How to enable the Java Console on Windows

How to enable the Java Console on Windows

Last updated: January 15, 2019 

You may need to diagnose Java implementation issues on your Windows computer. If so, it may be helpful to gather Java-related messages from your computer’s Java Console. A support team may request this information, which is also know as “output.” Below are the steps to enable the Java Console on Windows when there is a request for Java Console output, or you need to reference it:

1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer. Click Programs, and then double-click the Java logo (which may also say Java (32-bit)) to load the Java Control Panel.

Java in Windows Control Panel

2. To always launch and display the Java Console when you encounter Java content in your web browser, select the Show console radio button under the Advanced tab.

Java Console show console

When you select Show console, click the Apply button, then click the OK button.  The Java Control Panel will close.

You may select Hide console to enable the Java Console only without launching it automatically when you encounter Java content in your web browser.  The Java Console will only display when you select to launch it.

To disable the Java Console so it does not start when you encounter Java content in your web browser, select the Do not start console radio button.  This is the option you would select when you no longer need to display the Java Console.  Should an occasion arise when you need to reference the Java Console again, just select Show console again.

3.  When you select Show console, your Java Console will launch when you encounter Java content in your web browser.

Java Console output example

To provide the Java Console output to a support team, highlight the text within the Java Console window. Click the Copy button at the base of the Java Console window to add the highlighted text to your clipboard. From the clipboard, paste the Java Console output you copied into an email or document of your choice.

If you are using a Mac computer, please visit the How to Enable the Java Console on Mac article instead.

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