Rather than enrolling in a dedicated beta program, Minecraft: Java Edition allows you to select a slice of pre-release software for you to try.

If you want to download and use Minecraft on your Windows computer for free, check out the three methods mentioned in this post.

Can you play Minecraft on a Chromebook? Yes, you can! Here's how to download and play Minecraft on a Chromebook.

Importantly, Minecraft Java mods tend to be free, while Bedrock add-ons can be either free or paid downloads in the Minecraft Marketplace.

Microsoft’s free Minecraft for Windows 10 giveaway ends at midnight for Java players Legacy Minecraft: Java Edition players can still snag free codes to the Windows 10 Edition until midnight.