DTT

Configure Java Home on Windows

Published: April 30, 2018 (Updated: Apr 30, 2018)
#Java #Windows #JDK

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Mastering Java: How to Set the JAVA_HOME Environment Variable on Windows (10/11 & Server)

Introduction: Why JAVA_HOME is Essential

Welcome back to Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

If you are a Java developer, or if you simply need to run advanced Java applications or tools like Maven, Tomcat, or Gradle on your Windows machine, setting the JAVA_HOME environment variable is a non-negotiable first step. This variable tells your operating system exactly where your Java Development Kit (JDK) is installed, ensuring smooth operation of all your tools.

While this guide focuses specifically on Windows Server 2016 (as shown in the video tutorial), the steps are virtually identical and perfectly applicable to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Ready to take control of your Java environment? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Locating Your JDK Installation Path

Before we begin modifying system settings, you need to know the exact path where your JDK is installed.

Crucial Note: You must use the path to the root JDK folder, not the bin subdirectory.

  1. Navigate to the installation directory: Typically, this is located in C:\Program Files\Java\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\.
  2. Identify the JDK folder: Look for a folder named similar to jdk-17.0.5 or jdk1.8.0_202.
  3. Copy the full path: For example, your path might look like this: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17.0.5

Keep this path copied, as we will paste it directly into the System Variables window in the next step.

Step 2: Accessing Advanced System Settings

The control panel location for environment variables can sometimes be tricky to find, but we have the fastest route ready for you.

  1. Open the Start Menu: Click the Windows Start icon or press the Windows key.
  2. Search for Environment Variables: Type “Environment Variables” directly into the search bar. Windows should immediately suggest “Edit the system environment variables” (or similar phrasing like “View advanced system settings”).
  3. Open the System Properties window: Click on the suggested link. This will open the System Properties dialog box.
  4. Click Environment Variables: At the bottom of the System Properties window, under the “Advanced” tab, click the Environment Variables… button.

Step 3: Creating the JAVA_HOME System Variable

Now that you are in the Environment Variables window, we will create a new System Variable to ensure that all users and applications on the machine can access the JAVA_HOME path.

  1. Locate System variables: In the Environment Variables window, look at the bottom panel labeled System variables (not the upper “User variables” panel).
  2. Click New: Click the New… button below the System variables list. This opens the “New System Variable” dialog box.
  3. Define the Variable Name: In the Variable name field, type the following exactly: JAVA_HOME
  4. Define the Variable Value: In the Variable value field, paste the full JDK path you copied in Step 1 (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17.0.5).
  5. Confirm and Exit: Click OK to save the new variable. Click OK on the Environment Variables window, and then OK on the System Properties window to close everything and finalize the changes.

Step 4: Verifying the JAVA_HOME Configuration

It’s essential to confirm that Windows correctly registered the new environment variable before you proceed with Java development. We can do this easily using the Command Prompt (CMD).

  1. Open Command Prompt (CMD): Open the Windows Start Menu and search for “CMD” or “Command Prompt.”
  2. Run the verification command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: 
    echo %JAVA_HOME%
  3. Check the output:
    • Success: If the output displays the exact path you entered (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17.0.5), your configuration is complete and correct!
    • Failure: If the output shows %JAVA_HOME% (meaning it did not translate the variable) or an incorrect path, return to Step 3 and double-check your spelling and path accuracy.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully configured the JAVA_HOME environment variable on your Windows system. Whether you are running Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server 2016, your system is now correctly pointing to your Java Development Kit, paving the way for smooth development and application execution.

Now that this foundational setup is complete, you are fully equipped to install your favorite development tools and start building incredible Java applications!

If this tutorial helped you get up and running, please smash that like button, subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear and accessible guides, and let me know in the comments what Java project you’re working on next! Happy coding!