How to Play Minecraft Offline on Windows 10: Java and Bedrock

Yes. Minecraft can be played offline on Windows 10 in a local single-player world, whether you use Java Edition or Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock). Install and authenticate the game before you disconnect. Bedrock players should also enable Xbox offline permissions while online. Offline play does not include servers, Realms, Marketplace downloads, or other features that need a connection.

Prepare Minecraft before going offline

Prepare while the PC is online. Sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or has an active subscription, and use that same account in the Launcher, Xbox app, and Store.

1. Install updates and sign in with the account that owns the game.
2. Launch the edition you plan to use and load a local world once, then exit. This verifies access and downloads needed files.
3. For Minecraft for Windows, open the Xbox app, select your profile picture, then go to Settings > App. Turn on Offline permissions enabled. Xbox says to configure offline play while online; if you use more than one Windows PC, designate the one you plan to take offline.
4. Stay signed in; do not uninstall the game before disconnecting.

See Xbox’s Windows offline steps and Minecraft’s account requirements.

Play Minecraft: Java Edition offline

Java single-player worlds are local saves; choose an existing world or create one.

1. After completing the online preparation above, disconnect from Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
2. Open the Minecraft Launcher and choose Minecraft: Java Edition. If the Launcher offers an offline launch option, select it. Choose Singleplayer from the game menu.
3. Select a world already listed to continue, or choose Create New World. Enter a name, pick a game mode, adjust the options you want, and create the world.
4. Wait for the world to load. You can explore, build, craft, and save as usual. Use the game’s save-and-quit command before closing it so the latest changes are written to disk.

If the Launcher asks you to sign in or verify your license, reconnect and resolve that prompt before your next offline session. Offline mode does not bypass account ownership or a subscription requirement.

Play Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock) offline

Minecraft for Windows is the PC version of Bedrock Edition. Enable Xbox offline permissions before disconnecting.

1. While online, sign into the Xbox app and Minecraft with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or provides access through an active subscription.
2. After enabling offline permissions, start Minecraft for Windows once and confirm that your local worlds appear under Play > Worlds.
3. Go offline. Open Minecraft, choose Play, then Worlds. Select a local world to continue, or choose Create New World, configure it, and select Create.

World creation and solo play work locally, but you cannot join a Realm, server, or online friend while disconnected. Marketplace items, updates, and online account services also require internet. If you play through Game Pass, subscription access still applies and the license may need to be refreshed online; reconnect and launch the game if offline access stops working.

Back up your worlds

Offline progress is saved on the computer. Make a separate backup before traveling or changing installations so a damaged or deleted save does not take your builds with it.

• Java Edition: press Windows + R, enter %APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves, and press Enter. Copy the complete folder for the world you want to protect. Java also has a built-in backup command: from Singleplayer, select a world, choose Edit, then Make Backup. Minecraft documents the save location in its world transfer guide.
• Bedrock Edition: from Play, select the pencil icon beside a world and use the world’s export option to save a .mcworld backup outside Minecraft’s data folder. The Windows storage path can vary between app builds, so the in-game export is easier to move and restore. See Minecraft’s official Backup & Restore instructions.

If Minecraft will not start offline

• Sign-in or license error: reconnect, sign into the purchasing account in the Launcher, Xbox app, and Store, then start the right edition once before disconnecting again.
• Your world is missing: confirm that you chose the same edition you used to create it. Java and Bedrock worlds are separate formats. A Realm world is hosted online; download a copy before traveling if you want to play it offline.
• Updates or content are missing: connect and install game updates, resource packs, or add-ons in advance. Offline play cannot download content that is not already on the PC.
• You use a trial or subscription: offline play does not remove trial limits or subscription checks. Reconnect periodically if the launcher or Xbox app asks it to refresh access.

Windows 10 still runs after its support ended on October 14, 2025, but Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates unless the device is covered by an applicable Extended Security Updates program. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice for current options.