How to Check Your Java Version on Windows

This tutorial is written for Java beginners. If you want to know which Java version is installed on your Windows operating system, there are several methods you can use to check it.

Method 1: Java Control Panel

Open the Control Panel on your Windows system.
Locate and click on the Java icon to open Java Control Panel.
Within the General tab, click on the About button.

The About Java dialog window will appear, displaying the Java version information.

Method 2: Windows Programs

Open the Control Panel on your Windows system.
Click on Programs and Features.
The installed Java version will be listed in the program list.

The installed Java version will look something like this:

Method 3: Java Command

Open the Command Prompt in Windows.
Enter Java command java -version in the Command Prompt window.

The output will display the Java version information.

1. Open the Command Prompt in Windows.

2. Enter the Java command java -fullversion in the Command Prompt window.

It will produce output like this:

Tip: Use Java command java -fullversion, the output will include the build number but this information is not needed by most users.

Note: If it produce the output like 'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command, you need to configure the JAVA_HOME and PATH environment variables on your Windows. Or you can enter the full path of the command like "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_51\bin\java" -fullversion.

Understand the Version Number

When checking the Java version, you may come across version strings like 1.7.0_51. Here’s how to interpret it:

1.7.0 refers to Java 7.
51 represents Update 51.

Summary

Checking the Java version on your Windows system is essential for ensuring compatibility and troubleshooting Java-related issues. In this tutorial, we explored three methods to check your Java version: through the Java Control Panel, Windows Programs, and using the Java Command in the Command Prompt. Each method provides a quick and easy way to retrieve the installed Java version information.

By knowing your Java version, you can stay up to date with the latest features, security patches, and improvements available in newer Java releases. Additionally, understanding the version number structure allows you to decipher the Java version code more effectively.

Remember, keeping your Java installation current is vital for optimal performance and compatibility with Java applications and development environments.

Other Resources

For more information about Java version history, you can refer to the Wikipedia page: Wikipedia – Java version history