How to Play Older Versions of Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Java: Minecraft Launcher > Installations > New Installation > pick any version from the dropdown (back to the oldest alphas) and play it. Bedrock has no official version switcher - only Java can downgrade.

What you need

Minecraft Java Edition
The official Minecraft Launcher
An installation per version you want to keep

Step by step

Open the Minecraft Launcher and go to the Installations tab.
Click New Installation, give it a name (e.g. '1.8.9 PvP') and open the Version dropdown.
Pick the version you want - the list goes back through every release, beta and alpha. Enable snapshots/historical versions in the filter if you do not see the oldest ones.
Save, then select that installation on the Play tab and launch. The launcher downloads the old version automatically.
Modded old versions: install the matching Forge/Fabric version for that release and put old mods in its mods folder.
Warning: worlds saved in a newer version will not open in an older one. Back up worlds before switching versions.

Java vs Bedrock

Java Edition only. Bedrock (Windows, console, mobile) always updates to the latest version with no official downgrade path.

Versions: The launcher offers every Java release back to the 2009 alphas, plus snapshots. Old console editions (Xbox 360, PS3) are frozen at their last updates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play a newer world in an old version?

No. Worlds upgraded to a newer version cannot be opened in older ones - keep backups per version.

Why play old versions?

Nostalgia, old mechanics (pre-1.9 combat), and mods that were never updated past a certain version.