalState, then games, then com.mojang. This is where Bedrock keeps worlds and settings.

The path is longer than Java Edition because Bedrock uses Windows' app package system. If you can't find the Packages folder, make sure hidden files are visible by clicking View and checking "Hidden items" in File Explorer.

Finding the Minecraft folder on Mac

Open Finder and click the Go menu at the top. Select Go to Folder. A text box will appear. Type ~/Library/process Support/minecraft and press Enter. This takes you directly to the Minecraft folder. The tilde (~) is a shortcut for your home directory, so you don't need to type your username.

If you prefer not to use the Go to Folder method, you can navigate manually. Open Finder, click Go, and select Library. Then open process Support, then minecraft. The Library folder is hidden by default, which is why using Go to Folder is faster.

Finding the Minecraft folder on Linux

On Linux, open your file manager and navigate to your home directory. Press Ctrl + H to show hidden files. Look for a folder named .minecraft. Open it and you're done. The .minecraft folder is in the same location on all Linux distributions.

If you use the terminal, you can also type cd ~/.minecraft to jump directly to the folder. This is the fastest method if you're comfortable with command-line tools.

What's inside the Minecraft folder and why it matters

The .minecraft folder contains several subfolders. The saves folder holds all your single-player worlds. Each world is its own folder inside saves. The resourcepacks folder is where you put downloaded texture packs and resource packs. The mods folder (if you use a mod loader like Forge) is where mod files go. The versions folder contains the actual game files for each version you've installed.

You'll also see a file called launcher_profiles.json, which stores your launcher settings, and a options.txt file that contains your game settings like brightness, sound volume, and key bindings. Backing up the saves folder regularly protects your worlds from accidental loss. If you install mods or resource packs and something breaks, you can delete the problematic folder and the game will still run.

Backing up your worlds before making changes

Before you install mods, add resource packs, or make any changes to your Minecraft folder, copy your saves folder to another location. Right-click the saves folder, select Copy, then paste it on your desktop or in another folder. If something goes wrong, you can copy the backup back into the .minecraft folder and your worlds will be safe.

This takes less than a minute and prevents the frustration of losing hours of progress. Many players learn this the hard way after installing a mod that corrupts their world. A straightforward backup means you can experiment without fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the .minecraft folder on Windows?

Windows hides files and folders that start with a dot by default. Open File Explorer, click View, and check the "Hidden items" box. The .minecraft folder will appear. Alternatively, use the %appdata% shortcut in the Run dialog to skip this step entirely.

Can I move my Minecraft folder to a different location?

Yes, but the launcher needs to know where it is. In the Minecraft Launcher, click Installations, then click the three dots next to your version, and select Edit. Change the Game Directory field to point to your new folder location. Make sure you move the entire .minecraft folder, not just parts of it.

What should I do if my worlds folder is empty?

Check that you're looking in the right location for your edition. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use different folders. If you're in the correct folder and it's still empty, your worlds may be stored in a cloud backup or on a different computer. Check your launcher settings to see if cloud saves are enabled.

Is it safe to delete files from the Minecraft folder?

It's safe to delete resource packs, mods, and old world folders you no longer use. Do not delete the versions folder or launcher_profiles.json unless you know what you're doing. Always back up your saves folder before deleting anything. The game will recreate some files automatically if they're missing, but your worlds won't come back.

How do I find the Minecraft folder if I installed it through a launcher other than the official one?

Third-party launchers like MultiMC, Prism Launcher, and ATLauncher often store their own Minecraft folders in custom locations. Check the launcher's settings or preferences menu for a "Game Directory" or "Instance Folder" option. This will show you exactly where that launcher stores its files.