How To Install Java On Windows 11: A Beginner's Guide

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4 min. read

Published on November 1, 2025

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Installing Java on Windows 11 is a straightforward process, essential for running many applications and software development tools. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, this guide will walk you through each step to get Java up and running on your system.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive, easy-to-follow approach, ensuring that even beginners can successfully install and configure Java. We’ll cover downloading the Java Development Kit (JDK), setting up environment variables, and verifying the installation. Let’s get started!

What’s the Easiest Way to Install Java on Windows 11?

Downloading the Java Development Kit (JDK)

Open your web browser and go to the official Oracle website or the OpenJDK website (depending on your preference). For most users, the Oracle JDK is recommended.
Navigate to the “Downloads” section or search for “Java Downloads.”
Find the latest version of the JDK for Windows. Make sure to select the appropriate version for your system architecture (usually 64-bit).
Click the download link for the installer (.exe file).
Accept the license agreement if prompted.
Save the installer file to your computer.

Installing the JDK

Locate the downloaded installer file.
Double-click the .exe file to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be prompted to choose an installation location. The default location is usually recommended.
Click “Next” to proceed through each step of the installation wizard.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Click “Close” when the installation is finished.

Setting Up Environment Variables

Open the Start Menu and search for “Environment Variables”.
Click on “Edit the system environment variables”.
In the System Properties window, click on the “Environment Variables” button.
Under “System variables,” click “New…”.
Enter JAVA_HOME as the variable name.
Enter the path to your JDK installation directory as the variable value. This is usually something like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-xx.x.x (replace xx.x.x with the actual version number).
Click “OK”.
In the “System variables” section, find the “Path” variable and select it.
Click “Edit…”.
Click “New” and add %JAVA_HOME%\bin.
Click “OK” on all windows to save the changes.

Verifying the Java Installation

Open the Command Prompt. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start Menu.
Type java -version and press Enter.
If Java is installed correctly, you should see the Java version information displayed in the Command Prompt.
Type javac -version and press Enter.
If the Java compiler is installed correctly, you should see the Java compiler version information displayed.

Tips

Ensure you download the correct JDK version for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Double-check the path to your JDK installation directory when setting up environment variables.
Restart your computer after setting up environment variables to ensure the changes take effect.
If you encounter any errors, consult the Java documentation or online forums for troubleshooting tips.

Comparing JDK and JRE

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference:

Feature	JDK (Java Development Kit)	JRE (Java Runtime Environment)
Purpose	Development and running Java applications	Running Java applications
Components	Includes tools for developing, debugging, and compiling Java code	Includes the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and core libraries needed to run Java applications
Use Case	Developers who need to create Java applications	End-users who only need to run Java applications
Size	Larger	Smaller

Java Ready to Go on Windows 11

With Java now installed and configured on your Windows 11 system, you’re ready to run Java-based applications and embark on your software development journey. This setup ensures a smooth and efficient experience with Java on your machine.

FAQ

How do I know if Java is installed on Windows 11?

Open Command Prompt and type java -version. If Java is installed, you’ll see the version information.

What is the difference between JDK and JRE?

JDK is for developing Java applications, while JRE is for running them.

Why do I need to set environment variables for Java?

Setting environment variables allows your system to locate the Java installation directory and execute Java commands from any location.

What if I get an error when running java -version?

Ensure that the JAVA_HOME environment variable is set correctly and includes the correct path to your JDK installation directory. Also, make sure that %JAVA_HOME%\bin is added to the Path variable.