Somewhat confusingly, there was an old launcher called 'Minecraft Unified Launcher', which was specifically for Windows 7 and 8 and only launched Java Edition and Minecraft Dungeons.

As of today, players who download Minecraft through Xbox Game Pass for PC will play through the unified Minecraft Launcher that handles both the Java and Bedrock Editions.

Run Minecraft Java on your Steam Deck with my straightforward step-by-step guide, using Prism Launcher to keep things simple.

Minecraft players struggle to play Java Edition with the new Launcher causing log-in difficulties and long download times.

Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons can now be offered and accessed through the same launcher, which is now rolling out to everyone via a free update.