Java update messages but no Java icon in preferences

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Level 1

16 points

Java update messages but no Java icon in preferences

I have a 2015 iMac 27" that runs MacOS 12.7.6 (Monterey), that is the latest system update for this model. Now I get a message that there is a critical java update. So I wanted to check my Java installation with the 'Java control panel'. But I cannot find the java icon in the System Preferences.

When I check for java in the terminal (java -version) it is still there:

java version "1.8.0_05"

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_05-b13)

Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.5-b02, mixed mode)

What can I do to get the icon back or/and open the 'Java control panel'?

Posted on Jan 26, 2026 2:08 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

181,986 points

Jan 26, 2026 2:30 PM in response to jos3

do you need java for something?

because some random popup could just be a browser popup attempting phishing

Phishing & Other Suspicious Emails

Phishing - Wikipedia

so if you really wish to attempt to install java (why I would not know) then never do so from a link you get from a mail, popup or sms

use

How do I install Java for my Mac?

though many view java as a security risk to install, it and adobe, flash and such are the things with most security issues in ages

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Answer 2

jos3 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 29, 2026 12:15 AM in response to Rudegar

Java is in my system (see above) but the icon in system preferences is absent. I do use java so when there is a security update i would like to install it.

the link ‘How do I install Java for my Mac’ is for an entire new install and i need to register for it. I don’t want that. I just want to update the existing install. That would be normally possible by using the icon in system preferences.

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Answer 3

Zurarczurx

Level 5

4,161 points

Jan 29, 2026 1:51 AM in response to Rudegar

"..if you really wish to attempt to install java (why I would not know) ..."

As an example, LibreOffice needs Java to run macros and for some of its database functions.

As for updating Java - I've never found a way to do it or to get notified about it. All the web-help either points to the Java panel in System Settings - there's no such panel on my Mac - or to use Homebrew, which is probably pretty daunting for the average user and opens up a whole other can of potential security worms.

I've set a regular reminder to check for the latest version and then I download it and install it, hoping that it installs in the same place so that LibreOffice picks it up. Hope has never been my favourite management technique but between them Java, LibreOffice and Apple can't seem to make this any easier than punting and hoping for the best.

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Java update messages but no Java icon in preferences

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