Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows

Used Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffFebruary 6, 2024

Java Standard Edition (SE) is a free software bundle that provides the Java Runtime Environment and the libraries and components you need to display a wide range of programs and Web content on 32-bit Windows PCs. It includes the Java plug-in for Web browsers and Java Web Start for deploying standalone apps written in Java over the Internet or other networks. Java SE Version 7 Update 55 addresses 37 security vulnerabilities.

Pros

You probably need it: Lots of Web sites and programs depend on Java to run. Up-to-date Java libraries and components keep your content fresh.

Now with JavaFX: Java version 7 Update 55 includes JavaFX, the latest software platform and the new standard for Java-rich Internet applications (RIAs).

Cons

Security issues: Some computer security experts have raised warning flags about vulnerabilities in Java and its components. Java 7.55 addresses many security issues, but staying informed will help you stay safe.

What's up with 8? A major update to Java SE, version 8, has also been released. Which version is right for you depends on your system, online habits, and other factors.

Bottom Line

Java SE Version 7 Update 55 installed easily and seamlessly in our system. Most of what Java does only becomes apparent when it's missing or disabled, so keep your installation up to date.

What’s new in version 8-update-401

All the release notes can be found at https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/release_changes.xml

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows

Used Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: February 6, 2024

Latest update: February 6, 2024

Version: 8-update-401

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 8
Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 15,464,809

Downloads Last Week: 132

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.6/5

211 User Votes

Great tool, no nagging appearance.
EngelhardtAsakuraOctober 21, 2014
Pros
Great tool, no nagging appearance.
Cons
Never any problems.
Summary
Finally managed to update Java on my laptop
SheafferkinJuly 25, 2014
Pros
Actually installed an updated version of Java, according to the Java website, unlike what the java website kept trying to install.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I'd tried several times to update from the Java site and it didn't seem to be working. I kept getting stuck with version 7 update 45 and a website I visit often kept telling me my version of Java was out of date. Downloaded this, ran it, Firefox restarted and loaded java.com, which checked and confirmed 7 update 65. Thank you CNET, for hosting this. I think java.com is trying to install a 64-bit version that won't work with Firefox on Windows. You'd think they'd know better...
Runs well in Win 8.1.
GCG1000February 8, 2014
Pros
Runs as advertised. No problems. The app that uses JRE works.
Cons
None at this time.
Summary
JRE is OK.
Invisible except when updating
Bengl2011November 29, 2013
Pros
Seems to work - not aware of any errors or crashes, unlike most other software.
Cons
Frequent updates - always have to uncheck boxes for unwanted add-ons.
Summary
I always install the updates just in case it really helps - I dislike the reverse advertising though (you accept unless you actively decline!)
JAVA deployment in Firefox is vulnerable.
terryfoofstixNovember 7, 2013
Pros
Easy to update - I've tried it at least 10 times...
Cons
Java Deployment Toolkit has been blocked for your protection. In Firefox JAVA requires too much intervention.
Summary
Not being much of a technical person, I rely on these updates to be rather transparent when I install them. I really am very frustrated with this add-on.
I wonder about them!
bikeboatskiNovember 6, 2013
Pros
Supposed to make things run better
Cons
frequent updates. annoying reminders
Summary
I wonder if the main reason for the updates is to sneak in new advertisers because if this is the case and I found out I would ditch it in a heartbeat. I hate being tricked or having my time wasted by greedy advertisers. Anyone know for sure? Please inform?
popup gone!
rockydoggOctober 4, 2013
Pros
daily reminder popup is finally gone!
Cons
none as far as I know
Summary
This is a hidden software & I have not had any trouble
RamblingRamSeptember 26, 2013
Pros
Seems to run good in the background without any problems or trouble. Does what it's suppose to do, and that's a plus IMHO.
Cons
None that I can think of at this time.
Summary
I would recommend anyone to download this software, as it seems to make your computer run better and eliminates some problems that might occur if you don't have it up and running on your computer.
Java updates are getting really annoying
alanrc1234September 26, 2013
Pros
They are free, except for the wasted time involved in repeatedly downloading the same thing over and over.
Cons
I can't believe that all these incremental updates are really necessary. Plus Java tries to get the user to download the Ask toolbar and such. Bogus!
Summary
Runs in the background, makes some other programs work
rrochefortSeptember 20, 2013
Pros
Unobtrusive, does its job.
Cons
None that I know of.
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Sun Microsystems

Run Java applications on your Windows computer.

The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) provides the libraries, the Java Virtual Machine, and other components to run applets and applications written in the Java programming language. In addition, two key deployment technologies are part of the JRE: Java Plug-in, which enables applets to run in popular browsers; and Java Web Start, which deploys standalone applications over a network. This is the official Java Download from Sun Microsystems.

Java Runtime Environment is in the Other Browser Add-ons & Plug-ins category of the Browsers section.