Java Error Code 1603: 6 Easy Solutions That Can Help

Java plays a vital role on the PC due to several apps relying on it for effective functioning. But when installing or updating Java, many reported getting Error Code 1603.

The message reads, Java update/install did not complete, depending on the operation. Problems with it are common, with many unable to run the Java update installer error. But for now, let’s focus on the Java install did not complete Error code 1603 – Windows 10.

What is Java error code 1603 when installing?

Error code 1603 is a fatal error encountered during installation on the PC. It causes the process to terminate abruptly and can be encountered for several reasons. In the case of Java, here’s why you might get the error:

• Java already installed: The most common reason behind Java install exit code 1603 is that the version is already installed on the PC.
• A background program is using Java: If a background program uses Java, you may get Error code 1603 while installing it.
• Third-party apps creating conflicts: If you have a third-party antivirus installed, it could be identifying Java as malware or PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) and terminating the installation.

How can I fix Java error code 1603?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick tricks and tips:

• Restart the computer and again try installing Java.
• Verify whether the version of Java matches the Windows architecture, i.e., 32-bit Java on the 32-bit version of Windows and 64-bit Java on the 64-bit version of Windows.
• Run the Java installer with administrative privileges.
• For those using LogMeIn or other software for remote access, disable it, and verify whether the Java Error code 1603 is fixed. Though you can enable remote desktop with RDP, it wouldn’t throw the error.
• Make sure the drive you are installing it on is not encrypted.
• Disable any antivirus installed on the PC and check whether the Java Error code 1603 is resolved. If so, we recommend you switch to a reliable and Windows-friendly antivirus.
• Try installing a previous version of Java in case there are compatibility issues with the latest one.

If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Terminate conflicting processes

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and navigate to the Details tab.
2. Right-click on the conflicting process, and select End task.
3. Click on End process in the confirmation prompt.
4. Similarly, disable other conflicting processes as well.

When you get the Java Error code 1603, the installer usually lists the programs using Java in the background. Terminating them and then restarting the installation should get things running.

2. Reinstall the graphics driver

1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters entry, right-click on the graphics adapter, and select Uninstall device.
3. Tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and then click Uninstall.
4. Once done, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically install the best available driver.

When getting Java install did not complete Error code 1603 – Windows 10, users reported that reinstalling the graphics driver did the trick. Also, this will work in the case of Java error code 1603 in Windows 7.

2. Use the offline installer

1. Go to the official website, and click Download Java to get the offline version.
2. After downloading, run the setup, and click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

If you get the Java Error code 1603 on the regular installer, try using the offline one, and verify whether the Java installation error persists.

3. Uninstall the previous Java version first

1. Download CCleaner Professional for Windows 10.
2. Open the setup wizard, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. In CCleaner, go to Tools from the navigation pane, select Java from the list of programs, and click on Uninstall.
4. Choose the appropriate response if a confirmation prompt appears.
5. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect, and then run the installer you downloaded earlier.

If you are getting Java install error: Expected or Error code 1603, remove the current version using a reliable Java uninstall tool that will not just remove it but also delete the associated files and Registry entries.

4. Modify Java security settings

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type control panel, and hit Enter.
2. Click on the View by dropdown menu, and choose Small icons.
3. Click on the Java entry.
4. Navigate to the Security tab, untick the checkbox for Enable Java content for browser and Web Start applications, and click OK to save the changes.
5. Restart the computer, then launch the installer again, and it should now run without throwing an error.
6. Finally, head back to the Java security settings, and tick the checkbox for Enable Java content for browser and Web Start applications.

5. Change the destination folder

1. Run the Java installer, tick the checkbox for Change destination folder, and click Install.
2. Now, manually create the same path listed here.
3. Once done, click on Change.
4. Navigate the path you created earlier, and click OK to select it.
5. Click Next to start the installation.

This workaround was shared by a user who encountered the Java Error code 1603 and seemed to work for others.

By now, you should have gotten the error fixed and Java up and running on the PC. Before you leave, discover some quick tips to speed up Windows 10 and make it faster than ever.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.