How To Download Minecraft Windows 10 Edition [Discontinued Bedrock Edition]

Minecraft Windows 10 was a special version of the game created for devices running Windows 10. This version was based on Bedrock Edition but tailored specifically for the Windows 10 platform.

It is no longer being updated and has been replaced by the general Bedrock Edition. This article gives a full overview of the now-retired edition that worked only on the Windows 10 system.

Basic Details

[ Download Minecraft Windows 10]

Origin and Launch

The version was first made public on July 4, 2015 and entered beta by July 29, 2015. The price during its beta phase was $9.99 (USD), €9.89 (EUR), or £7.69 (GBP) on the Microsoft Store.

People who owned the Java version of Minecraft before October 19, 2018, were eligible to claim Minecraft Windows 10 free of charge. Once the beta period ended, the full release was launched on December 19, 2016, with a new price of $26.95.

Although designed for Windows 10, this edition did not function on Windows 10 Mobile or Xbox One. That means buying it on one platform did not unlock it on others. Also, achievements on Xbox Live were not shared across versions.

How It Was Built?

Before the official confirmation, Microsoft showcased promotional videos of Minecraft functioning on HoloLens. This was part of the company’s plan to showcase UWP (Universal Windows Platform) applications.

The full demo came during the E3 2015 event, where two players, one using a Surface Pro and the other using HoloLens, played the game together live.

At MINECON 2015, developers revealed that Minecraft Java Edition could not run as a universal app, which led to the creation of a Windows 10-specific version.

Java is not compatible with Microsoft’s UWP app structure, so this separate version had to be developed using C++.

Game Features

This version allowed up to 7 players to join using Xbox Live. It also enabled multiplayer through Realms or local networks. Players could choose from different control types, including touch, mouse & keyboard, and game controllers.

A unique tool in this version was the Game DVR, which let users record their screen and share gameplay easily. A built-in feedback system also lets users report issues or give suggestions.

However, one missing feature was the Far Lands, which didn’t generate in this version, unlike in Pocket Edition.

Compatibility with Other Tech

Use on HoloLens

Minecraft Windows 10 also worked with Microsoft HoloLens. This version lets players experience the game in both “wall” and “reality” display types:

• Wall Mode: Projected the game onto a surface like a wall. You could adjust size and view angle using gestures or controller input.
• Reality Mode: Placed the game world onto a real surface like a table. Players used voice commands and hand gestures to control the environment.

You could aim by looking at a part of the map and giving commands like “lightning strike” to activate in-game effects. Saying other commands would change camera angles or highlight objects.

For example, glancing at a location and marking it created a glowing light beam, similar to in-game Beacons.

Zooming in, rotating the map, or moving the view up and down was possible using pinching and swiping motions.

Oculus Rift Support

Another notable feature was the compatibility with Oculus Rift. On September 24, 2015, it was announced that the game would be made for Oculus VR. Full support came out by August 15, 2016.

Users could download this VR edition from the Oculus Store and explore their Minecraft worlds in full virtual reality, giving a new immersive feel to the game.

Final Notes

The Minecraft Windows 10 version was developed to work as a Universal Windows Platform app and served as the base for today’s Bedrock Edition.

It played a vital role in making Minecraft accessible across different types of devices, from PCs to VR headsets and even holographic displays.

Though it’s no longer available or updated, its development shaped how Minecraft looks and functions today on cross-platform devices.

This version bridged the gap between the original Java Edition and what is now the unified Bedrock Edition available on multiple platforms.