Some programs, older games, Minecraft mods and enterprise tools only work with a specific Java version, such as Java 8 or Java 17. If a newer Java install broke something on your Windows 10 PC, you can go back to an older version. There is no “downgrade” button: you either uninstall the newer version and install the older one, or install both and tell Windows which one to use. This guide covers both approaches and how to check which version is active.
Quick answer
Install the older Java version you need, then open System Properties > Environment Variables, set JAVA_HOME to the older version’s folder, and move %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the top of the Path variable. Open a new Command Prompt and run java -version to confirm. Uninstall the newer version from Settings > Apps if you no longer need it.
Step 1: Check which Java version you have
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run java -version to see the active version.
- Run where java to see every java.exe Windows can find, in the order it searches them.
The first path in the where java list is the one that runs when you type java.
Step 2: Decide whether to remove the newer version
- Remove it if nothing else on your PC needs it. This is the simplest option.
- Keep both if some apps need the new version and others need the old one. Developers often keep several JDKs installed and switch between them.
To uninstall, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, search for Java, JDK or the vendor name (such as Oracle, Eclipse Temurin or Microsoft Build of OpenJDK), select the newer version, and click Uninstall.
Step 3: Install the older version
- Download the version you need from your Java vendor. Oracle keeps older releases in its Java archive (an Oracle account may be required), and free OpenJDK builds such as Eclipse Temurin and Microsoft Build of OpenJDK offer long-term support versions like 8, 11, 17 and 21.
- Choose the Windows x64 installer (.msi or .exe).
- Run it and note the installation folder, for example C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-17….
Some installers offer to set JAVA_HOME and update Path for you; tick those options if you are only going to use this version. For a step-by-step install, see how to install OpenJDK on Windows or how to install JRE in Windows 10.
Step 4: Point Windows to the older version
- Click Start, type environment variables, and open Edit the system environment variables.
- Click Environment Variables.
- Under System variables, select JAVA_HOME and click Edit (or click New if it does not exist). Set the value to the older Java folder, without \bin at the end.
- Select Path and click Edit.
- Add %JAVA_HOME%\bin if it is not there, and use Move Up to put it above any other Java entries.
- Look for C:\Program Files\Common Files\Oracle\Java\javapath. Oracle’s installer adds this, and it can override your choice. Move it below your entry or remove it.
- Click OK on every window.
Step 5: Confirm the change
Close any open Command Prompt windows, open a new one, and run java -version. It should now show the older version. Programs that were already running need to be restarted to pick up the change.
Tips
- Some apps bring their own Java. Minecraft’s launcher, for example, includes a Java runtime and lets you choose the Java version per installation in its settings, so you may not need to change system Java at all.
- Use per-app settings. Many IDEs and build tools let you choose a JDK per project.
- Memory settings stay separate. If you set heap size options, re-check them after switching; see how to increase Java heap size.
- Older versions may lack security updates. Use the newest update within the version family you need (for example the latest Java 8 update), and avoid using old Java in web browsers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one Java version installed?
Yes. Each version installs into its own folder. Only the one first in Path runs when you type java, but apps can be pointed at any installed version directly.
Why does java -version still show the new version?
Either you are using a Command Prompt that was open before the change, or another Java entry, often the Oracle javapath folder, sits above yours in Path.
Is this different on Windows 11?
No. The same steps work on Windows 11.
Summary
- Check your current version with java -version and where java.
- Uninstall the newer version if you do not need it.
- Install the older version.
- Set JAVA_HOME and move %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the top of Path.
- Open a new Command Prompt and confirm with java -version.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.