Java is a programming language that was used heavily by web developers back in the early days of the World Wide Web, but over the years it has largely been replaced by newer, safer and more powerful technologies.
A smattering of websites still use bits and pieces of Java code (not to be confused with Java Script) to accomplish certain tasks, but this is becoming ever more rare by the day.
Although Java is rarely used these days, most users will still find that it has been installed on their computers. This is now a huge problem because of a serious security hole in the Java core that has recently been discovered. You can read more about the flaw and why the Department of Homeland Security is recommending that Java be removed from all PCs right here if you’re interested.
If you’d rather skip the “why” and get straight to uninstalling Java from your computer, you’ll find instructions for doing so below. Be sure to remove all instances of Java found in the list of installed programs if you see more than one.
To remove Java from Windows XP:
1 – Click Start
2 – Click Control Panel
3 – Click Add or Remove Programs
4- Scroll down the Java entry, right click on it, then click Uninstall
To remove Java from Windows Vista:
1 – Click Start
2 – Click Settings
3 – Click Control Panel
4 – Click Uninstall a Program
5 – Scroll down to the Java entry, right click on it, and click Uninstall
To remove Java from Windows 7:
1 – Click the Start Orb
2 – Click Control Panel
3 – Click Uninstall a Program
4 – Scroll down to Java, right click on it, then click Uninstall
To remove Java from Windows 8:
1 – Click on the Control Panel app on the Start Screen
2 – Scroll the the bottom and click More Settings
3 – Click Uninstall a Program
4 – Scroll down to Java, right click on it, then click Uninstall
Note: Uninstalling Java might “break” a website or two that you visit on occasion. If that happens, you can always re-install Java on your PC AFTER the security hole mentioned about has been patched. I would recommend against it however. Java by its very nature is insecure and is always providing new pathways for hackers to break into your computer.