Security level settings in the Java Control Panel

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How do I control when an untrusted applet or application runs in my web browser?

This article applies to:

Java version(s): 7.0

Java 7u10 introduces the ability to manage when and how untrusted Java applications (i.e. an application that is digitally signed by an unknown publisher, or a certificate that has not been issued by a trusted Certificate Authority) will run if they are included on a web page. Setting the security level within the Java Control Panel will determine whether

You are prompted before an untrusted java application is run (MEDIUM or HIGH) or
Untrusted Java applications will be blocked so they cannot run (VERY HIGH).

Setting the Security levels through the Java Control Panel

In the Java Control Panel, click on the Security tab.
Select the desired Security level.
Click Apply.
Click OK to save changes made to the Java Control Panel.

» More information see how to find the Java Control Panel?

Security levels in the Java Control Panel

Very High

This is the most restrictive security level setting. All unsigned and self signed applets and applications are blocked and will not run. Only apps that have an associated certificate from a trusted authority will run after presenting a prompt.

High

This is the minimum recommended (and default) security setting. Unsigned and self-signed sandbox (limited access) apps will not run on old or expired Java versions. All applets will present a security prompt before they can be run.

Medium

All applets can be run only after a security prompt is presented. Selecting the Medium security level is not recommended and will make your computer more vulnerable should you run a malicious application.

Find the Java Control Panel

Windows XP

Click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel option.
Double click on the Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.

Windows 7, Vista

Click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel option.
In the Control Panel Search enter Java Control Panel.
Click on the Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.

Windows 8
Use search to find the Control Panel

Press Windows logo key + W to open the Search charm to search settings
OR
Drag the Mouse pointer to the bottom-right corner of the screen, then click on the Search icon.
In the search box enter Java Control Panel
Click on Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.

Mac OS X 10.7.3 and above

Click on Apple icon on upper left of screen.
Go to System Preferences
Click on the Java icon to access the Java Control Panel.