Minecraft: Java Edition Save File Location
Here's exactly where Minecraft: Java Edition stores your worlds on every desktop platform, how to open the folder, and how to back them up.
Save file locations
%APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\saves\ . Each world is its own folder.
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/saves
In Finder use Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.
~/.minecraft/saves
Hidden folder in your home directory; enable 'Show hidden files' to see it.
Cloud saves
Minecraft: Java Edition does not have built-in cloud saves — worlds live only on your PC, so manual backups matter. This is different from Bedrock Edition, which can sync worlds through Xbox / Microsoft account cloud.
How to open the save folder
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter.
- Open the .minecraft folder, then the saves folder.
- Copy the whole save folder somewhere safe before editing, modding, or moving PCs.
FAQ
Where are Minecraft Java worlds saved on PC?
At C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\saves. Press Win+R, type %appdata%, then open .minecraft\saves. Each world is its own folder.
How do I back up a Minecraft world?
Copy the world's folder from the saves folder to a safe location. To restore or share it, paste the whole folder back into saves.
Does Minecraft Java have cloud saves?
No. Java Edition stores worlds only locally, so you must back them up manually. Bedrock Edition is the version that supports cloud sync.