Is it Possible to Install Multiple Versions of Java JDK on Windows?

Can you install two different versions of the Java JDK on a Windows machine?

Yes, you can install multiple versions of the Java Development Kit (JDK) on Windows. This is often necessary when different applications require different versions of Java. Proper configuration allows you to switch between multiple JDKs efficiently.

# Setting JAVA_HOME and updating PATH, using PowerShell
$Env:JAVA_HOME='C:\Java\jdk11.0.10'
$Env:Path += ';' + $Env:JAVA_HOME + '\bin'

Causes

• Different projects may rely on different JDK versions.
• Certain tools or libraries may require a specific JDK version for compatibility.

Solutions

• Download the required JDK versions from the official Oracle or OpenJDK websites.
• Install each version in separate directories (e.g., C:\Java\jdk1.8.0_281 and C:\Java\jdk11.0.10).
• Set the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point to the desired JDK version.
• Update the Path variable to include the bin directory of the selected JDK.

Mistake: Not setting the JAVA_HOME variable correctly.

Solution: Ensure JAVA_HOME points to the correct JDK installation folder.

Mistake: Forgetting to update the PATH variable after installation.

Solution: Always verify that the PATH includes the bin directory of the JDK you want to use.