If your child plays Minecraft using the Java Edition of the game (available on Windows and Mac computers), you'll need to be sure to have the correct version installed in other to be able to join our server. The good news is that the Minecraft Launcher lets you install and select any version you need in just a few minutes. The steps below walk you through it.

This guide assumes you're using the default Minecraft launcher from the Minecraft website or the Microsoft Store. The process will differ if your child uses a different launcher, like Lunar Client, Modrinth or Curseforge, but players who use those launchers are usually savvy enough to install new versions on their own.

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Which version do I need?

Ender currently runs Minecraft: Java Edition version 1.21.11. If your child sees a message like "Outdated client!" or "Incompatible version" when trying to join the server, it means their game is on an earlier version and needs to be updated to match.

These instructions apply to Java Edition only. Bedrock Edition updates automatically through your device's app store and doesn't require version selection. Not sure which edition you have? Check out this support article to learn how to tell between the two.

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Step 1: Create an installation for the version

1. Open the Minecraft Launcher and make sure "Minecraft: Java Edition" is selected in the left-hand sidebar.
2. Near the top of the screen, click the "Installations" tab.
3. Click the "+ New installation" button.
4. In the "Name" field, type a name you'll recognize, such as "Ender 1.21.11".
5. Click the "Version" dropdown and select "release 1.21.11" from the list. (If you don't see it, make sure "Releases is checked at the top of the version list, or restart the launcher so it can refresh the available versions.)
6. Click the green "Create" button. You'll return to the Installations list, where your new installation will now appear.

Step 2: Play on that version

1. Click the "Play" tab near the top of the launcher.
2. At the bottom-left, next to the green "PLAY" button, click the version/installation dropdown.
3. Select the installation you just created ("Ender 1.21.11).
4. Click the green "PLAY" button. The first time, the launcher will download the version files. This can take a minute or two.
5. Once Minecraft opens, your child can connect to the Ender server as usual from the Multiplayer menu. (If you haven't added the server yet, see our guide on Connecting to the Ender Minecraft server.)

Switching versions later

Your installation stays saved in the list, so the next time your child plays they can simply pick it from the dropdown next to the PLAY button. When we update the server again in the future, you can create a new installation for the new version the same way or edit the existing installation and change its version to match.

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