How to Download and Install Java 8 in Windows 11

Java remains one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and Java 8 is particularly popular due to its performance stability, long-term support, and broad compatibility with development tools and applications. Whether you’re a developer looking to build Java-based apps or a regular user trying to run software that depends on Java, installing Java 8 on Windows 11 is often a necessary step. Fortunately, the process is straightforward with the right guidance.

Windows 11 is designed to support Java installations without major issues, and many popular development environments still require Java 8 for optimal compatibility. From Oracle’s official release to OpenJDK versions, there are multiple ways to install Java 8 on your Windows 11 system. This guide walks you through every step — from downloading the correct installer to configuring your system environment variables. By the end, you’ll be ready to run Java-based applications or start developing with Java 8 on your Windows 11 PC.

Why Use Java 8 on Windows 11?

Java 8 introduced major updates such as Lambda expressions, the Stream API, and improved memory management. Many enterprise applications, legacy systems, and development tools are still built on Java 8. Even though newer versions like Java 17 or Java 21 are available, Java 8 remains a reliable and frequently used runtime for many users and developers.

Reasons to use Java 8 on Windows 11 include:

• Compatibility with legacy applications.
• Stability and long-term support.
• Required by specific development tools (like older versions of Android Studio or Eclipse).
• Preference for a lightweight and proven Java version.

Step 1: Check If Java is Already Installed

Before downloading Java 8, check whether it’s already installed:

1. Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, and open it.
2. Type the command: bashCopyEditjava -version

If Java is already installed, you’ll see output showing the version (e.g., java version "1.8.0_281"). If not, the command will indicate that Java is not recognized.

Step 2: Choose the Right Java 8 Version

There are two main types of Java 8 distributions:

1. Oracle JDK 8

• Official release from Oracle.
• Commercial use requires a license.
• Free for personal and development use.

2. OpenJDK 8

• Open-source version of Java.
• Maintained by the community and organizations like AdoptOpenJDK or Eclipse Temurin.
• Ideal for most users and completely free.

Step 3: Download Java 8 from the Official Source

Option 1: Download Oracle JDK 8

1. Go to the Oracle Java SE 8 Downloads page.
2. Scroll to the Java SE Development Kit 8uXXX section.
3. Click on Windows x64 .exe file to download.
4. Accept the license agreement when prompted.

Note: You must create a free Oracle account to access the download.

Option 2: Download OpenJDK 8 (Recommended for Most Users)

1. Go to Adoptium.net.
2. Click “Latest LTS” or choose OpenJDK 8 from the version dropdown.
3. Select Windows x64, then click the .msi installer.
4. Download and save the file.

Step 4: Install Java 8 on Windows 11

For Oracle JDK:

1. Double-click the downloaded .exe installer.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Click Next to begin.
   • Choose installation directory (default is usually fine).
   • Click Next and then Install.
3. Click Finish when done.

For OpenJDK (Adoptium/Eclipse Temurin):

1. Double-click the .msi file.
2. Accept the license terms.
3. Choose installation folder or leave it default.
4. Select “Set JAVA_HOME variable” (if available).
5. Click Install and then Finish.

Step 5: Set Environment Variables (Optional but Recommended)

If Java doesn’t run from any location in Command Prompt, you may need to configure the JAVA_HOME variable and PATH.

To Set JAVA_HOME:

1. Press Win + S and search for Environment Variables.
2. Click Edit the system environment variables.
3. In the System Properties window, click Environment Variables.
4. Under System variables, click New:
   • Variable Name: JAVA_HOME
   • Variable Value: Path to Java installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_281)
5. Click OK.

To Update the PATH Variable:

1. In the same Environment Variables window, under System variables, find and select Path.
2. Click Edit, then New.
3. Add the path to the bin folder inside your Java directory:C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_281\bin
4. Click OK to close all windows.

Step 6: Verify the Java Installation

To confirm that Java 8 is installed correctly:

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type: java -version

You should see:

java version "1.8.0_281"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_281-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.281-b09, mixed mode)

Also, try:

javac -version

This confirms that the Java compiler is installed too.

Step 7: Test Java with a Sample Program

Create a simple test program:

1. Open Notepad and enter:public class HelloWorld { public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println("Hello, Java 8!"); } }
2. Save the file as HelloWorld.java.
3. Open Command Prompt, navigate to the file’s folder using cd, and run:javac HelloWorld.java java HelloWorld

You should see:

Hello, Java 8!

Step 8: Install an IDE (Optional)

If you’re planning to do development work, install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like:

• Eclipse IDE: Supports Java 8 out of the box.
• IntelliJ IDEA: Community Edition is free.
• NetBeans: Oracle-supported Java IDE.

These environments detect your Java installation automatically, or you can configure the JDK path during setup.

Final Thoughts

Installing Java 8 on Windows 11 is a smooth process if you follow the right steps. Whether you choose the Oracle JDK or the OpenJDK variant, setting it up correctly ensures your system is ready for both Java-based applications and software development. Java 8 remains an important version due to its long-standing support and wide compatibility with countless tools, libraries, and platforms.

By configuring your environment variables and testing with a simple program, you confirm that everything works perfectly. If you’re interested in Java development, setting up an IDE further enhances your productivity. Remember to keep your Java version up-to-date within the same release (e.g., update from 8u281 to 8u391) to maintain security and performance.

Now that Java 8 is installed, you’re ready to run legacy Java apps, build new ones, or work with Java-based frameworks — all seamlessly on Windows 11.

FAQs

1. Can I install Java 8 alongside newer Java versions on Windows 11?

Yes, you can have multiple versions of Java installed. Just manage them using the JAVA_HOME variable and adjust the PATH as needed.

2. Is Java 8 still supported by Oracle?

Java 8 is supported through Oracle’s Extended Support model for enterprise users. For personal use or development, you can use OpenJDK builds freely.

3. Which Java 8 version should I choose — Oracle JDK or OpenJDK?

For general use, OpenJDK (like Adoptium or Temurin) is recommended. It’s open-source and free for all use cases.

4. What if java is not recognized after installation?

Ensure that the bin folder of your Java installation is added to the PATH system variable. Also, verify that JAVA_HOME is set correctly.