After this, open up the Java Minecraft launcher and hit create a new installation. A new tab will open up, and you will need to hit the button that says new installation and select version ...

Players can download release candidate 1 using the official Minecraft launcher. Downloading release candidates is the same as downloading snapshots or pre-releases.

How to download the update Once the update has been released, players can follow these steps to download the Java Edition of Minecraft 1.18: Step 1: Launch the Minecraft launcher.