How to Download and Install Java JDK 8 on Windows 10 (64‑Bit) – Step‑by‑Step Guide

Java Development Kit (JDK) 8 enables you to write and run Java applications on Windows 10. While multiple JDK versions can coexist on the same machine, installing the latest compatible JDK is generally recommended for stability and security.

Step 1 – Download the JDK 8 Installer

Visit the official Oracle download page and choose the 64‑bit JDK 8 installer. Accept the license agreement and select the appropriate executable for your system.

Step 2 – Register or Sign In to Oracle

After accepting the license, Oracle will redirect you to the login page. If you don’t have an Oracle account, you can create one quickly using your basic details.

Note: A valid Oracle account is required to download the JDK installer.

Step 3 – Install the JDK

Run the downloaded .exe file. Click Next to start the installation wizard.

Select the default installation directory (or change it if desired) and click Next again.

Follow the on‑screen prompts until the installation completes, then click Close.

Step 4 – Configure Environment Variables

Setting the PATH and CLASSPATH variables ensures that Java tools are accessible from any command prompt.

Setting PATH

1. Right‑click This PC and select Properties.
2. Click Advanced system settings.
3. In the System Properties window, choose Environment Variables….
4. Under User variables, click New… and set the variable name to PATH.
5. For the value, paste the path to the JDK’s bin directory, e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_271\bin. If a PATH already exists, append the new path: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_271\bin;%PATH%.
6. Click OK to close each dialog.

Setting CLASSPATH (optional but recommended for certain IDEs)

1. In the Environment Variables window, click New… under User variables.
2. Enter CLASSPATH as the variable name.
3. Set the value to C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_271\lib\tools.jar (adjust the path to match your installation).
4. Click OK to apply.

To verify the installation, open a new Command Prompt and run javac -version. You should see the Java compiler version displayed, confirming that JDK 8 is correctly installed and configured.

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