Jar files not opening on Windows 10 [FIX]

Many websites use Java in order to provide you with certain functionality. In addition to websites, Java and Java applications can also run on your PC locally.

Java applications are saved as jar files, but many users report that jar files aren’t opening on Windows 10. While this can be a big problem, but there’s a way to fix it!

In this article, we will guide you with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions in order to solve the issue.

How can I open Jar files on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall or update Java Runtime Environment

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings .
2. When the Settings opens, go to the Apps section.
3. Locate Java from the list and choose the Uninstall option.
4. After doing that, navigate to Java’s website and download the latest version of the software.
5. Open the folder where you saved it, right-click the Java install wizard and select Run as administrator.
6. Press the Install button to install Java.
7. Once installed, check if the problem is resolved.

Note: Keep in mind that it’s not mandatory that you remove your previous Java installation, so you can skip that step and just install the latest version on top.

Java will also automatically check for updates, and if updates are available you’ll get a notification.

To update Java, simply click the notification and choose the Update option. Now follow the instructions to complete the update.

Also, make sure that you have the proper version (32-bit or 64-bit) for your system. You will not be able to use 64-bit libraries with a 32-bit Java software installed.

3. Set file association

1. Right-click the jar file and choosing Open With > Choose another app.
2. A list of suggested applications will appear. Click on More apps.
   
3. Scroll all the way down and choose  Look for another app on this PC.
   
4. Locate the java.exe file. It is usually located in Program FilesJavaJava versionBin folder.
5. Select the application and click OK button to set it as a default for .jar files.
6. Click the Jar file to launch its program.

Note: Jar files can’t run on your PC if you don’t have the proper associations. For example, jar files can be associated to run with other applications or they could lack file association completely.

4. Use Jarfix

If you can’t open jar files on Windows 10, you might be able to fix the problem by using Jarfix. As previously mentioned, these types of problems can occur due to file association, but you can fix them easily with this simple application.

To do that, firstly download Jarfix from the below link, then run the application and follow the instructions on the screen. Keep in mind that you need to run this application as an administrator for it to work properly.

After using this application, you should be able to run jar files on Windows 10 without any issues.

5. Create a .bat file

1. Locate your jar file and in the same folder, create a new Notepad file.
2. To do that, right-click empty space in the directory and choose New > Text Document.
   
3. When Notepad opens, enter java -jar filename.jar , where  filename.jar is the actual name of the Jar file.
   
4. Navigate to the File > Save as.
   
5. Set Save as type to All files, and enter the desired name for the file.
6. You need to have .bat as an extension or else the solution won’t work.
7. Save the file in the same location where your jar file is located.
8. locate your .bat file and double-click it. Your jar file will now open.

Note: According to users, you can run jar files on Windows 10 by using this simple workaround. This solution requires you to create a .bat file and use it every time you want to run a specific jar file.

Keep in mind that you need to repeat this process for every jar file that you want to run on your PC. In addition, be sure to save the .bat file in the same location as your jar file.

6. Run it with Command Prompt

1. In the Windows search bar type Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   
2. When Command Prompt opens, enter the following commands: cd then java -jar filename.jar
3.  After doing that, your jar file should open without any issues.

Note: Keep in mind that you don’t have to move your jar file to the root directory, but by doing so you can access the file faster. If you choose not to move the file, you need to use cd command to navigate to the directory where the jar file is located.

Alternatively, you can enter java -jar followed by the path to the jar file. This isn’t the best solution but it is a solid workaround, so feel free to try it.

6. Use JAR Runner

Another freeware application that can help you open jar files on Windows 10 is JAR Runner. Simply download and install this tool and drag and drop the jar file to JAR Runner .exe file.

In addition, you can also choose to open jar files with JAR Runner. This is a simple and free application, so be sure to download JAR Runner.

7. Check if your extension is correct

1. Locate the problematic jar file in File Explorer.
2. Go to the View menu and check File name extensions.
   
3. Now, check if your jar file has .jar extension at the end.
4. If not, rename the file and change the extension to .jar.
5. After doing that, try to run the file again.

Note: If this problem persists, you might want to check your browser. Sometimes, it can download jar files incorrectly and can cause this problem to appear.

To fix it, be sure to use a different browser to download the file and check if that solves the problem.

Jar files not opening on Windows 10 can be a big problem, especially if you use Java applications frequently. However, you should be able to fix the problem simply by using one of our solutions!

Let us know if one of them worked for you in the comments below!