If you’re anything like most gamers, you’ve probably noticed that Minecraft sometimes refuses to update automatically, or maybe you just want to make sure you’re not missing out on the latest features, bug fixes, or patches. Honestly, it can be a bit of a hassle because Windows 10 and the Microsoft Store don’t always push updates seamlessly—in fact, sometimes they just stall or fail altogether. Giving the game a manual nudge is a decent workaround, especially if your automatic updates seem broken or sluggish. This guide covers how to force Minecraft’s update on Windows 10, including some tips to avoid typical pitfalls like stale cache or connectivity issues that get in the way.
How to Force Update Minecraft Windows 10
Check if the Microsoft Store is properly updating apps
This helps because sometimes, the Store just doesn’t check for updates automatically, or it’s stuck. The idea is to manually trigger the update process. Usually, it’s because the Store cache or background services get a little wonky. Make sure your Windows is fully updated first, since outdated system files can block the Store from working right. To do that, head over to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Restart if needed. Then, reopen the Microsoft Store.
Open the Microsoft Store and go to Downloads & updates
This is where you force it to look for new versions. Launch Microsoft Store by clicking its icon on the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu. Once open, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner (the ellipsis), then pick Downloads and updates. This screen is your control panel for all app updates—Minecraft included.
Get the latest updates sync
On this page, hit Get updates. This command prompts the Store to scan all installed apps for new versions—not just Minecraft. You might see a spinning wheel or progress bar, which is normal. Sometimes Minecraft gets stuck here, especially if your internet connection isn’t stable. If it still doesn’t see updates, don’t worry, next thing is to restart your PC and try again. A lot of times, a quick reboot clears out weird caching issues that block updates.
Force an update if Minecraft isn’t showing up for an update
If Minecraft appears in the list but doesn’t update automatically, you can manually reinstall it without losing your worlds (assuming you back up, just in case).Head to Settings > Apps & Features, find Minecraft, then select Uninstall. Afterwards, visit the Microsoft Store, search for Minecraft, and install it again. This is a bit disruptive but usually the most effective way if the update mechanism is stubborn. Not sure why it works, but sometimes – on one machine it updates fine, on another, it refuses to do anything unless you reinstall.
Launch Minecraft and verify the update
Once you’ve done these steps, just open Minecraft and check the version number in the main menu lower corner. Compare it against the latest version info on the Minecraft Official Site or the mention in the store. If it matches, good. If not, repeat a few times or consider clearing the Store cache manually or resetting the app. It’s annoying but often helps.
Tips for Forcing an Update on Minecraft Windows 10
- Make sure your Windows system itself is fully up-to-date—that’s often the hidden culprit behind stubborn app updates.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable, especially if you’re on Wi-Fi, so the store can download the latest files without hiccups.
- If updates aren’t showing, a quick restart or even a PowerShell reset of the Store might fix things; for example, run
wsreset.exein the Run dialog (Win + R) and wait for it to clear the cache. - Check Minecraft forums or Reddit to see if there’s a known update delay or server-side issue; sometimes the problem isn’t on your end.
- Backup your worlds by copying the save files from
%localappdata%\\Packages\\Microsoft. MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe\\LocalState\\games\\com.mojang\\savesbefore reinstalling, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Minecraft is up-to-date?
The easiest way is to check the version number in the bottom left corner of the main menu, or compare with the latest version listed on the Minecraft official download page. If it matches, you’re current.
Can I play with friends if my Minecraft is not updated?
Probably not. Certain multiplayer servers or realms require matching versions. Outdated clients may be unable to connect or cause issues — so better update to avoid weird bugs or compatibility hiccups.
What should I do if forcing the update doesn’t work?
First, restart your PC, then try again. If still no luck, uninstall and reinstall Minecraft. Sometimes, the app’s store cache is corrupted. Running wsreset.exe from the Run dialog can also help clear that out.
Why does updating take forever sometimes?
It’s usually either a slow internet or a large update file, especially if it’s a major patch. Be patient, or pause other downloads. Also, Windows updates can interfere or slow down store downloads, so keep your system updated too.
Can I revert to an older version after updating?
Officially, not really. The Microsoft Store only provides the latest version. If you really want an older one, you might need third-party tools or sideloading methods, but that’s more complicated and not officially supported. Backup your worlds beforehand!
Summary
- Check for Windows updates first.
- Open Microsoft Store, go to Downloads & Updates, and hit Get updates.
- If Minecraft isn’t updating, try reinstalling from the Store.
- Clear Store cache with
wsreset.exeif needed. - Make sure your internet connection is solid and your Windows is current.
Wrap-up
Getting Minecraft updated manually can be a bit frustrating, especially when the Store acts up or the update gets stuck. But once you get the hang of these methods—reinstalling if needed, clearing cache, or checking your system—it becomes a lot smoother. It’s kind of weird how sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that get that latest version to show up. Anyway, hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just remember, keeping everything current is the best way to get all the new goodies and avoid bugs. Happy crafting!