Documentation Contents
Java Platform, Standard Edition Installation Guide
Contents Previous Next

# 15 JDK Installation for Microsoft Windows

JavaFX on JDK 8 has a shorter support timeline than JDK 8. Update releases of JDK 8 after March 2028 will not include JavaFX. Please visit https://www.oracle.com/javase/javafx for more information.

This page describes how to install and uninstall JDK 8 for Windows.

The page has these topics:

- "System Requirements"

- "Installation Instructions Notation"

- "Installation Instructions"

- "Uninstalling the JDK"

- "Installed Directory Tree"

- "Installation Troubleshooting"

See "JDK 8 and JRE 8 Installation Start Here" for general information about installing JDK 8 and JRE 8.

## System Requirements

For supported processors and browsers, see Oracle JDK 8 and JRE 8 Certified System Configurations.

See "Windows System Requirements for JDK and JRE" for minimum processor, disk space, and memory requirements.

Note:

- The JDK and JRE have a version string that enables you to determine the version number. See Java Platform, Standard Edition 8 Names and Versions for information about Java SE 8 version numbers.

- The JDK has the option of installing the public JRE. For more information about JRE installation, see "JRE Installation for Microsoft Windows".

- If you have any difficulties, see "Installation Troubleshooting" or submit a bug report at Oracle Java Bug Database.

## Installation Instructions Notation

For any text in this document that contains the following notation, you must substitute the appropriate update version number:

    version

For example, if you were downloading the JDK installer for 32-bit systems for update 381, the file name `jdk-8version-windows-i586.exe` becomes `jdk-8u381-windows-i586.exe`.

Similarly, if you were downloading the JDK installer for 64-bit systems for update 381, the file name `jdk-8version-windows-x64.exe` becomes `jdk-8u381-windows-x64.exe`.

## Installation Instructions

In these instructions, you run the self-installing executable file to unpack and install the JDK. As part of the JDK, this installation includes an option to install the public Java Runtime Environment. (The JDK also contains a private JRE for use only by its tools; see "Private Versus Public JRE" for more information.)

Install the JDK by doing the following:

- "Downloading the Installer"

- "Running the JDK Installer"

  - "Default JDK Installation Directories"

  - "Java Start Menu"

- "Installing the JDK Silently"

- "Updating the PATH Environment Variable"

- "Starting to Use the JDK"

### Downloading the Installer

Access the Java Downloads page and click Accept License Agreement. Under the Download menu, click the Download link that corresponds to the `.exe` for your version of Windows.

Download either `jdk-8uversion-windows-x64.exe` (64-bit) or `jdk-8uversion-windows-i586.exe` (32-bit), where `version` is the update version of the JDK.

Note: Verify the successful completion of file download by comparing the file size on the download page and your local drive. Alternatively, you can ensure that the downloaded file's checksum matches the one provided on the Java Downloads page.

### Running the JDK Installer

You must have administrative permissions in order to install the JDK on Microsoft Windows.

The file `jdk-8version-windows-i586.exe` is the JDK installer for 32-bit systems. The file `jdk-8version-windows-x64.exe` is the JDK installer for 64-bit systems. If you downloaded either file instead of running it directly from the website, double-click the installer's icon. Then, follow the instructions the installer provides. When finished with the installation, you can delete the downloaded file to recover disk space.

Installers for JDK 7u6 and later install the JavaFX SDK and integrate it into the JDK installation directory. Installers for JDK 7u2 to 7u5 install the JDK first, then start the JavaFX SDK installer, which installs JavaFX SDK in the default directory `C:\Program Files\Oracle\JavaFX 2.0 SDK` or `C:\Program Files (x86)\Oracle\JavaFX 2.0 SDK` on 32-bit operating systems. If you want to install the JavaFX SDK (version 2.0.2) with JDK 7u1 or earlier, see Installing JavaFX for more information.

#### Default JDK Installation Directories

By default, the 64-bit version of the JDK is installed in `C:\Program Files\Java\jdkN`, where `N` is the full Java SE release and update number. For example, `N` is `1.8.0_501` for JDK Release 8 Update 501.

Similarly, by default, the 32-bit version of the JDK is installed in `C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jreN`.

In addition, starting in JDK 8u481, a junction, which is an alias to another directory on the computer, is created in a directory named `C:\Program Files\Java\latest\jdk-1.8` (or `C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\latest\jdk-1.8` for 32-bit systems). It points to the latest update version of JDK 8. This junction is removed when the last JDK 8 installation is uninstalled.

Note: The following applies to update releases prior to JDK 8u481: By default, the JDK is installed in `C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-1.8` or `C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk-1.8` (for 32-bit systems) regardless of the update version. For example, JDK 8u381 is installed in one of these directories, depending on your system's architecture. JDK installers support only one version of any Java feature release. You can't install multiple versions of the same feature release. For example, you can't install JDK 8u381 and JDK 8u371 simultaneously. If you attempt to install JDK 8u381 after JDK 8u371 is installed, the installer uninstalls JDK 8u371 and installs JDK 8u381. If you install an older version of a JDK when the newer version of the same feature family already exists, an error is displayed, prompting you to uninstall a newer JDK version if an older version has to be installed.

#### Java Start Menu

Starting with JDK 7u40, Java menu items are added to the Windows Start menu to provide easy access to Java resources.

During JDK installation, a Java Development Kit folder is created in the Windows Start menu, which contains Reference Documentation, which opens the Online API documentation web page.

During JDK installation and uninstallation, the appropriate Start menu items are updated to be associated with the latest JDK version on the system.

### Installing the JDK Silently

Instead of double-clicking or opening the installer, you can perform a silent, non-interactive, JDK installation by using the command-line arguments. The following table lists example installation scenarios and the commands required to perform them. The notation `jdk` stands for the downloaded installer file base name, such as `jdk-8u381-windows-x64`.

Installation Scenario | Command
--- | ---
Install the JDK – development tools, source code, and the public JRE – in silent mode |
    jdk.exe /s
Install development tools and source code in silent mode but not the public JRE |
    jdk.exe /s ADDLOCAL="ToolsFeature,SourceFeature"
Install development tools, source code, and the public JRE in silent mode |
    jdk.exe /s ADDLOCAL="ToolsFeature,SourceFeature,PublicjreFeature"
Install the JDK in the specified directory `C:\test\` in silent mode |
    jdk.exe /s /INSTALLDIRPUBJRE=C:\test\

### Updating the PATH Environment Variable

If you do not set the `PATH` variable, you need to specify the full path to the executable file every time you run it, such as:

    C:\> "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-1.8\bin\javac" MyClass.java

It is useful to set the `PATH` variable permanently so it will persist after rebooting.

To set the `PATH` variable permanently, add the full path of the `jdk-1.8\bin` directory to the `PATH` variable. Typically, this full path looks something like `C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-1.8\bin`. Set the `PATH` variable as follows on Microsoft Windows:

1. Click Start, then Control Panel, then System.

2. Click Advanced, then Environment Variables.

3. Add the location of the bin folder of the JDK installation to the `PATH` variable in System Variables. The following is a typical value for the `PATH` variable:

       C:\WINDOWS\system32;C:\WINDOWS;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-1.8\bin

Note:

- The `PATH` environment variable is a series of directories separated by semicolons (`;`) and is not case-sensitive. Microsoft Windows looks for programs in the `PATH` directories in order, from left to right.

- You should only have one `bin` directory for a JDK in the path at a time. Those following the first instance are ignored.

- If you are not sure where to add the JDK path, append it.

- The new path takes effect in each new command window you open after setting the `PATH` variable.

### Starting to Use the JDK

Select Java Development Kit in the Windows Start menu to access information related to reference documentation.

If you are new to developing and running programs in the Java programming language, see The Java Tutorials for some guidance. Note especially the tutorial trails under the heading Trails Covering the Basics.

You can also download the JDK documentation from Java Downloads.

## Uninstalling the JDK

To uninstall the JDK, use the "Add/Remove Programs" utility in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.

### Uninstalling the JDK in Silent Mode

Use the following command to uninstall the JDK in silent mode:

    msiexec.exe /X {UninstallString}

For example, to uninstall Java 8 update 251, run the command:

    msiexec.exe /X {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F64180251F0}

To find the `UninstallString` value, see "Finding the JDK Registry Key and UninstallString".

Note: This command can be run from anywhere. The `msiexec.exe` executable is located in the Windows `system` directory. A reboot is required only if some files are in use during uninstallation; it is not necessary every time. However, to manually suppress reboot while uninstalling, append the `REBOOT=R` option to the command. Append the `/l "C:\<path>setup.log"` option to the command if you want to create a log file describing the uninstallation status.

The Windows Installer dialog appears prompting you for confirmation. Click Yes to uninstall the JDK.

### Finding the JDK Registry Key and UninstallString Value

1. Go to Start and type regedit.

2. In the Registry Editor, go to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall`.

   Under the `Uninstall` folder, you will find many registry entries within curly brackets.

3. Click Edit and then Find.

   Note: Highlight `Uninstall` folder before performing search for a particular registry.

4. Enter version string as value to find corresponding registry key. Follow the format 1.8.0.version. For example, for JDK 8u251, enter 1.8.0.251.

   The registry key is highlighted on the right-hand side of the pane and values of various uninstall strings are displayed on the left-hand pane.

5. Note the value of the UninstallString.

## Installed Directory Tree

See JDK and JRE File Structure for a description of the directory structure of the JDK. (Note that the file structure of the JRE is identical to that of the JDK's `jre` directory.)

## Installation Troubleshooting

Below are some tips for working around problems that are sometimes seen during or following an installation:

- "Corrupt Cabinet File"

- "System Error During Decompression"

- "Private Versus Public JRE"

- "Source Files in Notepad"

- "Characters That Are Not Part of the System Code Page"

For more troubleshooting information, see Java Platform, Standard Edition Troubleshooting Guide.

### Corrupt Cabinet File

If you see the error message "corrupt cabinet file," then the file you have downloaded is corrupted. Check the file size against the expected file size listed in these instructions. If sizes do not match, try downloading the bundle again. (A cabinet file contains compressed application, data, resource, and DLL files.)

### System Error During Decompression

If you see the error message "system error during decompression," then you might not have enough space on the disk that contains your `TEMP` directory.

### Private Versus Public JRE

Installing the JDK also installs a private JRE and optionally a public copy. The private JRE is required to run the tools included with the JDK. It has no registry settings and is contained entirely in a `jre` directory (typically at `C:\Program Files\jdk-1.8\jre`) whose location is known only to the JDK. On the other hand, the public JRE can be used by other Java applications, is contained outside the JDK (typically at `C:\Program Files\Java\jre-1.8`), is registered with the Windows registry (at `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft`), can be removed using Add/Remove Programs, might be registered with browsers, and might have the `java.exe` file copied to the Windows system directory (which would make it the default system Java platform).

### Source Files in Notepad

In Microsoft Windows, when you create a new file in Microsoft Notepad and then save it for the first time, Notepad usually adds the `.txt` extension to the file name. Therefore, a file you name `Test.java` is saved as `Test.java.txt`. It is important to note that you cannot see the `.txt` extension unless you turn on the viewing of file extensions (in Microsoft Windows Explorer, deselect "Hide file extensions for known file types" under Folder Options). To prevent the `.txt` extension, enclose the file name in quotation marks, such as `"Test.java"`, when typing it into the Save As dialog box.

On the other hand, Microsoft WordPad does not add the `.txt` extension if you specify another extension. However, you must save the file as "Text Document".

### Characters That Are Not Part of the System Code Page

It is possible to name directories using characters that are not part of the system locale's code page. If such a directory is part of the installation path, then generic error 1722 occurs, and installation is not completed. Error 1722 is a Windows Installer error code. It indicates that the installation process has failed. The exact reason for this error is not known at this time.

To prevent this problem, ensure that the user and system locales are identical, and that the installation path contains only characters that are part of the system locale's code page. User and system locales can be set in the Regional Options or Regional Settings control panel.

The associated bug number is 4895647.

Contents Previous Next

Copyright © 1993, 2026, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Contact Us