Installing OpenJDK on Windows

OpenJDK is an open-source implementation of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (Java SE). It provides a free and open alternative to Oracle’s JDK. In this tutorial, we will walk through the steps to install OpenJDK on Windows.

Manual Installation

To manually install OpenJDK on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Download the OpenJDK zip file: You can download the latest version of OpenJDK from the official website or other trusted sources such as Eclipse Adoptium.
2. Extract the zip file: Extract the contents of the zip file to a directory of your choice, for example, C:\Program Files\Java.
3. Set the PATH variable:
   • Right-click on "Computer" or "This PC" and select "Properties".
   • Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left side.
   • Click on "Environment Variables".
   • Under "System Variables", scroll down and find the "Path" variable, then click "Edit".
   • Click "New" and enter the path to the bin directory of the OpenJDK installation (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11\bin).
4. Set the JAVA_HOME variable:
   • Under "System Variables", click "New".
   • Enter the variable name as JAVA_HOME.
   • Enter the variable value as the path to the OpenJDK installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11).
5. Verify the installation: Open a Command Prompt and type java -version to verify that the installation was successful.

Using a Package Manager

Alternatively, you can use a package manager like Chocolatey to install OpenJDK on Windows. Here’s how:

1. Install Chocolatey: Download and install Chocolatey from the official website.
2. Install OpenJDK: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the command choco install openjdk --version=11.0 (replace 11.0 with the desired version).

Using an Installer

Some organizations, such as Eclipse Adoptium, provide pre-built installers for OpenJDK on Windows. You can download the installer from their website and follow the installation instructions.

Choosing the Right JDK

When choosing a JDK, consider the following factors:

• Certification: Look for TCK-compliant builds to ensure compatibility with Java SE specifications.
• Licensing: Consider the licensing terms and conditions of the JDK.
• Support: Check if the JDK provider offers support and maintenance updates.

Some popular alternatives to Oracle’s JDK include Eclipse Adoptium, Azul Zulu, and Amazon Corretto. You can compare these options using online resources such as Which JDK or JDK Comparison Matrix.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the steps to install OpenJDK on Windows manually, using a package manager, and using an installer. We also discussed factors to consider when choosing a JDK. By following these instructions, you should be able to successfully install OpenJDK on your Windows machine.