Minecraft Bedrock 26.40 update: How to download on all platforms

Minecraft players on Bedrock Edition can now grab the 26.40 update, which brings a fresh wave of features and fixes. The update follows the well-received 26.3 Snapshot 7, which finally introduced concrete stairs and slabs after nearly a decade of fan requests. Now, the full release is making its way to every platform, from PC to mobile.

The rollout is gradual, so some players may see the update immediately while others might need to wait a few hours. Here's how to download it on each platform.

Downloading on Windows PC and Xbox

For Windows 10 and 11 users, the update arrives through the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app. Open the Store, search for Minecraft, and click the 'Update' button if it appears. If you use the Xbox app, navigate to the game's page in 'My Library' and select 'Update'. On Xbox consoles, the update downloads automatically if your console is on. You can also force a check by highlighting the Minecraft tile, pressing the Menu button, and selecting 'Manage game and add-ons'.

Players using the Minecraft Launcher on PC should see the update prompt when they launch the game. The launcher will download the latest version before starting.

PlayStation and Nintendo Switch

On PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, the update downloads automatically in rest mode. If not, go to the game's home screen, press the Options button, and select 'Check for Update'. The console will then fetch the latest version. For Nintendo Switch, highlight Minecraft on the home screen, press the Plus button, and select 'Software Update' followed by 'Via the Internet'. The system will download the update and install it automatically.

For both consoles, a stable internet connection is essential. Slow connections may cause the update to pause or fail, so patience is key.

Mobile devices: iOS and Android

On iOS, open the App Store, go to the 'Updates' tab, and tap 'Update' next to Minecraft. Alternatively, you can search for Minecraft and tap the update button on its page. On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select 'Manage apps and device', and look for Minecraft under 'Updates available'. You can also enable auto-update for the game to avoid manual checks.

Mobile users should ensure enough free storage space. The update file size varies, but clearing a few hundred megabytes is advisable.

What's in the 26.40 update?

While the official changelog hasn't been fully detailed, the update builds on the 26.3 Snapshot 7 features. That snapshot introduced concrete stairs and slabs, a long-awaited addition. It also added new Explorer Maps, which help players find rare structures. Performance improvements and bug fixes are also expected, though specific details are yet to be confirmed.

The update's rollout is staggered, so if you don't see it immediately, wait a few hours and try again. Mojang has not yet announced a timeline for the next major update, but players are already speculating about what might come next.