How to Check Your Java Version in Windows and macOS?

Every software will have a different version after the new developments in the software. The version of the software will have unique numbers or names. These numbers will be assigned in increasing order according to the changes. It also helps the user to check if their programs are up to date by comparing the version of their software with the latest version. Users will want to check their Java version before installing the latest version. In this article, we will show you the methods through which you can easily check your Java version on Windows and macOS.

Checking Java Version in Windows

Checking Java Version through Command Prompt

The easiest method for checking the Java version is through the command prompt. The command prompt is a powerful command-line interpreter through which the user can easily get the version of any software with a single command. If you are unable to check the version and getting an error that “Java is not recognized as an internal or external command“, then you need to check if the Java is installed correctly and environment variables are set correctly.

1. Hold the Windows key and press S to open the Windows search feature. Search for ‘CMD‘ and press CTRL + Shift + Enter keys altogether to open it as an administrator.
   Note: You can also right-click on it and choose the Run as administrator option.

   

2. Type the following command to check the Java version that is installed on your system.

   java -version

   

3. This will show the result of the java version with details.

Checking Java Version through Java Control Panel

The most common way to check a software version is by clicking the about option in the software. Most of the software will have this option available in it. You can open the Java control panel through the system’s control panel and it will have an About button. That button will show you the version of the installed Java on your system.

1. Hold the Windows key and press S to open the Windows search feature. Search for the Control Panel and press the Enter key to open it.

   

2. Click on the View by option and choose the Small icons option.

   

3. Now search for the Java in the list and click on it. In the General tab, click on the About button and it will show the version details of the Java.

   

Checking Java Version through Programs and Features

The users can also view the Java version details in the Programs and Features, where all the installed programs will be listed. Most of the programs will have their version number or name listed in the Program and Features. Follow the below steps to try it out:

1. Hold the Windows key and press R to open the Run. Now type ‘appwiz.cpl‘ and click on the Ok button.

   

2. This will open the Program and Features window of the control panel. Search for Java in the list. You will be able to see the version detail with it.

   

3. Almost all of the programs will have their version detail in Program and Features window.

Checking Java Version in macOS

Checking Java Version in macOS through Terminal

The Terminal application allows the user to control the system by using a command prompt. It is quicker to find the result with just a single command. Finding the Java version through Terminal is pretty easy. Follow the below steps to find your Java version through Terminal:

1. Hold Command and press Space key to open Spotlight, then type Terminal to search and press Enter.

   

2. Now type the following command to check the Java version on your system.

   java -version

   

3. It will show the result of the Java version with details.

Checking Java Version in macOS through Java Control Panel

Just like in the Windows operating system, macOS also have System Preferences which is similar to the control panel. The user can find the Java control panel in their System Preferences window. There is an about button which will show the details and the version of the installed Java. Check the below steps to try it out.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar at the top and choose the System Preferences option. Now click on the Java icon at the bottom.

   

2. A Java Control Panel window will appear, click on the About button and it will show the version details of the Java.