How to Set the Java Path?A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Do We Need to Set the Java Path?

• The Java path permits us to run Java programs from any registry without having to indicate the total way of the javac (compiler) and java (interpreter) commands each time.
• By setting the way, you make the bin folder of the Java Development Kit (JDK) available system-wide.

How to Set the Java Path?

Method 1: Temporary set the java Path (For Single Session)

Temporary path settings will last only until the Command Prompt is open. Once closed, the settings are lost.

Steps:

1. Find Your JDK Path:
   • Locate the folder where your JDK is installed. Typically, it will be:
     makefile

     C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X\bin
     Replace XX.X.X along with your JDK version (e.g., jdk-20.0.1).
2. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
3. Set the Path Temporarily:
   • In the Command Prompt, type:
     cmd

     

      

      

     set path=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X\bin

     Example:

     cmd

     set path=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-20.0.1\bin
4. Verify the Path:
   • To confirm the path is set, type:
     cmd

     javac -version

   • If the version number appears, the temporary path is set.

Method 2: Permanent Path (For All Sessions)

Setting the path permanently ensures that the JDK tools are always available from the command line, even after restarting your system.

Steps:

1. Locate Your JDK Installation Directory:
   • Navigate to the folder where your JDK is installed, typically:
     makefile

     C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X\bin
2. Open Environment Variables:
   • Right-click This PC or My Computer (on the desktop or File Explorer).
   • Select Properties.
   • In the left menu, click Advanced system settings.
   • Under the Advanced tab, click Environment Variables.
3. Edit the System Path Variable:
   • In the System Variables section, find Path and click Edit.
   • If Path doesn’t exist, click New and create it.
4. Add the JDK Path to Path Variable:
   • In the Edit Environment Variable window, click New.
   • Paste the complete path to the JDK bin directory:
     makefile

     C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X\bin
   • Click OK to save changes.
5. Verify the Path:
   • Open a new Command Prompt.
   • Type:
     cmd

     javac -version

   • The version number of the javac tool should display, confirming that the path is set successfully.

Additional Information

1. Path Not Working?
   • Ensure there are no typos in the directory path.
   • The JDK must be installed correctly. If unsure, reinstall the latest version.
2. Alternative Way Using Command Line:
   • Use the following to directly append the path using the Command Prompt (requires Admin privileges):
     cmd

     setx path “%path%;C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX.X.X\bin”
3. Important Notes:
   • Always add ; between existing paths and the new one in the Path variable.
   • Never delete existing entries in the Path variable, as it might cause other programs to stop working.

Key Points to Remember:

• Temporary Path is suitable for testing but needs to be re-applied each time.
• Permanent Path saves time and effort in the long run.
• Always verify with javac -version after setting the path