How to Uninstall Old Versions of Java (Windows and Mac)

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: March 11, 2021

This wikiHow will teach you how to uninstall old versions of Java using the uninstall tool for Windows as well as how to manually delete Java on Mac. Old versions of Java could potentially be a security risk for your computer, so you'll want to uninstall them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using Windows

1
Go to https://www.java.com/en/download/uninstalltool.jsp in a web browser. You can use any web browser to download the tool and use it.
2
Click I agree to the Terms and Want to Continue. Click the links around the page to get more information about this tool and it's Terms and Conditions.

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3
Open the downloaded file. Many browsers will give you a notification when your file is done downloading that you can click. Otherwise, you should find this file in the "Downloads" folder in your file manager.
4
Click Yes. You need to give the app administrative permission to uninstall old versions of Java.
- After you give the program permission, it'll work to uninstall any old versions of Java on Windows.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using Mac

1
Open Terminal. You can search for 'Terminal' in Spotlight or locate the app in the Utilities folder in Finder.
2
Enter "sudo rm -fr /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin" and press ⏎ Return. This is only command 1 of 3 that will uninstall Java from your Mac.
3
Enter "sudo rm -fr /Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane" and press ⏎ Return. This is only command 2 of 3 that will uninstall Java from your Mac.
4
Enter "sudo rm -fr ~/Library/Application\ Support/Java" and press ⏎ Return. This is command 3 of 3 that will uninstall Java from your Mac.
- After you've entered this command, you can close Terminal.^{[2]
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