How to fix "Windows cannot find javaw.exe" error message

How to get rid of: "Windows cannot find 'javaw.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." error when you try to start Java or Java-based application?

Error description

This is just an example. Your error message can look differently.

What is javaw.exe?

javaw.exe is an executable file responsible for proper operation of the system. It is crucial for the work of network security and internet-based programs powered by Java like running some animations and chat programs. This process is not an essential one, but still the error message will lead to the serious problems, so it's important to find the source of the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

The error message appears because of different reasons:

The reasons of these errors may differ:

• messed-up registry keys;
• javaw.exe file has been changed or deleted by a malicious program;
• javaw.exe file has been removed or moved;
• related applications were installed or uninstalled with errors.

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Fix "Windows cannot find javaw.exe" error manually

Most frequently the problem appears in Windows during the attempts to start Java or Java-related applications.

Solution 1: Add the correct location to the Environment Variable path.

1. Press Win + R;
2. Type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter;



3. Go to the Advanced system settings;
4. Click Environment Variable button;



5. In the category System variables click New...;
6. Type Path in the value box and add the correct path. By default it is C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\bin for java 1.7.x on 32-bit version of Windows, C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre8\bin for java 1.8.x on 64-bit version of Windows, etc.

Solution 2: Reinstall Java.

1. Open the Control Panel;
2. Go to Add/Remove Programs (for Windows XP) or click on Uninstall a program (for Windows 7 and above);
3. Find Java and click Uninstall button;
4. Visit Java.com and download the latest version adequate to you system;
5. Install new version of Java.

• Initiate a scan for viruses.

Viruses can infiltrate your system and set up for other system files in the meantime re-coding the file or removing it. The malware may also just imitate error messages. It wouldn't be inappropriate to conduct a virus detection with an antivirus program. We recommend you to download and scan your computer with SpyHunter 4 to remove viruses that can cause "Windows cannot find javaw.exe" error message.

• Fix the problem with registry.

1. Press Win + R;
2. Type 'regedit' and hit Enter;
3. Find inside the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key the sub-key called Software;
4. Go to the Microsoft key;
5. Open Windows and CurrentVersion sub-key in it;
6. Go to the Run key and click javaw.exe;
7. Remove the javaw.exe key.