Minecraft Java Edition Now Requires a Microsoft Account

Mojang Studios, the game development studio that gave us Minecraft, has announced that going forward all of its games will require a Microsoft account to play. For now, that means anyone playing Minecraft Java Edition needs to start using a Microsoft account if they don't already.

In a blog post(Opens in a new window), Mojang says it realizes change is inconvenient, especially when it potentially requires tens of millions of Minecraft Java Edition(Opens in a new window) players to sign up for a Microsoft account. However, the the switch is apparently necessary and very important, mainly for security reasons.

By adopting Microsoft accounts exclusively, Mojang says it can secure all player accounts on PC using two-factor authentication. It also means there can be a robust chat and invitation blocking system, improved parental controls to keep children safe, and as there are multiple Minecraft games to play (for example Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons), they can all be managed and connected with a single login.

As Mojang is owned by Microsoft, this announcement should come as no surprise to anyone. It's also imperative that, even if you don't want to make the change to a Microsoft account, you do so soon. Mojang makes it clear the switch in mandatory, and if you don't do it, "in several months you won’t be able to log in anymore – which means you won’t be able to play either."

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Expect the reminders to come thick and fast until your Mojang or legacy Minecraft Java account is no more. If you don't have access, or have forgotten how to login in to the account, Mojang is strongly advising you to follow the account recovery process so as to avoid losing access to your games completely in a few months. If you're not willing to make the switch, alternative sandbox creation games are available. As an added incentive to switch, once you've moved Mojang is going to give you a special cape.