Open Minecraft on your PC
Make sure you and your friend are using the same Minecraft edition
Sign in to your Microsoft account
Have your friend start their world or server
If it is a LAN world, make sure you are on the same network
Go to Multiplayer
Wait for the friend’s world or server to appear in the list
Click the world or server and select Join Server
If it does not appear, click Direct Connection
Enter your friend’s server IP address and port
Click Join Server
If your friend is using a Realm, go to Friends or Realms
Select the Realm and click Join
If needed, add your friend as a Microsoft/Xbox friend
Make sure multiplayer settings are enabled in your account and world settings