Yes, 'Minecraft' is cross-platform — here's how to play with your friends on any system

"Minecraft" offers cross-platform play for both versions of the game — Bedrock and Java — but you can only play with users ...

How to play multiplayer in Minecraft, using either a public server or one you create yourself

You can play Minecraft solo, but it's much more fun with friends. Here's how to play multiplayer in Minecraft: Java Edition.
ZDNet

Microsoft says starting next year all Minecraft Java edition users will have to have a Microsoft account to play

Correction: Microsoft was in touch this afternoon through a spokesperson to clarify that the movement of accounts is only for people who use the Java edition of MineCraft. There are different versions ...