Java Version Check-Up and Update/Install Guide

This guide will show you how to check your current Java version and update it to Java 21 if needed.

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1. Open Command Prompt

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. Check Your Java Version

Type the following command and press Enter:

java --version

If java is installed, you will see something like this:

Note: This system doesn't need an update since it has Java 21 installed.

If it says 17.x.x or lower, you will need to update to Java 21 for Minecraft 1.20.5+ servers.

If You See an Error Instead

If the Command Prompt shows this message:

'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

This means Java is not installed or not added to your system PATH.

You will have to download and install Java.

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3. Download and Install Java 21

Go to the Oracle Java SE Downloads and download the Windows Installer for Java 21.

Run the installer and finish setup.

Click Next

Click Next

Click Close

4. Verify Installation

After installation, open Command Prompt again and type:

java --version

If the output shows Java 21.x.x, then your installation/update was successful.