How to change your skin on Windows: Bedrock and Java

A Windows PC can run both editions. How to tell them apart in the Launcher, import a skin in Bedrock (Minecraft for Windows), and change it in Java Edition.

Updated October 23, 2026

A Windows 10 or 11 PC is where both editions often live side by side: Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC includes both, and both start from the Minecraft Launcher. They are separate games, and each handles skins its own way.

Which one are you playing?

In the Launcher, Bedrock Edition is listed as Minecraft for Windows, and Java Edition as Minecraft: Java Edition. More in Java or Bedrock.

Bedrock Edition (Minecraft for Windows)

Start Minecraft for Windows and open the Dressing Room.
Open Classic Skins, through the menu button at the top left.
Under Owned, select Import, then Choose New Skin, and pick the PNG.
Choose Classic or Slim to match the file.

A skin pack (.mcpack) imports when you double-click it: the game starts, imports it, and lists it under Classic Skins.

Not tested by usXbox Support describes this place on Windows as the blank skin under Owned Skins, then Choose New Skin. We have not tested a Windows PC ourselves, and menu names can change between versions.

Java Edition

Open the Minecraft Launcher and select Minecraft: Java Edition.
Open the Skins tab and select New Skin.
Choose the arm model, Wide (Classic) or Slim, select Browse and pick the PNG.
Select Save & Use.

A Java skin belongs to your account, so it follows you to every computer. More in the Java Edition guide.

The same skin in both

One PNG works in both: upload it in Java's Skins tab and import it in Bedrock's Dressing Room. HD skins of 128 x 128 work only in Bedrock. See Bedrock skin on Java.

Make a skin now, in your browser: five guided photos with the camera, or photos already taken. Nothing is uploaded. The Scan2Skin 3D app for iPhone and Android adds scan yourself, HD skins and Pro.

Make a skin About the phone app

Sources

The Difference between Java and Bedrock Editions, minecraft.net. Read October 23, 2026; published 2021-10-25: Java Edition on Windows, Mac and Linux; Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS; the Java & Bedrock Edition for PC holds both; players of the two editions cannot play together.
Dress up your character in Minecraft, Xbox Support. Read October 4, 2026; no date shown: Classic Skins, the blank skin under Owned Skins, Choose New Skin; custom skins do not sync between devices; Character Creator items do.
Change Your Look: An Introduction To Skin Packs, Microsoft Learn. Read October 4, 2026; last updated 2025-07-31: opening a .mcpack imports it; Only Allow Trusted Skins in Settings, General.
Make a Custom Skin in Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft Help Center. Read October 4, 2026; the article was last edited 2026-01-30: the Launcher's Skins tab, the profile's Change Your Skin page, Classic, Wide and Slim, slim arms from version 1.8.