How to Run a .Jar Java File

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Co-authored by Jack Lloyd Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: July 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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On Windows

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On Mac

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Warnings

This wikiHow teaches you how to open and run executable JAR files on a Windows or Mac computer. JAR (Java Archive) files contain data to be used with the Java program. Most JAR files are simply containers for data that another program needs to run with Java; therefore you cannot run these files and nothing will happen when you double-click them. Similarly, most executable JAR files are downloaded as installation files to install applications or programs. Therefore, you should double check that you have the right JAR file designed for your operating system if you are having problems opening the file.

How to Open and Run a JAR File

Download and install Java on your computer, and make sure it's updated to the current version. Double-click on the JAR file to open it with Java. If it doesn't open, double-check that it's an executable file.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On Windows

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1
Install Java on your computer if it isn't installed. You can't run JAR files without Java installed on your computer. If you don't already have Java installed, go to Java's website at https://www.java.com/en/download/ and click the Free Java Download button below the latest version of Java, then install Java once it downloads.
- You may have to restart your computer for Java to be fully implemented.
2
Double-click the JAR file. If it's executable and you have Java installed, it should open. If it doesn't open, proceed to the next step.
- You may see a pop-up window asking which program you want to use to open the file. If so, click Java(TM) and then click OK.
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3
Make sure your JAR file is an executable file. JAR files that you download in order to set up programs are different from "library" JAR files, which store data that a program running Java can use. Since they don't have interfaces like executable JAR files, you cannot run non-executable JAR files.
- For example, many of the JAR files in a program's data folders are not executable files.
- If you downloaded your JAR file from online, make sure you clicked the Windows version of the file rather than the Mac version.
4
Update Java. If your JAR file produces an error when you double-click it, you may need to update Java. To do so:
- Open Start
  .
- Scroll down and click the Java folder.
- Click Check For Updates.
- Click Update Now on the Update tab.
If it doesn't open this time, the file you're trying to open isn't executable and thus cannot be "run" in the traditional sense.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

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1
Install Java on your computer if it isn't installed. You can't run JAR files without Java installed on your computer. If you don't already have Java installed, go to Java's website at https://www.java.com/en/download/ and click the Download button below the latest version of Java, then install Java once it downloads.
- When installing a non-Apple file on Mac, you may have to first click OK on the warning, click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, unlock the menu, click Open Anyway next to the file's name, and then click Open when prompted before you can install the file.
If it's executable and you have Java installed, it should open. If double-clicking the file doesn't open it, proceed to the next step.
3
Make sure your JAR file is an executable file. JAR files that you download in order to set up programs are different from "library" JAR files, which store data that a program running Java can use. Since they don't have interfaces like executable JAR files, you cannot run non-executable JAR files.
- For example, many of the JAR files in a program's data folders are not executable files.
- If you downloaded your JAR file from online, make sure you downloaded the Mac version and not another operating system's version.
4
Update Java. If your JAR file produces an error when you double-click it, you may need to update Java. To do so:^{[1]
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- Open the Apple menu
  .
- Click System Preferences.
- Click Java.
- Click the Update tab.
- Click Update Now.
If it doesn't open this time, the file you're trying to open isn't executable and thus cannot be "run" in the traditional sense.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I download multiple .jar files while playing Minecraft?

Community Answer

You just download them. Minecraft won't affect it unless your computer is really old and slow.

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Question

How do I use this on Linux?

Community Answer

You use the command: "java -jar ". You can also run these files by clicking on them on some distros of Linux, but it does not happen on most.

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Question

Why doesn't the .Jar file I created run?

Community Answer

You created it as some sort of place where you'll archive things. Even though you created a jar file, it doesn't mean that it is an executable, so it won't run.

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Java programs should work on all platforms. If one does not, either it was not coded properly, or it is a very specialized program that calls on system resources or other programs.

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A .jar file may be a program or a library. If it's a library, it has no executable class inside and thus there is no use in running it.

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Warnings

Java is safer than most programming languages, but malware written in Java still exists. Be cautious of running JAR files downloaded from online.

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