How to Open JAR Files on Windows 10 and 11

Introduction

JAR files do not open by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11, as there are no built-in programs that support this file format. However, you may view this file type on your PC by installing the free Java application. We’ll walk you through the steps.

What Exactly Is a JAR File, and How Do You Open One?

JAR is an abbreviation for Java Archive, which is a collection of files. Developers may create applications and other objects in Java and store them as JAR files. It’s important to remember, however, that JAR files contain executable code, making them potentially harmful file formats. Before launching your JAR file, make sure you trust the source.

To launch a JAR file on Windows, you must first install the free Java tool. Then, double-click your JAR file to start it. You may alternatively use a free tool like WinRAR to extract files from a JAR package, as we’ll describe below.

Step 1: Determine whether Java is already installed on your computer.

It’s worth checking to see if you already have Java installed on your PC; if so, you can skip Step 2 below.

To begin, use Windows+R to bring up the Run box. Then, in the box, write the following and hit Enter:

cmd

Enter the following command in the Command Prompt window that appears:

java -version

You’ll notice your Java version if you have it installed on your computer. In this instance, skip Step 2 and proceed directly to Step 3.

If you get the following notice in Command Prompt, you do not have Java installed. In this case, follow Step 2 below to install the utility.

'java' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Step 2: Download and install Java on your computer.

Java is available for free download and installation on your Windows PC.

To begin, open a web browser on your computer and navigate to the Java download web page. Download the relevant file for your system from the “Windows” section.

After downloading Java, double-click the installation file to install the application on your computer. Then, restart your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.

Step 3: Execute JAR Files on Windows 10 or Windows 11

Now that you’ve installed Java, you may run your JAR files.

To begin, open a File Explorer window and navigate to your JAR file.

Choose Open With > Java(TM) Platform SE Binary from the context menu when you right-click your JAR file.

If you don’t see that choice in the “Open With” menu, click “Choose Another App” and it will appear.

Your JAR file will start up and allow you to interact with it. And that’s the end of it.

Extract Files From a JAR File (Optional)

Instead of launching it, you may use a free file compression program like WinRAR to extract the files from your JAR file.

To begin, download and install the free version of WinRAR on your computer. Then restart your computer.

Locate your JAR file in a File Explorer window. Then, on the right-click menu, select “Extract To [JAR File Name].”

WinRAR will create a new folder within the current folder. This new folder contains all of the files that were extracted from your JAR file.

And that’s how you access and examine your JAR files on Windows. Enjoy!