This article explains how to locate, install, and use shaders in Minecraft for Windows 10 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

What to Know

  • Download MCPACK shader files from reputable sources like mcpedl.com.Open MCPACK shader file. Minecraft will open automatically and begin installation.In Minecraft select Create New World > Resource Packs > My Packs > choose shader > Activate.

How to Get Shaders in Minecraft

Shaders for Minecraft are created by other players and uploaded to websites as a free download. The Minecraft shaders contain all of the coding and visual elements needed to make the changes to a Minecraft world which are all compressed into a single MCPACK file.

One of the more-popular Minecraft shader download sites, and the one where we got the shader for this guide from, is mcpedl.com.

Because Minecraft shaders aren’t tested or approved by Microsoft, it’s important to only download files from third-party websites that have earned a good reputation among players. You don’t want to infect your computer with malware or a virus.

How to Install Shaders in Minecraft

Downloading and installing Minecraft shaders is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require any hacking or the installation of any third-party plugins or programs.

Here’s how to add shaders to Minecraft.

  • On the same computer you have Minecraft installed on, open your preferred web browser, go to mcpedl.com, then find a shader that you want to install.
  • For this example, we’ll use the WinterCraft shader which can be downloaded here.
  • Click Download.
  • The shader file should immediately begin to download, but sometimes a link could take you to an external file download site. If it does, don’t click any banners or ads. Only click the secondary download link.
  • Once the file finishes downloading, click it.
  • Many web browsers will display the downloaded file along the bottom of the screen. If yours doesn’t, you will need to find it in your browser’s designated Downloads folder.
  • Minecraft will automatically open and begin the import process. This should only take a few seconds.
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How to Turn on Shaders in Minecraft

Once a shader has been imported into your Minecraft game, it will remain available for you to use in any worlds you create.

On the same computer you have Minecraft installed on, open your preferred web browser, go to mcpedl.com, then find a shader that you want to install.

For this example, we’ll use the WinterCraft shader which can be downloaded here.

Click Download.

The shader file should immediately begin to download, but sometimes a link could take you to an external file download site. If it does, don’t click any banners or ads. Only click the secondary download link.

Once the file finishes downloading, click it.

Many web browsers will display the downloaded file along the bottom of the screen. If yours doesn’t, you will need to find it in your browser’s designated Downloads folder.

Minecraft will automatically open and begin the import process. This should only take a few seconds.

Ready to activate a Minecraft shader that you’ve downloaded? This is how to use shaders in Minecraft once you’ve installed them.

You don’t need to import a MCPACK shader file more than once.

  • With Minecraft open on your PC, click Play.
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  • Click Create New.
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  • Click Create New World.
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  • Click Resource Packs.
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  • Click My Packs, then click the name of the shader pack you want to add to your new world.
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  • Click Activate.
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  • Click Active to check that the Minecraft shader has been added to your world.
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  • Change any options you want to adjust, then click Create.
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  • Your new Minecraft world will now load with your shader enabled.
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With Minecraft open on your PC, click Play.

Click Create New.

Click Create New World.

Click Resource Packs.

Click My Packs, then click the name of the shader pack you want to add to your new world.

Click Activate.

Click Active to check that the Minecraft shader has been added to your world.

Change any options you want to adjust, then click Create.

Your new Minecraft world will now load with your shader enabled.

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