Which Java download should I choose for my 64-bit Windows operating system?
This article applies to:
- Platform(s): 64-bit Windows, Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
- Browser(s) Firefox, Internet Explorer
- Java version(s): 7.0, 8.0
The information on this page is intended for users of a 64-bit Windows operating system.
You can check if you are running 64-bit Windows before downloading 64-bit Java for Windows using the following link.
ยป How to determine if your system is running on 64-bit Windows (Microsoft)
SUMMARY
64-bit Windows operating systems (such as Windows 7, Vista or XP) come with a 32-bit Internet Explorer (IE) browser as the standard (default) for viewing web pages. These operating systems also include a 64-bit Internet Explorer browser, however using it is optional and it must be explicitly selected to view web pages. Note that because some web content may not work properly in a 64-bit browser, we recommend using the default 32-bit browser and downloading 32-bit Java.
VERIFY BROWSER
Follow the steps to verify whether you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit browser.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
Click on the item below that represents your set up:- 32-bit browser, you need to download 32-bit Java (recommended)
- 64-bit browser, you need to download 64-bit Java
- Both 32-bit and 64-bit browsers, you need to download both 32-bit and 64-bit Java, respectively
Verify if you are using 32-bit or 64-bit browser
Internet Explorer
- Launch Internet Explorer browser.
- Click on the Help tab at the top.
- Select About Internet Explorer which will bring up an information window.
If the version of IE displays 64-bit Edition, then it is 64-bit IE, otherwise it is a 32-bit browser.
Firefox
To determine whether you are running on a 64-bit version of Firefox, use either of these methods.- Check the About Firefox panel
- Type in the browser address about:support
If you are running 64-bit Firefox, it may be indicated as 64-bit (e.g., Win64), otherwise it is a 32-bit version of Firefox.
Download
64-bit Java is presented as a download option automatically for 64-bit Internet Explorer and 64-bit Firefox. Switch to the 64-bit browser to access the 64-bit download.
Java for 32-bit browsers
Users should download 32-bit Java software, if they are using 32-bit browser on their 64-bit Windows. For downloading and installing 32-bit Java on your system
- Go to Java.com
- Click on the Free Java Download button, and start the installation process
Java for 64-bit browsers
Users should download 64-bit Java software, if they are running 64-bit browsers. From a 64-bit browser, download 64-bit Java from the manual page.
Starting with Java 8 Update 20, the Update tab in the Java Control Panel enables users to automatically update 64-bit JREs (in addition to 32-bit versions) that are installed on their system.
Installing 64-bit Java on your system
- Choose the 64-bit Windows offline download. The File Download dialog box appears.
- Choose the folder location. (Save the file to a known location on your computer, for example, to your desktop) and Click Save.
- Close all applications including the browser.
- Double-click on the saved file icon to start the installation process
For more information refer Microsoft 32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows- FAQs
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