Minecraft system requirements are the hardware Mojang says each edition needs, and they differ sharply. Java Edition on PC now lists 8 GB of RAM, a 4-core processor and a Vulkan 1.3 GPU with 2 GB of VRAM as its minimum. Bedrock Edition on PC asks for 4 GB of RAM. Figures read from Mojang's pages on 10 October 2026.
Java Edition system requirements
Mojang's store page sets the minimum target at 1080p and 30 FPS on the Fast preset, and the recommended target at 1080p and 60 FPS on the Fancy preset. Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux only.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 1080p at 30 FPS, Fast preset | 1080p at 60 FPS, Fancy preset |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit |
| Architecture | x64, ARM64 | x64, ARM64 |
| Memory | 8 GB with a discrete GPU, or 12 GB with integrated graphics | 16 GB |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Apple M1 (4 physical cores minimum) | Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Apple M2 Pro |
| Graphics | Vulkan 1.3 GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM, such as NVIDIA GTX 950, AMD Radeon RX 460, Intel Arc A310 or Apple M1 or newer | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580 or Apple M2 Pro, with 6 GB VRAM |
| Storage | 2 GB | 4 GB |
Mojang's store FAQ says Minecraft is more CPU-intensive than GPU-intensive, so the processor row deserves the closest look.
Bedrock Edition system requirements on PC
The Windows Bedrock figures are far lower, and Mojang's own comparison says Bedrock does not need powerful computers and will often run more smoothly than Java. The store page gives PC numbers only. It lists no figures for consoles or phones, so we give none.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher |
| Architecture | ARM, x64 | ARM, x64 |
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100 | Intel i7-6500U or AMD A8-6600K |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 | NVIDIA GeForce 940M or AMD Radeon HD 8570D |
| Storage | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| VR (Windows Mixed Reality) | Not specified | Mixed Reality immersive headset and motion controllers |
What changed in the Java requirements
Mojang announced the change in a news post published 21 July 2026, saying the previous specs were based on older hardware and older graphics technology. The new ones add more memory, stronger processors and Vulkan 1.3 graphics. Mojang names older graphics cards, some older integrated graphics and older Intel-based Macs as hardware that now falls below the minimum.
Can my PC run Minecraft
Check four things against the tables. For Java, that is RAM (8 GB with a discrete GPU, 12 GB with integrated graphics), physical CPU cores (4), Vulkan 1.3 support and 2 GB of VRAM. For Bedrock, it is Windows 10 version 19041.0 and 4 GB of RAM. If you already play Java without trouble, Mojang says you may notice nothing change right away. If it often struggles, the new targets may explain why. Our lag and FPS guide covers what to do next, and updating Java covers the runtime.
What mods, shaders and add-ons change
Mojang's figures describe the unmodified game on its two presets. They say nothing about what mods, shaders or add-ons add, and we did not benchmark any of them, so treat the Java recommended column as a floor for a modded setup, not a promise. Mods and shaders are Java Edition only, with shaders needing Iris or OptiFine. Add-ons are Bedrock only, so the table you read depends on which you plan to use. Iris vs Oculus covers the shader loaders, and allocating more RAM is the usual next step for a larger pack.
Where to check before you buy
The PC store listing for Java and Bedrock Edition carries both tables, and Mojang says to use the Java page from 21 July for current specs. The Deluxe Collection page repeats the same figures. Mojang's store page says Windows owners of Minecraft have Bedrock, and a Windows PC can also play Java. For how the two editions differ beyond hardware, see Java vs Bedrock, and for who can play together, see cross-platform play.
