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JAR Files Not Opening: 7 Solutions to Fix

Get back to opening your Java applications on PC with these fixes

7 min. read

Updated onJuly 22, 2024

updated onJuly 22, 2024

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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

Many websites use Java to provide you with certain functionality. In addition to websites, you candownload Java on your PCand open Java applications locally.

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

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

Why can’t I open a JAR file on Windows 10?

File association is the primary reason you can’t open a JAR file on your Windows 10/11 PC. Thankfully, this can be fixed by using a simple application dedicated to that purpose.

Another known cause of this issue is the outdated or faulty Java Runtime Environment app. A simple update or reinstallation should fix the JAR files not opening problem.

How do I fix jar files not opening on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall or updateJavaRuntime Environment

Remember that you don’t need to remove your previous Java installation, so you can skip that step andinstall 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, click the notification and choose theUpdateoption. Now follow the instructions to complete the update.

Also, ensure your system has the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit). You will not be able to use 64-bit libraries with 32-bit Java software installed. This should fix the issue if the JAR file is not opening on double click.

2. Use an advanced Windows file utility

You can open .JAR files and hundreds of different formats with a single application.FileViewer Plus 4is a universal file viewer for Windows that can open and display over 400 different file types.

You can also browse, edit, and convert text and image files. Furthermore, it features a decompression tool so you can quickly decompress your archived files.

It is a great tool to try when you have to open files that you aren’t sure what software you should use. File Viewer can openless common file formats, like source code files.

⇒Get File Viewer Plus

3. Set file association

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 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. Remember that you must run this application as an administrator to work correctly.

After usingthis application, you should be able to run JAR files on Windows 10 without any issues.

5. Create a .bat file

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 whenever you want to run a specific JAR file.

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

6. Run it with Command Prompt

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 thecdcommand to navigate to the directory where the JAR file is located.

Alternatively, you can enterjava -jarfollowed 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. UseJARRunner

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

In addition, you can also choose to open JAR files with JAR Runner. This is a simple and free application, sodownload JAR Runner.

7. Check if your extension is correct

If this problem persists, you might want to check your browser. Sometimes, it can downloadJAR 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.

How do I open .JAR files on Windows 11?

Opening JAR files on Windows 11 is the same process as on Windows 10. You can use a dedicated app or advanced Windows file utility.

If you have problems opening the files, you can use the solutions listed in this guide.

How do I unpack a JAR file?

The easiest way to unpack a JAR file is to use software to extract the compressed files. You will need to open the JAR file within the program extractor and access the individual folders.

While Windows has a built-in file extractor, it is advisable you use a dedicated tool like WinRAR.

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!

If you want to knowhow to install Java on Windows 11, you can check our excellent guide to do it effortlessly.

Let us know if one of the fixes in this guide worked for you in the comments below!

JAR Files Not Opening: 7 Solutions to Fix#

Why can’t I open a JAR file on Windows 10?#

How do I fix jar files not opening on Windows 10?#

1. Reinstall or updateJavaRuntime Environment#

2. Use an advanced Windows file utility#

3. Set file association#

4. Use Jarfix#

5. Create a .bat file#

6. Run it with Command Prompt#

6. UseJARRunner#

7. Check if your extension is correct#

How do I open .JAR files on Windows 11?#

How do I unpack a JAR file?#