How to Install Java (JRE) on Windows and macOS

Java is an extremely popular and versatile programming language crucial for creating a vast array of software applications, from desktop software and mobile apps to websites. In order to run Java applications on your computer, you must first install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which comprises the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), the Java class libraries, and various other components.

This article aims to guide you through a step-by-step process of installing Java on Windows and macOS operating systems.

Table of contents

• Installing Java on Windows
• Installing Java on macOS
• Conclusion

Installing Java on Windows

Here is how to install Java on Windows:

1. Go to the official Java website.
2. You should see a Download Java button–click on it.

3. You will be asked to choose where to download the file. Do that and click Save to download the file.
4. Once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where the file is located on your computer and double-click on the file to launch the installer. Click Yes if prompted by the User Account Control window to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.

5. To proceed, click on the Install button followed by the Next button and accept the default settings.
   Alternatively, you can choose a different installation location by clicking on the Change destination folder check box. Once you have made your selection, continue to follow the prompts until the installation is complete. The installation may take a few minutes to complete, depending on your system’s speed and the size of the installation package. Wait until the installation process is finished.

6. Once the installation process is complete, verifying that Java has been installed correctly on your machine is essential. To do so, open a command prompt.

Pro Tip:
Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

Type the following and press Enter.

java -version

You should see the version of Java that you just installed displayed in the command prompt.

Please comment below if you encounter any issues during installation, and we will do our best to help.

Installing Java on macOS

Here are the steps to install Java on macOS:

1. Go to the official Java website.
2. You should see a Download Java button once you have accessed the Java download page. Click on it.

3. You will be asked to choose where to download the file. Do that and click Save to download the file.
4. Once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where the file is located on your computer. Double-click the .dmg file to show the installer, and double-click the Java 8 installer application. Click Open if you see a dialog asking if you are sure about opening the installer application.
5. Click Install to begin the installation process. Enter your admin password if prompted.

6. Wait for the installation to complete. When finished, a message will appear confirming that Java was successfully installed.

7. Finally, verify the installation by opening a Terminal window.

Pro Tip:
Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, then type terminal and press return to launch a new Terminal.

Type the following and press return.

java -version

You should see the version of Java you just installed displayed in the Terminal.

Please comment below if you encounter any issues during installation, and we will do our best to help.

Final thoughts on installing Java

When installing Java, it is important to ensure that you download it from a trusted source and follow the installation instructions carefully. Additionally, it is recommended to keep your Java installation up to date by regularly checking for updates and installing them when available. This will provide access to the latest features and enhancements and ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.

Installing Java on your computer can open up a world of usage possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping your Java installation up to date, you can ensure that you have access to the latest features and security patches and a vast ecosystem of Java-based software tools and applications.