Enable the latest installed version of Java in the Java Control Panel

1. In the Java Control Panel, click on the Java tab.
2. Click View to display the Java Runtime Environment Settings.
3. Verify that the latest Java Runtime version is enabled by checking the Enabled box.
4. Click OK to save settings.

Java is touted as a secure computing environment, one that makes it difficult for bad guys to snoop, cripple, or take over your computer. The Java runtime forces all Java programs to run in what’s called a “sandbox”, a portion of computer memory to which they are strictly confined.

The Java version can be found in the Java Control Panel. Under the General tab in the Java Control Panel, the version is available through the About section. A dialog appears (after clicking About) showing the Java version.

In general it is not needed on private computers. There are still some applications that need it, and if you are programming in Java then you need the JRE but in general, no.

Select Start -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs, Here you can see the list of installed software on your computer. Check if Java name is listed in the installed software list. You might have either JRE(Java Runtime Environment) which is required to run java applications on the computer or JDK as shown below.

Java Update Options

1. Find and launch the Java Control Panel.
2. Click the Update tab to access the settings.
3. To enable Java Update to automatically check for updates, select the Check for Updates Automatically check box. To disable Java Update, deselect the Check for Updates Automatically check box.