In this Article:

• What programs need a Minecraft account?
• PC Requirements
• Purchasing Minecraft
• Installing & Configuring Minecraft
• Transitioning your Mojang account to a Microsoft account
• Frequently Asked Questions

Which classes need Minecraft set up?

• Any virtual Minecraft program
• Any virtual Idea Incubator program
• Virtual Mini Maker: Minecraft programs (NOT regular Mini Maker programs)
• Virtual Minecraft Modding programs

You do not need a Minecraft account for any In-Person programs.

PC Requirements & Purchasing the game

You will need a Minecraft Java edition account. If you do not have a Java edition account, you can purchase one here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us.

Our programs use Minecraft Java edition. Bedrock edition, or other versions are NOT compatible. Your child will need a laptop or desktop to participate – Chromebooks, iPads, game consoles, mobile devices, and tablets CANNOT be used. You can find more specific hardware requirements here.

Buying Your Java Edition Account: Java and Bedrock edition are currently only sold as a bundle but for our programs you will only need Java Edition. You do NOT need to purchase the deluxe edition for our programs. Java Edition only runs on computers; if you have Minecraft on a game console, Chromebook, or tablet, it’s not Java Edition. Accounts cost $30 (As of Oct 2024). If your child already has a Minecraft Java edition account, they can use it in class – you don’t need to purchase a second one!

System Requirements
Minecraft Java Edition can run on many computers but performance varies depending on your hardware specs. Microsoft recommends the following system specs for a good in game experience:

Operating System: Windows 10 and up OR macOS 10.14.5 Mojave and up.

RAM (Memory): 4GB

CPU (Processor): Intel Core i5-4690 3.5 GHz | AMD A10-7800 APU 3.5 GHz | Apple M1 or equivalent

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 700 series or AMD Radeon Rx 200 series (excluding integrated chipsets) with OpenGL 4.45

(These are Recommended Specs. Absolute Minimum System Specs can be found on Minecraft.net)

How Do I know My System Specs?

Intel Systems:

Core i5–4690 3.5 GHz

Core i5 is the product line, i3 is the least performant, i9 is the most.
Note: Newer i3 generations are as or more powerful than older i7 generations. Clock speed (GHz) and number of cores can indicate how powerful a CPU is.

4XXX represents the generation of CPU. This example is a 4th generation. The latest generation as of Fall 2024 is 14th gen.

X690 is the specific model of 4th Gen i5 processor. Lower numbers indicate lower models, higher numbers are more premium models within that product line.

3.5GHz is the base speed of the CPU, meaning this is how fast it runs without Turbo. Some CPUs may have higher Turbo speeds but can only Turbo under light workloads. Higher GHz is faster (better).

If your CPU has a LETTER in it (eg. i7-12700K) this is not important or relevant to installing Minecraft.
All this simply represents certain characteristics like form factor- Unless you are building your own PC from scratch, you can ignore this distinction.

Extra Considerations

Microsoft is discontinuing Windows 10 in October 2025. If you are purchasing a new computer, we recommend buying a computer pre installed with or compatible with Windows 11.

Modding classes (Advanced Level) require a more powerful CPU (processor). Our Modding platform recommends using an 8th Gen (Intel) CPU or newer, with a minimum of 4 cores.

Installing & Configuring Minecraft

(1) Install the launcher: We recommend watching the Minecraft Installation tutorial (Windows, Mac). After downloading and installing the launcher, sign in using your Microsoft account.

OUR SERVER RUNS ON AN OLDER VERSION OF MINECRAFT

(2) Once you’re in the launcher, click “Installations” at the top. Click the “new installation” button, which will take you to a new screen. Name this installation “MakerKids”, and under “version”, select “Release 1.21.1“. Click the green “Create” button in the lower right – this will take you back to “Installations”.
This video will show how to roll back to the required version (release 1.21.1)

(3) Hover your mouse over the new installation created named “MakerKids”, and click the green “Play” button that appears. You’ll see a progress bar appear, which will finish this new installation after a few minutes. When it’s finished, the launcher will close, and nothing will happen for around 30 seconds. After that, Minecraft will launch!

(4) Joining the MakerKids server: Once you join your classroom the instructor will provide you the server IP address and Whitelist your Childs Username on the server. Our server is private and only used for MakerKids programming. To ensure the safety and protection of students during class, the IP is only made available during class time.

Enable Multiplayer: If you have parental controls enabled you will need to turn on multiplayer for your child to be able to join our server. Toggle your privacy settings by going into your Microsoft account. We’ve created a Minecraft Privacy Guide and an Instructional Video to help you out!

Finally, we recommend watching our Minecraft Controls Video prior to your first class, in order to test your controls. You can test this out in “singleplayer” mode.

Frequently Asked Questions:

There’s so many different versions of Minecraft, which one do I pick so they can continue attending virtual MakerKids Minecraft classes?

• To join and build on our Minecraft server, your child will need to have Minecraft: Java Edition.
• While the other versions of like Windows 10 Edition or Bedrock Edition offer similar experiences on different platforms, they are not compatible. These versions won’t work on the same server.
• Since our MakerKids server requires the use of custom plugins that help us improve security, give us access to creative tools like WorldEdit, and many other benefits only available with Minecraft: Java Edition, your child will need to use Minecraft: Java Edition to join it.
• Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft. Newer versions have different features and functionality. These differences mean many core functions work very differently across versions which is why what we teach is ONLY applicable to Java Edition.

My child already owns Minecraft on a different console, like the Nintendo Switch, or the Xbox One. Can they join classes that way?

• Unfortunately, Microsoft has made the decision to make Minecraft: Bedrock Edition not compatible with Minecraft: Java Edition, which is the version our server runs on.
• Minecraft: Java Edition only runs on computers, if you have Minecraft on a different console, it’s most likely Bedrock Edition.

How much is this going to cost? Is Minecraft a monthly subscription?

• Minecraft: Java Edition is a one-time purchase from minecraft.net.
• Unless you’re renting your own server for your child and their friends to play on, it’s not a subscription.

Why do I need to purchase a Minecraft account?

• Minecraft is owned by Microsoft and unfortunately, MakerKids cannot distribute copies of the game for use in our programs. As such, to play the game and participate in our programs, parents must purchase their own copies of the game for their child.
• Having your own account also allow makers to use their accounts outside of scheduled class times, work on projects in their own worlds and further explore the world of Minecraft! (Access to the MakerKids server is restricted to class time only but students work is saved in between classes. Students can play single player or join other servers outside of class)

For more information, you can visit Mojang Java Account Move | Minecraft or their FAQ, Minecraft: Java Edition Account Migration FAQ – Home.