How to install Java on Windows 10

The object-oriented programming language Java offers advantages such as platform independence, security and multithreading, which you can also use in Windows 10. But, first, clarify whether you need a 32-bit or 64-bit version before installing Java on Windows 10.

Java is one of the most widely used Internet programming languages and is also suitable for users who are just learning programming-learning. In Windows it was already supported since the update 51 for Windows 8. Those who want to use Java on Windows 10 or also on Linux and macOS can download the installation files free of charge from the website of the Java developer Oracle Corporation.

Attention! The Edge browser does not support Java plug-ins, so Java cannot be used in Edge. Browser like Firefox or Safari again require a Java plugin or applet. In addition, you need to clarify whether you need Java as 32-bit or 64-bit for Windows, depending on your operating system.

Tip

If you want to get the most out of Java, you should get an overview of the most important Java commands and Java operators. Particularly handy is the comprehensive software development kit (SDK), which includes the Java Development Kit with a collection of utilities, tools and runtime environments.

Is Java already installed?

Before installing Java, you can check if Java is already on your system. This way you save the installation steps and can use Java directly. You can find out whether Java is already present via the display for installed software on the Windows system. To do this, enter ‘Control Panel’ in the Windows search line and click on the corresponding result. Then go to ‘Programs’ > ‘Programs and Features’. There you will find all installed programs listed alphabetically. If Java is installed, there is also an entry for Java.

You can check whether you need the 64-bit version of Java by pressing the Windows-Shortcut  [Windows] + [i] for the Windows settings. In the opened settings you get to the `Device specifications´ via `System´ > `About´. If it says `64-bit´ in the `System Type´ section, you can use both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Note

Java has stopped supporting 32-bit systems, so Java only runs on 64-bit operating systems. However, both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions will work fine in these. Therefore, both Java versions are recommended if you alternate between using a 32-bit and 64-bit browser. On the other hand, Oracle Corporation advises using a standard 32-bit browser and the 32-bit Java version for best performance.

Download Java for users

Follow the steps below to install the latest version of Java in Windows 10:

Step 1: In your default browser, open the Java download page from Oracle Corporation  java.com. Here you will find the appropriate latest Java version for operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux or Solaris.

Step 2: Download the latest Java version for the applicable operating system.

Step 3: Decide whether you want to perform an online download using an executable IFTW file (`Install from the Web´) or as an offline download using an executable file. In the Java setup prompt, confirm that you really want to install Java. By doing so, you automatically agree to Java's license agreement.

Step 4: With the Java download, you also get the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which allows you to use Java plug-ins and run Java applets in a compatible browser. The JRE also includes the Java Virtual Machine, the Java main classes and Java libraries.

Note

Have you upgraded your Windows operating system to Windows 11 and wondered if Java can be used with it? Then don’t worry: You can easily install Java on Windows 11.

Download Java: For developers

If you would like to use Java not only in the browser, but also as a programming language including tools, you can download the Java Development Kit (JDK) from the Java website. The JDK includes helpful tools and programs such as a Java editor, a compiler and interpreter, a debugger as well as documentation tools, API classes, archivers, signing programs, tools for applets and performance monitoring, and a web service importer. The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is also included in the JDK.

Follow these steps to install Java in Windows 10 as a developer:

Step 1: Open the Developer website of Java. On the landing page, you will already see the download button for the current version of Java (as of 2022: Java 18). If you want to use the Java Development Kit, go to the Oracle website for Java downloads.

Step 2: Choose between options like `x64 Compressed Archive´ as ZIP file, `x64 Installer´ as EXE file or `x64 MSI Installer´ as MSI file for the download. Confirm the Oracle Java license agreement for the download.

Step 3: Open the downloaded file and extract the ZIP files first or double-click on the installation file. The installation wizard will now guide you through the simple installation steps. The installation itself takes only a few minutes.

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