Last updated: July 10, 2021
The Java Control Panel on Windows is a tabbed interface that is useful for a variety of purposes. Those purposes include the configuration of how Java runs on your computer, and in your web browsers. The most commonly used features are enabling and disabling Java to work in your web browsers, clearing your Java cache of temporary Internet files, controlling certificates, and managing the Exception Site List.
If you have the Java plugin on your Windows machine, then you also have Java Web Start (JWS). Included with JWS is a Java Cache Viewer launched from the Java Control Panel. Launch downloaded Java apps in the Java Cache Viewer instead of a web browser. You may also configure automatic Java updates in the Java Control Panel so your computer always has the latest Java version installed.
Launch the Java Control Panel on Windows
Several options exist to launch the Java Control Panel on Windows. The first way is to type Java into the Windows search box next to the Start button. Choose Configure Java from the search results to launch the Java Control Panel.
Another option to launch the Java Control Panel is from the Windows Control Panel. Use the Control Panel’s search box to search for Java then click the Java icon to launch the Java Control Panel. You can also navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Java to get there
Navigating the Java Control Panel
The Java Control Panel launches in a new window.
The General tab allows you to view the Java version information. Click the About button to see the installed Java version. The General tab also allows you to configure your Network Settings (advanced users only), and to configure the Java Temporary Internet Files settings.
The Update tab allows you to configure Automatic Java Updates, and will also provide a new Java version notification, if any.
The Java tab is used for viewing and managing Java Runtime versions and settings for Java content. It is primarily for advanced users.
From the Security tab, users may choose to enable and disable Java content in their web browser. Also configure a default security level for Java applications, or add sites with Java content that you visit frequently under the Exception Site List.
The Advanced tab is also primarily for advanced users. Of most common use is the Java console settings, and setting the Default Java for browsers. Apart from these sections, it is most likely best not to modify the settings without knowledge of what they mean.
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