The game version and type of account you need to play Minecraft depends on your gaming platform. You can play Minecraft without a Microsoft account on some platforms, but a Microsoft account is required to enable advanced features.*
Here’s a list of required accounts and available game versions (Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Minecraft: Java Edition) by platform:
| Platform | Game Version | Required Account | Additional Account* |
| Windows PC |
Bedrock Edition Java Edition |
Microsoft Account | N/A |
| Linux computer | Java Edition | Microsoft Account | N/A |
| macOS computer | Java Edition | Microsoft Account | N/A |
| Xbox Game Consoles | Bedrock Edition | Microsoft Account | N/A |
| PlayStation 4 | Bedrock Edition | PlayStation Network Account | Microsoft Account |
| PlayStation 5 | Bedrock Edition | PlayStation Network Account | Microsoft Account |
| Nintendo Switch | Bedrock Edition | Nintendo Account | Microsoft Account |
| Android Phones & Tablets | Bedrock Edition | Google Account | Microsoft Account |
| Apple iOS Phones & Tablets | Bedrock Edition | Apple ID | Microsoft Account |
*Signing in with or linking a Microsoft account on platforms that do not require one enables features such as cross-platform play, cross-platform access to subscriptions and Marketplace purchases, parental controls, social features, Realms, and multiplayer games.