Download and Install Java 25 (JDK 25) on Windows 11

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Hi everyone, welcome back.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to take our time and fully unpack how to download and install Java 25 on Windows 11. This isn’t just a quick install—we’ll talk about what Java 25 is, why it matters as a long-term-support release, and then walk through every step carefully so even complete beginners can follow along.

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Why Java 25 Matters

Java 25 is Oracle’s newest LTS release, meaning companies will rely on it for years. Upgrading gives you access to performance improvements, new language features like primitive pattern matching and flexible constructors, plus better security and stability. So installing Java 25 ensures you’re working with the most supported and modern version of Java.

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Step 1: Go to the Official Downloads Page

First, open your preferred browser—Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. In the address bar, type oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads and press Enter. This takes you to Oracle’s official Java SE downloads page.

Scroll until you see Java SE Development Kit 25. This is the JDK—the Java Development Kit—which includes the Java Runtime Environment, compiler, and tools developers need. Avoid third-party websites—always get Java from Oracle to stay safe and up-to-date.

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Step 2: Choose the Right Installer

Under the Windows section, you’ll notice three options: A .exe installer, an .msi installer, and sometimes a .zip archive. 

For most users, the .exe installer is the easiest—just download, double-click, and follow the wizard. 

The .msi installer is useful for enterprise deployments or silent installations. 

The .zip file is for advanced users who prefer manual setups.

Click the Windows x64 Installer (.exe) download link. If a license agreement pops up, accept it. Then wait for the file to download—it’s usually a few hundred megabytes.

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Step 3: Run the Installer

Once the download finishes, open your Downloads folder. Double-click the .exe file. When Windows asks if you want to allow this app to make changes, click Yes.

The Oracle JDK Setup Wizard opens. The first screen welcomes you to the Java 25 installation. Click Next. You’ll be shown a default installation path: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-25. You can leave it as is, or change it if you need a custom location. For beginners, leaving it at the default is recommended.

Click Next again, then click Install. The installer copies files, configures components, and registers Java with your system. This may take a few minutes depending on your PC. Once you see “Installation Successful,” click Close to finish.

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Step 4: Configure Environment Variables

Even though Java is installed, Windows needs to know where to find it.

Click the Start button and search for Environment Variables. Choose Edit the system environment variables. In the System Properties window, click Environment Variables… at the bottom.

Under System variables, click New…. For Variable name, type JAVA_HOME. For Variable value, paste the installation path: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-25. Click OK.

Next, find the variable named Path, select it, and click Edit…. Click New, then type %JAVA_HOME%\bin. Click OK on every window to save and close.

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Step 5: Verify the Installation

Open the Start menu, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt. Type java -version and press Enter. You should see something like: java version "25" 2025-09 LTS.

Then type javac -version to check the Java compiler. It should also return version 25. If both commands work, congratulations—you’ve successfully installed Java 25.

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Wrap-Up

That’s the full process for downloading and installing Java 25 on Windows 11. By taking the time to set up your environment correctly, you’ll avoid future errors when running Java programs or building applications. Now you’re ready to explore the new features of Java 25, compile your first program, or upgrade your development projects to the latest LTS release.