What is Java Auto Update? How does automatic update work?

Java Update is a feature that keeps your Windows computer up-to-date with the latest Java releases. When you have auto update enabled, your system periodically checks for new versions of Java. When a new version is found we ask your permission to upgrade your Java installation.

You can schedule how often to check for updates, or check manually at any time.

Does updating from Java 6 to Java 7 remove any previous versions?

Yes, updating to Java 7, using Auto Update or updating through the Java Control Panel, will remove the highest version of Java 6 installed. Java 6 has reached its End of Public Updates, which means there will be no further public secure updates for Java 6. It is recommended that Java 6 be removed from your computer to make it more secure.

How can I keep Java 6 on my computer while installing Java 7?

If you have Java 6 installed, then download and install Java 7 from java.com, Java 6 will remain on your computer.

How can I use Java 6 if it was removed during Auto Update to Java 7?

If Java 6 has been removed from your computer and you would like to use Java 6, it can be downloaded from the Java 6 download page on java.com.

Note: Oracle strongly recommends leaving only up-to-date versions of Java on desktops. Keeping old and unsupported versions of Java on your system presents a serious security risk.

How do I change how often I am notified about new Java versions?

Typically, you will be notified of the update within a month of its release. However, if an update is considered critical, you will be notified within a week of its release.

Why shouldn't I disable the notifications?

By enabling your system to check for the latest version, you keep your system secure with the latest patch updates. We strongly recommend that you do not disable the update feature. Instead, change preferences for how often you'd like to be notified of newer versions. The default setting is to notify on a monthly basis.

How do I configure my system to automatically download newer Java versions?

Use the Notify Me option under the Update tab of the Java Control Panel.

Why can't I change the Update settings?

The ability to make changes to the Update tab may not be enabled if you are not logged in as administrator or if your network administrator has disabled that feature during installation.

Why is the Update tab missing from the Java Control Panel?

Java Auto Update is currently not available for 64-bit versions of Java. 64-bit versions of Java do not include the Update tab in the Java Control Panel.

How do I install the update?

When you are notified of a newer version, click on the notification message to start the update process.

Why aren't my update settings saved?

See Java update settings are not saved in the Java control panel for more information and a workaround.

Why am I notified each time I restart my computer?

If you have not responded to the notification, you may receive the prompt to update as well as the User Account Control (UAC) consent if you are using Windows 7 or Windows Vista. You may want to check the scheduled settings to change the frequency of the notifications.

Java Update Options

Change Automatic Update Settings

1. Change the Java update settings through the Java Control panel.
   Windows XP: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel
   Windows 7 and Vista: Click Start > Control Panel
   Type Java in the Search Control Panel located in the upper right corner.
2. Launch the Java Control Panel by double-clicking on the Java icon. The Java Control Panel appears.
3. Click the Update tab to access the settings.
4. To enable Java Update to automatically check for updates, select the Check for Updates Automatically check box.
   To disable Java Update, deselect the Check for Updates Automatically check box.
   
   

Change the Update Schedule

1. On the Java Control panel Update tab, click Advanced
   The Automatic Update Advanced Settings dialog appears.
2. Based on your preference, change the frequency and the date and time for the Java Update.
3. Click OK. The Java Update scheduler will check for newer Java updates at the scheduled frequency and notify you.

Change the Notification Options

• Before installing Use this option to download automatically and be notified before installing the Java update.
• Before downloading This is the default option. Use this option to be notified before downloading and installing the Java update.
  
  

Manual Update Option

Install the New Update

Windows 7 and Vista: Depending on your settings, you may be presented with a User Account Control (UAC) dialog, related to the Update notification. You will need to permit Windows to allow the Update process to continue.

1. When you see the notification on your system, click on the notification dialog to start the installation process.
   
   
2. The Update Available dialog appears. To start the installation, click Install. Otherwise, click Later to install the update at a later time.
3. When the installation is complete, a dialog box appears. Click Finish to complete the installation.