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How to Completely Remove and Uninstall Java From Windows PC
In the past we have discussed online services that utilize Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run server-side applications on the client side. Previously, I may have suggested allowing JRE to operate on the page. However, if we were discussing those same services today, I would advise disabling or uninstalling Java from your computer.
Java has recently been plagued by vulnerability issues. Developers are reporting security loopholes that hackers and malware authors are exploiting worldwide. The situation has become so dire that the Feds in the United States are urging users to disable or uninstall Java to eliminate the security flaw. In a recent incident, a zero-day Java exploit compromised computers belonging to Facebook engineers and put sensitive data at risk. Java has consistently been targeted by attacks, and Oracle has been unable to patch the vulnerabilities promptly.
How long will we ignore security issues for a few online Java services? I won’t, and if you want to end it too, let’s see how to uninstall or disable Java. We will show you how to completely uninstall Java or just disable it. Uninstalling is extreme but provides foolproof security. If you don’t want to uninstall, you can just disable it in your browser.
Uninstalling Java Completely from Windows
To uninstall Java, open the Windows Control Panel and click on the “Uninstall a program” link.
After the Program and Features window lists all the applications installed on your computer, search for Java and uninstall every installed Java installation and update. If you are a developer and have installed Java Development Kit (JDK), you might want to omit it. After uninstalling the program, reboot your computer.
You can use an advanced uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller to complete the above task. It may even be a better method to do so.
Disabling Java
If you don’t want to uninstall Java and only want to disable it on your default browser, that can be done. However, disabling Java on all browsers is beyond the scope of this article. We will see how to do it on Firefox and Chrome, the top two browsers known to us.
Chrome users can disable Java by typing “chrome://plugins” in the Omnibar and pressing enter. On the plugin page, find Java and click the “Disable” button. In Firefox, open the add-on page by clicking the Firefox button and disable the Java (TM) Platform plugin from the list. The process is similar for other browsers as well. Open the browser’s plugin page and disable Java from the list.
Conclusion
Uninstalling and disabling Java in your browsers prevents the functionality of certain online apps that rely on Java Runtime Environment. Completely removing Java may also hinder the operation of native Windows programs that require JRE. However, taking these precautions outweighs the risks associated with Java’s deficiencies.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.