Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing and running Minecraft on a Windows environment, using both the graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line methods.

Installing Minecraft on Windows

1. Download the Minecraft Installer:

   • Visit the official Minecraft website at minecraft.net.
   • Click on the "Get Minecraft" button and select "Computer" followed by "Minecraft: Java Edition".
   • Purchase the game if you haven't already, and download the Minecraft Installer for Windows.

2. Run the Installer:

   • Locate the downloaded installer file (usually named MinecraftInstaller.msi) in your Downloads folder.
   • Double-click the installer file to launch the setup wizard.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

3. Launching Minecraft:

   • Once installed, you can launch Minecraft from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
   • Log in with your Minecraft account credentials and start playing.

Running Minecraft via Command Line

For advanced users or those who prefer using the command line, you can launch Minecraft using Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell.

Using Command Prompt (CMD):

1. Open Command Prompt:

   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.

2. Navigate to Minecraft Installation Directory:

   • By default, Minecraft is installed in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft Launcher directory. Use the cd command to navigate there:

     cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft Launcher"

3. Launch Minecraft:

   • Execute the following command to start Minecraft:

     MinecraftLauncher.exe

Using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell:

   • Press Win + X and select "Windows PowerShell" from the menu.

2. Navigate to Minecraft Installation Directory:

   • Use the Set-Location cmdlet to change the directory:

     Set-Location "C:\Program Files (x86)\Minecraft Launcher"

3. Launch Minecraft:

   • Run the executable to start Minecraft:

     .\MinecraftLauncher.exe

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Java Installation: Ensure that you have the latest version of Java installed on your system, as Minecraft: Java Edition requires it to run.
• Firewall and Antivirus: Make sure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Minecraft from accessing the internet.
• Graphics Drivers: Update your graphics drivers to the latest version to avoid performance issues.