How to Set JAVA HOME Environment Variable on Mac and Windows

Setting the JAVA_HOME and updating the PATH environment variable are crucial steps to ensure Java is configured correctly on your system. This guide will walk you through the process for both Windows and macOS.

Windows

Step 1: Determine the Java Installation Path

1. Open the Command Prompt.
2. Run the following command to determine the Java installation path:
   cmd

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   where java
3. The command will return the path where Java is installed, usually something like C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-xx.x.x.

Step 2: Set JAVA_HOME

1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Environment Variables.”
2. Select “Edit the system environment variables.”
3. In the System Properties window, click on the “Environment Variables” button.
4. Under “System variables,” click “New” to create a new environment variable.
5. Set the “Variable name” to JAVA_HOME.
6. Set the “Variable value” to the path of your Java installation (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-xx.x.x).
7. Click “OK” to save.

Step 3: Update the PATH Environment Variable

1. In the same Environment Variables window, find the “Path” variable under “System variables” and select it.
2. Click “Edit.”
3. In the Edit Environment Variable window, click “New” and add the following:
   text

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   %JAVA_HOME%\bin
4. Click “OK” to save.

Step 4: Verify the Configuration

1. Open a new Command Prompt window.
2. Run the following commands to verify that the JAVA_HOME and PATH variables are set correctly:
   cmd

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   echo %JAVA_HOME% java -version
3. You should see the path to your Java installation and the version of Java installed.