🎮Minecraft in Microsoft Store or Launcher — Which to Choose?

Minecraft in Microsoft Store or Launcher — Which to Choose?

There are multiple ways to install and play Minecraft on Windows. Understanding the difference between the Microsoft Store, Xbox app, and Minecraft Launcher helps you pick the right tool for your needs.

The Three Options Explained

1. Microsoft Store

The Windows Microsoft Store is where you'd normally buy apps and games. For Minecraft:

• Shows Bedrock Edition listed as "Minecraft for Windows"
• Can install from the store if you own it
• Less control over game version

2. Xbox App

The Xbox app on Windows is Microsoft's gaming hub:

• Better interface for managing games
• Shows your full Xbox library including Minecraft
• Handles Bedrock Edition downloads and updates
• Social features (friends, achievements)

3. Minecraft Launcher

The Minecraft Launcher (from minecraft.net) is the dedicated Minecraft application:

• Manages BOTH Java and Bedrock Edition
• Access to multiple game versions and snapshots
• Switch between releases without reinstalling
• Essential for Java Edition

Which Supports Each Edition?

App	Java Edition	Bedrock Edition
Microsoft Store	No	Yes (install)
Xbox App	No	Yes (full features)
Minecraft Launcher	Yes	Yes

The Minecraft Launcher is the only app that supports both editions. This makes it the recommended choice for players who own the combined Java & Bedrock Edition.

Recommendation: Minecraft Launcher

For most players, especially those who bought the combined edition from Marix:

1. Download the Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account
3. Both Java and Bedrock editions appear
4. Switch between them with one click

The launcher also offers:

• Version management: Play older versions (1.8, 1.12, etc.)
• Snapshot access: Test upcoming Java features
• Custom installations: Set up separate profiles for different modpacks

Xbox App: Best for Casual Bedrock Players

If you only play Bedrock Edition and don't care about mods or version management:

• The Xbox app is simpler
• Better integration with friends list and achievements
• Automatic updates

For children or players new to Minecraft, the Xbox app is more beginner-friendly.

Microsoft Store: Skip It

The Microsoft Store for game management is the least recommended option:

• Less control than the Xbox app
• No Java support
• No version management
• The Xbox app does everything the Store does for games, better

Use the Microsoft Store only to install the Xbox app or Minecraft Launcher themselves.

Setup Recommendation by Player Type

Player Type	Recommended App
New player, Bedrock only	Xbox App
Java modder	Minecraft Launcher
Wants both editions	Minecraft Launcher
Playing with family on Xbox/mobile	Xbox App
Technical/server player	Minecraft Launcher

After Buying a Key from Marix

Regardless of which app you use, the process is the same:

1. Redeem key at microsoft.com/redeem
2. Install your preferred app (Launcher or Xbox App)
3. Sign in with the same Microsoft account used for redemption
4. Your games appear — install and play

One Global key from Marix covers both Java and Bedrock Edition — accessible through whichever app you prefer.