You can install older Minecraft versions through the official launcher by selecting them from a version list

The official Minecraft Launcher lets you download and run any version of Java Edition that Mojang has released, going back years. When you open the launcher, you choose which version to play before you start the game — the launcher handles the download automatically. You do not need to uninstall your current version or use third-party tools.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you own Minecraft Java Edition through a Microsoft account (the current standard) or an older Mojang account. Both routes use the same launcher, but the account type determines what versions you can access.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Minecraft Launcher, go to the Installations tab, and click "New Installation" to create a separate installation for an older version.
  • Select the version you want from the "Version" dropdown — the list includes every release from the current version back to the earliest Java Edition builds.
  • Name the installation something clear like "Minecraft 1.12.2" so you can tell your versions apart in the launcher.
  • Click "Create" and then select that installation from your main launcher screen to download and play that version.
  • Your worlds and settings stay separate for each version, so switching between old and new versions does not affect your current game.

Creating a new installation for an older version

Start by opening the Minecraft Launcher. If you do not have it installed, download it from minecraft.net. Log in with your Microsoft account (or Mojang account if you own an older copy).

Click the "Installations" tab at the top of the launcher window. You will see a list of any installations you have already created. Click the "New Installation" button — it is usually a plus sign or labeled clearly on the right side of the window.

A form will appear asking you to name the installation and choose settings. In the "Version" dropdown, select the version you want to play. The list shows every release Minecraft has had, with the newest at the top. Scroll down to find the version you need — for example, "1.12.2" or "1.8.9". The dropdown also shows snapshot versions (experimental builds) if you want those instead.

Naming and configuring your installation

Give the installation a clear name in the "Name" field. Something like "Minecraft 1.12.2" or "Old Survival World" makes it easy to find later. The name appears in your launcher's installation list, so you will see it every time you open the game.

You can leave the other settings at their defaults — the launcher will assign a folder for that version's files automatically. If you want to change where the game stores files or how much memory it uses, those options are available in the same form, but most players do not need to adjust them.

Click "Create" when you are done. The launcher will return to the Installations tab and show your new installation in the list.

Downloading and launching the older version

Find your new installation in the Installations list and click on it. The launcher will highlight it and show a "Play" button. Click "Play" to start the download — the launcher fetches all the files for that version from Mojang's servers. This can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the version's file size.

Once the download finishes, the game will launch automatically. You will see the Minecraft splash screen and then the main menu. The version number appears in the bottom left corner of the menu, so you can confirm you are running the right version.

Accessing your worlds in older versions

Worlds created in newer versions of Minecraft may not load in older versions. If you try to open a world from version 1.20 in version 1.12.2, the game will either refuse to load it or corrupt it. The reverse is usually safer — a world from 1.12.2 will often load in 1.20, though some blocks and features may look different.

Each installation keeps its own folder for worlds and settings. When you play version 1.12.2, the game saves your worlds in that version's folder. When you switch back to the current version, your newer worlds are still there untouched. You can have multiple versions installed at the same time without them interfering with each other.

If you want to move a world between versions, you can find the world folder by opening the installation's folder directly. In the launcher, right-click the installation and select "Open Folder" (or "Show in Explorer" on Windows). Look for the "saves" folder inside. You can copy a world folder from one installation to another, but test it in the target version first to make sure it loads.

Switching between versions in the launcher

Once you have multiple installations, the launcher shows them all on the main screen. Click any installation to select it, then click "Play" to launch that version. You can switch between versions as often as you want — there is no limit to how many you can have installed.

If you want to remove an installation you no longer use, right-click it in the Installations tab and select "Delete". This removes the installation from your launcher list, though you can create it again later if you change your mind. Deleting an installation does not delete your worlds unless you also delete the folder manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play old versions of Minecraft if I own it through Game Pass?

Game Pass includes Minecraft Java Edition, and you can use the official launcher to install older versions the same way as if you owned it outright. Your Game Pass account works with the launcher as long as your subscription is active.

What is the oldest version of Minecraft I can install?

The launcher includes versions going back to the earliest public releases of Java Edition, including versions from 2009 and 2010. These very old versions are unstable and may not run on modern computers, but they are available in the version list if you want to try them.

Will mods work on older versions?

Mods are version-specific — a mod made for 1.12.2 will not work on 1.20, and vice versa. You need to find mods designed for the exact version you are playing. Mod launchers like Forge or Fabric have their own version selection, separate from the official launcher.

Do I need to uninstall the current version to play an older one?

No. The official launcher manages multiple versions independently. You can have five different versions installed and switch between them without uninstalling anything. Each version has its own folder and settings.

What if the launcher will not download an old version?

Very old versions sometimes fail to download due to missing files on Mojang's servers. If a version will not download after you click Play, try a different version nearby — for example, if 1.6.4 fails, try 1.7.2. You can also check the Minecraft launcher's settings to make sure you are not blocking the download somehow.