The quickest way to change Minecraft versions

Open the Minecraft Launcher, click the dropdown menu next to "Play" at the bottom left, and select the version you want from the list. The launcher will download that version if you don't have it yet, then you can click Play to start the game. This works the same way whether you're switching from the latest release to an older snapshot, or moving between any two versions you've installed.

The dropdown shows every version the launcher knows about — releases, snapshots, and old versions going back years. You don't need to uninstall anything or restart your computer. Each version runs independently, so you can jump between them as often as you want without affecting your other installations.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minecraft Launcher stores multiple versions at once, and you switch between them using the dropdown menu next to the Play button.
  • The launcher automatically downloads versions you haven't installed yet, so you don't need to find and download files separately.
  • Snapshots and old releases appear in the same dropdown as the current version, but you may need to enable snapshots in the launcher settings first.
  • Your worlds and settings stay separate for each version, so switching versions won't delete your progress or change your game options.

Finding the version dropdown in the launcher

When you open the Minecraft Launcher, look at the bottom left corner. You'll see a button that says "Play" with a version number or name displayed just above it — something like "Latest Release" or "1.20.1". Click the small arrow or dropdown icon next to that button.

A list will appear showing every version the launcher has access to. Versions are grouped by type: releases (the stable versions), snapshots (test versions released weekly), and old versions (everything before the current release). Scroll through the list to find the version you want, then click on it to select it.

Enabling snapshots if you don't see them

If you want to play snapshots but they don't appear in the dropdown, you need to turn them on in the launcher settings. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the top left of the launcher, then select "Settings".

Look for an option called "Show snapshots" or "Enable snapshots" and toggle it on. Close the settings and go back to the main launcher screen. The dropdown will now show snapshot versions alongside the releases. Snapshots are labeled with a date and the word "Snapshot" — for example, "24w01a" or "Snapshot 24w01a".

What happens when you switch versions

Each version of Minecraft stores its own separate folder for worlds, settings, and mods. When you switch to a different version, the launcher loads that version's folder instead. Your worlds from version 1.19 won't appear in version 1.20 unless you copy them over manually, and your video settings in one version don't carry over to another.

This separation is intentional. Older versions can't always read worlds created in newer versions, and mods designed for one version often won't work in another. The launcher keeps everything separate so you don't accidentally corrupt a world by opening it in the wrong version.

Moving worlds between versions

If you want to play an old world in a newer version, you can copy the world folder from one version's saves directory to another. Press Windows key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. Navigate to .minecraft > saves. You'll see folders for each of your worlds.

Copy the world folder you want to move. Then navigate to the saves folder for the version you're switching to — this is usually in the same .minecraft directory, but if you've set up separate installations, it may be elsewhere. Paste the world folder there. The next time you launch that version, the world will appear in your world list.

Be aware that opening a world in a newer version usually works, but opening a newer world in an older version often fails. The game will warn you if there's a compatibility problem before you load the world.

Installing older versions that aren't in the launcher

The launcher includes most versions going back several years, but if you're looking for a very old version that doesn't appear in the dropdown, you can add it manually. Visit the official Minecraft launcher documentation or the Minecraft Wiki's version history page to find the version you need.

Download the version file from the official source, then place it in your .minecraft > versions folder. Create a new folder with the version number as its name (for example, 1.6.4), and put the downloaded file inside. The next time you open the launcher, that version should appear in the dropdown.

Troubleshooting version switching problems

If a version won't download or launch, try restarting the launcher. Close it completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If the problem persists, check that you have enough disk space — versions can be 500 MB to 1 GB each depending on the version.

If the launcher crashes when you select a version, try clearing the launcher cache. In the launcher settings, look for an option to "Clear cache" or "Reset launcher". This removes temporary files without deleting your worlds or settings. After clearing the cache, try launching the version again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play on the same world in two different versions at the same time?

No. If you open a world in version 1.20 and then try to open it in version 1.19 while the first game is still running, you'll get an error saying the world is locked. Close the game completely before switching versions and opening the same world.

Do I need to uninstall the old version before installing a new one?

No. The launcher keeps every version you've ever downloaded, so you can have 1.8, 1.12, 1.19, and 1.20 all installed at the same time. You only need to uninstall a version if you want to free up disk space.

Will my mods work if I switch to a different version?

Probably not. Mods are written for specific versions and usually won't load in other versions. If you switch versions, you'll need to install mods designed for that version. Each version keeps its mods in a separate folder, so your old mods won't interfere.

What's the difference between a release and a snapshot?

Releases are stable versions tested thoroughly before launch. Snapshots are weekly test versions that let you try new features early but may have bugs. Snapshots are not meant for survival worlds you care about — use them to explore new features, then switch back to a release for serious play.

Can I downgrade from a newer version to an older one?

Yes. The launcher lets you switch to any older version you've installed. However, if you've been playing in a newer version, worlds created there may not open in older versions. Always back up important worlds before trying to open them in an older version.