How to Check Your Java Version in the Windows Command Line

This updated guide examines How to Check Your Java Version in the Windows Command Line and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Using Windows 10

1. Click the Windows Starticon. It's the icon with Windows logo. By default, it's in the bottom-left corner of the taskbar. This opens the Start menu.
   • You can also press the⊞Winkey to open the Start menu.
2. Typecmd. This displays the Command Prompt icon at the top of the Start menu. As you type, a list of programs and search results appears in the Windows Start menu.
3. Click the Command Prompt icon. It's the black square icon with a small white "C:" in the upper-right corner.
4. Typejava -versionin the Command Prompt. This is the Command Prompt command to check which version of Java you are using. Type it in the Command Prompt window.
5. Press↵Enter. This displays a readout of the current Java version that is installed on your computer in the Command Prompt. Make sure you include a space after "java".
   • If it doesn't display any information or there is an error while running the command, you might not have Java installed on your computer. To download Java, go to https://www.java.com/en/ in a web browser and click Free Java Download . After you install Java, restart your computer.
   • If you have Java, make sure you have the latest version of Java.
   • To determine if your system is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version, read How to Check If Your PC is Running the 32-bit or 64-bit Version of Windows to determine which version of Windows you are running.

Method 2

Using Windows 8

1. Right-click the Windows Starticon. It's the icon with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner. Right-clicking this icon displays the System menu above the Start button.
2. ClickRun. It's the third option from the bottom of the System menu. This opens the "Run" program.
3. Typecmd.exenext to "Open". Use the space next to "Open" in the Run program to type the command to open the Command Prompt.
4. ClickOk. It's the first button at the bottom of the "Run" program. This opens the Command Prompt.^[1]
5. Typejava -versionin the Command Prompt. This is the Command Prompt command to check which version of Java you are using. Type it in the Command Prompt window.
6. Press↵Enter. This displays a readout of the current Java version that is installed on your computer in the Command Prompt. Make sure you include a space after "java".
   • If it doesn't display any information or there is an error while running the command, you might not have Java installed on your computer. To download Java, go to https://www.java.com/en/ in a web browser and click Free Java Download . After you install Java, restart your computer.
   • If you have Java, make sure you have the latest version of Java and find out if your system is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version.

Method 3

Using Windows 7, Vista, and XP

1. Click the Windows Start icon. It's the icon with the Windows logo. By default, it's in the lower-left corner in the taskbar. This displays the Windows Start menu.
2. ClickAll Programs. It's in the Windows Start menu. This displays a list of all programs installed on your computer.
3. ClickAccessories. This is a sub-folder in "All Programs" list. This displays a list of Windows pre-installed programs.
4. ClickCommand Prompt. It's in the list of Accessories. This opens the Command Prompt.
5. Typejava -versionin the Command Prompt. This is the Command Prompt command to check which version of Java you are using. Type it in the Command Prompt window.
6. Press↵Enter. This displays a readout of the current Java version that is installed on your computer in the Command Prompt. Make sure you include a space after "java".
   • If it doesn't display any information or there is an error while running the command, you might not have Java installed on your computer. To download Java, go to https://www.java.com/en/ in a web browser and click Free Java Download . After you install Java, restart your computer.
   • If you have Java, make sure you have the latest version of Java.