Fix: 'Java' is not Recognized as an Internal or External Command

Here's how to recognize Java in CMD with a few tweaks of the path

Fix » Windows 10 » Errors

5 min. read

Updated on October 9, 2023

by Tashreef Shareef

updated on October 9, 2023

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Key notes

If 'Java' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file, you need to take a closer look at the variable paths.
Usually, it's the missing Bin directory that causes havoc, but there can be other places where Java is disabled.
We'll show you how to recognize Java in CMD, but first, you need to make sure it's properly installed.

java is not recognized as an internal or external command

While trying to compile a Java program or running tools like Activit BPM you may encounter the ‘java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file error. Now, two big questions arise, and we shall try to address them accordingly.

Why my Java version is not showing in CMD? You might be wondering, and legitimately so, what’s this all about. Since this is a common Command Prompt error, the reasons can vary depending on the user.

Then, there is the most crucial matter of how to recognize Java in CMD. So, let’s take a closer.

Why is Java not detected on my computer?

This error can occur due to multiple reasons, including:

➡️ an incorrect path for java.exe file – In this case, the system variables such as JDK or JRE \bin directory may not be not properly set

➡️ Java is not installed or not enabled

Here are some of the most common problems related by users worldwide:

Java not recognized after setting path
‘JAVAC’, JRE, ‘MVN’, JAR’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. If you’re unable to run JAR files, we have a few extra tips for you.
Minecraft, Arduino, VScode, IntelliJ: ‘Java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
Java is not recognized as an internal or external command Windows 10 (64 bit, 32 bit)
Java is not recognized as an internal or external command Windows 11

How do you fix Java is not recognized as an internal or external command operable program or batch file?

1. Check if Java is properly installed on your PC

via Control Panel

Open the Start menu and select Control Panel.
Then go to Programs. Look for Java on the list (you can have either JRE or JDK installed).
If you find it here, you will also be able to check the current version and the build number.
If not, it’s likely that you don’t have Java installed.

via Command Prompt

Open the Start menu and type CMD.
Select and open Command Prompt.
Next, type in this command: java -version

In addition to these two methods, you could also try to check:

the Bin directory because the Java folder is usually located in this path: C:/Program Files/Javaversion/bin
your hard drive and look for the executable file Java.Exe

If the java is not recognized as an internal or external command error persists and should Java be installed, it’s likely that the directory was not added to the path, making it unable to find Java at runtime.

Here’s what you need to do next.

2. Change the system variable path

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type control and click OK to open the Control Panel.
Search for Advanced System Settings.
Click on the View advanced system settings option.
On the System Properties window, open the Advanced tab.
Click the Environment Variables button.
Under the System Variables section select Path.
Click the Edit button.
In the Variable value editor, click New.
Enter the following path: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_72\bin
Click OK to save the changes and restart the command prompt to check for any improvements.

Notes:

Make sure you use the right version of Java. You can find the right path by navigating to:
- C:Program FilesJava.
Once you have got the right version, add the bin directory to your path.
Do not delete any other values in the Variable path editor.

3. Install a compatible Java version

If the issue persists, try installing the Java version that is compatible with your Windows OS.

For example, if you are using a 64-bit Windows 10, download and install the 64-bit version of Java. If you are using a 32-bit Windows OS, install the 32-bit version of the program.

Several users have reported the issue to have been resolved after installing the right edition of Java. You can also install both versions of Java to use either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on your use.

⇒ Download Java latest version for Windows 10 [32bit / 64bit]

If you see a message telling you what version of Java you have installed, it means that you have it. However, if the installation cannot complete with Java error 1603, we have a few extra tips for you.

Now, Java can be downloaded on its own just as it can be a plug-in extension. If that is the case, you might want to check your browser and ensure the Java add-on is enabled.

The ‘java’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. error occurs if the environment variables are not configured correctly.

You can resolve the issue by adding the correct path to an environment variable. If the error persists, try installing the compatible Java version.

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported The term is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet in PowerShell, and we have a special guide that addresses that issue.

If you know of any other solutions to this Java-related problem, leave us a message in the comments section below.