What is Java Update?
This article applies to:
- Platform(s):
Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows 2008 Server
Java Update is a feature that keeps your computer up-to-date with the latest Java releases. The Java Update feature connects to java.com at a scheduled time and checks to see if there is an update available.
You can schedule how often to check for updates, as well as have the option to update manually at any time.
Starting with Java 7 Update 5 (7u5), installing 7u5 through the auto-update mechanism will uninstall the most recent version prior to Java 7. It is recommended that you uninstall older versions of Java when you update. If you wish to keep Java 6 on your computer, click Later on the Java Update window and use the Windows offline Java installer to update to Java 7 instead.
How does the automatic update work?
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 installation. If you accept we will replace your old installation with the new one.
Change the Java update settings through the Java Control panel.
To change settings of Java Control Panel, launch Java Control Panel as administrator.
- Locate the Java Control Panel
Windows XP Click Start > Settings > Control Panel
Windows 7, Windows Vista Click Start > Control Panel > Programs
- Launch the Java Control Panel by double-clicking on the Java icon. The Java Control Panel appears.
- Click the Update tab to access the settings.
Note:
- The Update tab may not be available if your network administrator has disabled the Java Update feature during installation.
- If you are not logged in to system as administrator then options to change Java update notifications will be greyed out and user will not be able to change it.
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To enable Java Update to automatically check for updates, select the Check for Updates Automatically check box.
To disable Java Update, un-select the Check for Updates Automatically check box.
There are two notification options:
- Before installing Use this option to download automatically and be notified before installing the Java update.
- Before downloading and before installing This is the default option. Use this option to be notified before downloading and installing the Java update.
You can change the frequency and the time for update notifications.
- Click the Advanced button located next to the Check for Updates Automatically.
The Automatic Update Advanced Settings dialog box appears.
- Based on your preference, change the frequency and the date and time for the Java Update.
- Click OK. The Java Update scheduler will check for newer Java updates at the scheduled frequency and notify you.
You can manually check for an update any time by clicking on the Update Now button located at the bottom of the Update tab on the Java Control panel.
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When you see the notification on your system, click on the notification dialog to start the installation process.
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To start the installation, click Install. Otherwise, click Later to install the update at a later time.
- If you click Install, an InstallShield wizard appears and the installation process begins.
- When the installation is complete, a dialog box appears. Click Finish to complete the installation.
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