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Fix Minecraft Saying Buy the Game Even Though You Own It
Question details
The user is being prompted to purchase Minecraft or play the demo version, despite already owning a valid license or having an active Game Pass subscription.
- Product
- Minecraft Launcher
- Device & OS
- Windows / macOS
- Scenario
- Opening the Minecraft Launcher to play the game.
- Observed behavior
- The launcher displays a 'Buy Now' or 'Play Demo' button instead of allowing access to the full version of the game.
Verify that your Xbox Game Pass subscription is active or ensure you have the exact login credentials for the Microsoft account used to originally purchase the game.
Re-sync Your Microsoft Account in the Launcher and Store
Signing out and back into all associated Microsoft services forces the system to refresh your license status.
Open the Minecraft Launcher, click on your profile icon in the top left corner, and select 'Log Out'.
Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC, click your profile picture at the top, and choose 'Sign out'.
Log back into the Microsoft Store first using the account that owns the game, then log into the Minecraft Launcher using the exact same Microsoft account.
If the issue persists, visit minecraft.net, log in with your Microsoft account, and check your profile to ensure the game license is actively linked.
Update or Reinstall the Minecraft Launcher
Using an outdated or incorrect platform launcher can cause the game to default to the demo version.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Minecraft Java Edition only show 'Play Demo'?
This usually happens if you are logged into the Minecraft Launcher with a Microsoft account that hasn't purchased the Java Edition, or if your Xbox Game Pass subscription has expired.
Can I transfer my Minecraft purchase to a different Microsoft account?
No, game licenses are permanently tied to the Microsoft account used during the initial purchase or migration. You must log in with that specific account to play.
Does owning Minecraft on a console mean I own it on PC?
Console purchases (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch) do not transfer to PC. To play on a computer, you must purchase the PC bundle or subscribe to PC Game Pass.
