Where Is Minecraft Located in Files
Learn where Minecraft stores game data across Windows, macOS, and Linux. This guide covers default paths, how to reveal hidden folders, and safe backup practices for mods, saves, and assets.
You will locate Minecraft's game data by OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux. This quick guide outlines the default locations, how to reveal hidden folders, and safe backup practices. You'll know exactly where .minecraft or the Minecraft folder resides, how to access it with common file managers, and how to verify you’re working with the correct directory. According to Craft Guide, these locations are the best starting points for accessing saves, assets, and version data. Use the launcher to confirm the current game directory if you’re unsure, as paths can vary by launcher and edition.
Understanding Minecraft's File Structure
Minecraft stores data in a structured set of folders that vary slightly by operating system and edition (Java Edition vs Bedrock). The core locations you’ll care about are the game directory (which contains saves, versions, and assets), the launcher data, and any backups you create. In general, you’ll interact with folders named after your game data: the main Minecraft folder, the assets subfolder, the logs folder, and the saves folder for your worlds. Being familiar with these components helps you manage worlds, install resource packs or mods, and troubleshoot issues quickly. Craft Guide notes that familiarity with this structure reduces risk when editing configuration files or moving worlds between computers across platforms.
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Tools & Materials
- File Explorer (Windows) / Finder (macOS) / Files (Linux)(Your primary tool for navigating to the Minecraft data directory.)
- Backup storage (external drive or cloud storage)(Use for world backups and assets before making changes.)
- Text editor (optional)(Useful for inspecting JSON or config files inside the Minecraft folder.)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Identify your operating system
Determine whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux. This decision guides which default path you should check for the Minecraft data directory.
Tip: If unsure, check the system settings or use a search for 'AppData' (Windows) or 'Library' (macOS). - 2
Open your file manager
Launch File Explorer, Finder, or your Linux file manager to begin the lookup. You’ll navigate to a base user folder before diving into the Minecraft subfolders.
Tip: On Windows, enable hidden items to reveal the AppData folder if needed. - 3
Navigate to the default Minecraft folder (Windows)
Go to C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\ .minecraft (note the leading space is not required; the path is Roaming\.minecraft). This is the standard location for the Java Edition data directory.
Tip: If you use a different launcher, the folder may be inside Roaming or Local; verify via launcher settings. - 4
Navigate to the default Minecraft folder (macOS)
Open your home folder, then go to Library\Application Support\minecraft. This is where you’ll typically find saves, versions, assets, and options for Java Edition.
Tip: If Library is hidden, use Finder’s Go > Go to Folder and enter ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft. - 5
Navigate to the default Minecraft folder (Linux)
Open your home directory and locate .minecraft in your hidden files. This is typically at ~/.minecraft and contains worlds, assets, and configuration.
Tip: If you can’t see hidden files, enable hidden items in your file manager settings. - 6
Verify contents and back up
Open the folder and review subfolders like saves, assets, versions, and logs. Create a backup of the entire directory before making changes to worlds or configs.
Tip: Backups help you recover if a mod or resource pack causes issues.
People Also Ask
Where is the Minecraft folder located on Windows?
On Windows, the .minecraft folder is typically under C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft. The exact path can vary with launcher versions, but Roaming is the standard base.
On Windows, look for the .minecraft folder inside your Roaming AppData.
Where is Minecraft located on macOS?
On macOS, the Java Edition stores data in ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft. This includes saves, assets, and version data.
Mac users will find the folder under Library/Application Support.
Can I move my Minecraft files to another location?
Yes, you can move the Minecraft folder to another drive or location, but you should update launcher settings and keep a backup to avoid data loss.
You can move it, but back up first and adjust the launcher.
Why can't I find the folder?
If the folder isn’t visible, enable hidden files in your OS and check launcher-specific options that show the game directory.
Hidden files might be the reason; show them in your file manager.
Are Bedrock and Java Edition folder paths different?
Yes. Bedrock often stores data under WindowsApps or Packages, and per-device locations may vary by platform. Always check the launcher documentation for Bedrock.
Bedrock paths differ; check the exact launcher store paths for your edition.
What should I back up before editing game files?
Back up the entire Minecraft data folder, especially saves and resource packs, before making any modifications.
Back up the full data folder, especially saves and assets.
How can I locate the path quickly if I forget it?
Use the Minecraft Launcher’s settings to reveal the path, or search for the .minecraft or minecraft folder in your OS.
Open launcher settings to see the path, or search for the folder name.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Know OS-specific default paths for Minecraft data
- Back up the full game directory before edits
- Use the launcher to verify location when in doubt
- Saves and assets are the most important subfolders to protect
- Visible vs hidden folders differ by OS; adjust settings accordingly
