Minecraft: Java Edition is migrating all Mojang Accounts to Microsoft Accounts

Minecraft Java Edition Account Migration
Minecraft Java Edition Account Migration (Image credit: Mojang Studios)

What you need to know

  • Minecraft is split between two editions: the classic Java Edition that only exists on PC, and the modern Bedrock Edition that spans every platform.
  • The Bedrock Edition has used Microsoft Accounts for cross-save, cross-play, and online and privacy settings for ages, but the Java Edition still uses Mojang Accounts.
  • Mojang Studios just announced that they're going to start migrating all current Mojang Accounts to Microsoft Accounts.
  • This won't change the game or how it works, but will offer more convenience, better security, and more.

Minecraft spans a ton of platforms and devices, offering a way to play pretty much anywhere and any way you want, with most platforms even offering cross-play with other platforms! There's one exception to this rule, however, and that's Minecraft: Java Edition. This is the classic Minecraft, complete with powerful servers, mods, and more that the more modern Bedrock Edition just doesn't have. And, while the Bedrock Edition is accessed using the same Microsoft Account across devices, the Java Edition requires its own Mojang Account. This is less secure, and means Java Edition is completely separated from the Bedrock Edition in many ways.

A new announcement from Mojang Studios lays out plans to migrate all Mojang Accounts to Microsoft Accounts, leading to a ton of benefits for Minecraft: Java Edition players. So what does this effect? As far as the game is concerned, nothing!

  • Mods will still work
  • Save data, maps, and profile information aren't changing
  • The game itself isn't changing
  • There's no fee to migrate
  • Java Edition isn't going anywhere, and is still fully supported

This move simply means that players will have:

  • The superior security offered by Microsoft Accounts
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) to further protect accounts
  • A single account to access Minecraft everywhere
  • Better online privacy settings

Minecraft's two editions will still be separated, so cross-edition multiplayer isn't here nor is it confirmed to be coming, but this is still a good move. This Fall, players who attempt to create a new Mojang Account will instead sign-in to or create a Microsoft Account, while existing players will begin receiving notice that they're eligible to migrate towards the end of the year and into 2021.

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Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.