How to install and play Minecraft on second Windows account

Razor7001 · Apr 24, 2022

Background: I've had Minecraft installed (both Java and Bedrock) on an admin, local Windows user account since before the 2021 Launcher was created. I am able to start the Windows/Bedrock edition of Minecraft as this user without a problem. I'd like to play Minecraft on another Windows user on the same computer.

How I replicated my issue:

I created a new, non-admin, local Windows user account, and signed in as this user.

I searched for Minecraft Bedrock edition from the Start menu (on my computer), but it was nowhere to be found. (I assume this is because it is tied to my original, admin user?)

I opened the Microsoft Store, signed in with my Microsoft/Xbox account, and saw that I have access to "Minecraft for Windows + Launcher". Good so far. (I don't see the Bedrock edition without the launcher, which is annoying.)

I downloaded and started "Minecraft for Windows + Launcher"... The Java edition is shown (good), but the "Minecraft for Windows" just shows an "Install" button, so it's not seeing that I had installed it from my admin Windows user.

I click the "Install" button, select a hard drive (with plenty of space), and the button goes gray/inactive, now with the word "Play". That's it. No indication that anything's happening. No error message. Nothing.

I cannot play the game, and when I restarted the Launcher, I'm back to step 4. No change, and no installation ever happens.

Edit: I just noticed in my Start bar there was "Minecraft for Windows" listed, and when I clicked it, it took me to the "Library" page of the Microsoft Store. Here it lists "Minecraft for Windows" but under status it says "Something happened on our end." There's an option to Retry, but it still gives the same message.

:)

Razor7001

Thank you for the link; I appreciate that they've defined the words since it can be confusing. I assume since that's an official Microsoft page that the official Microsoft stance is "you are limited to one Microsoft account per computer user account"? It's confusing how this works for computer user accounts that are local, and thus not explicitly tied to a Microsoft account - except via the Microsoft Store and Xbox app.

(Also, brief rant: This is a ludicrous policy in my opinion. I should be able to make as many local computer user accounts as I want, all able to login to my one online Microsoft account. Every other service like Steam or Google works like this.)

But given that, if I can remove or disconnect my Microsoft account from my admin computer user account, can I then use it on my non-admin computer user account? If so, how can I make sure my Microsoft account is purged from my admin local user account?

I'm going to be very wary of buying games from the Microsoft Store ever again.

Lucas Lauer

Hello, Razor7001. Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft Community expert user. I'll be happy to assist you today.

In this step by step guide you can learn how to play Minecraft on Windows using two different accounts:

https://help.minecraft.net/hc/en-us/articles/44...

Basically you'll just have to create another Windows user to install and play Minecraft with your second account. And of course, you'll need two different Microsoft Accounts with one purchase of Minecraft each.

On the steps you mentioned, I believe you tried to do it with the same Microsoft/Xbox account, right?

This is a public user-to-user support forum. We are expert users helping other users. We do not work for Microsoft and do not have access to any user accounts.

If this still can't solve your problem, just let me know and I'll do my best to try to help you.

Lucas Lauer

Hello, my friend.

Why do you want to disconnect your Microsoft account from your computer user account?

SammyVS

I'm Samy an independent advisor. Welcome to the Xbox community. How are you?

Windows key + i and go to apps, find Minecraft Dungeons, and uninstall.

Then open the Microsoft Store, search for Minecraft Launcher, install, log in with your Microsoft account, install Minecraft Dungeons. After that, you can play.

foxer.

I'm using freshly installed Windows 10, I reset the store and restarted, but this didn't change anything. Then I installed the Minecraft launcher, I logged in with my Microsoft account and it provided me the options for three versions with following buttons:

Minecraft Java Edition / Play demo

Minecraft For Windows / Install

Minecraft Dungeons / Buy Now

When I installed the Windows version the "Install" button turned to "Play", but when I launch the game it asks me to "Sign in" and then to "Unlock Full Game" by buying Starter or Master Collection.

How to install and play Minecraft on second Windows account