After uninstalling Java, how do I remove its listing in the Windows Uninstall/Remove Programs?

This article applies to:
  • Platform(s): Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 11
  • Java version(s): 8.0
SYMPTOMS

 After Java is uninstalled, Java icon is still visible in the Windows Control Panel
Windows XP: Add or Remove Programs
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10: Uninstall Programs

CAUSE

 The Java uninstaller fails to delete registry entries from the Windows registry during the process of uninstalling Java. Since these registry keys are not removed from the Windows registry, the Java icon is still visible in the Windows Control Panel.
SOLUTION

 The following are two methods to cleanup registry entries left behind due to an incomplete uninstall process:
  • Microsoft utility (Recommended Method)
  • Manual Registry Edit

Recommended Method: Microsoft utility

Run the Microsoft utility to repair corrupted registry keys that prevents programs from being completely uninstalled or blocking new installations and updates.

Manual Registry Edit (Use this only if the Fix it utility does not work)

 alert iconIncorrectly editing your registry may severely damage your system. You should back up any valued data from your computer before making changes to the registry.

You can use the File->Export functionality of the registry editor to save the registry key before deleting. Then, in case you deleted the wrong registry key, you can restore the registry from your saved backup file, by using the File->Import functionality in the Windows Registry Editor.

  1. Run the Windows Registry Editor by clicking Start->Run and entering the program name regedit in the Open edit field.
  2. Navigate to the following registry node:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/
    Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall

  3. Under this Uninstall node, you will find many registry entry names enclosed in curly braces. e.g. {26A24AE4-039D-4CA4-87B4-2F83216013FB}
  4. Click on each registry entries in the left pane and that will display its associated data on right pane of Registry Editor.
    or
    Click on Edit->Find tab in Registry Editor window and then enter Java version that you want to find Keys for
    For example: serching for Java(TM) 6 Update 24 finds this:
The Registry Editor
  1. Delete the registry entry found for Java, by right clicking on the registry key name, and selecting Delete.
  2. Click Yes on the Confirm Key Delete message box.
  3. After you finish above steps, go back to the Windows Control Panel
    Windows XP: Add or Remove Programs
    Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10: Uninstall a program
    The entry for Java should no longer appear.
RELATED INFORMATION
Registry Back up (Microsoft)
ยป Windows Back up the registry