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How to Run a JAR File on Windows: 5 Easy Methods

Take a closer look at some confirmed methods

5 min. read

Updated onDecember 20, 2023

updated onDecember 20, 2023

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Key notes

A JAR file is a Java archive package format that might include a Java program within it.

While you can extract JARs with archiving software, you can’t run a pure Java JAR app as you would with other programs in Windows.

Since that’s the case, we’ll cover how you can run a pure Java app JAR file in Windows.

What are JAR files?

A JAR file allows Java runtimes to enclose an entire application, together with its classes and resources, in a single source.

Moreover, the elements inside a JAR file can be compressed, and that translates to shorter download times but also less space allocated on your drive.

In other words, JARs are more sophisticated archives that work in a Java environment on your PC. Missing JAR files can lead to theWebDriver cannot be resolved to a typecompilation error.

How can I run a JAR file?

1. Add Java to Windows

The crucial thing you need upfront is to have Java installed. It helps you open JAR files. Without it, Java apps aren’t going to run in Windows.

2. Use Java (TM) Platform SE binary

3. Download a JAR file opener

You can open JAR files with a lot of apps out there but we strongly recommend File Viewer Plus because it can open and display over 300 different file types.

The new updated version has a plethora of features that will save you big time on opening, viewing, or editing files.

Keep in mind that the app supports the most popular text, audio, or video file type, as well as archive, source code, or web files.

Another popular JAR file opener isJAR Runner, by KIllerApplets.com. You can check it out if you prefer.

4. Run a JAR file in cmd

1. Inputcmdin theSearchtab.

SelectRun as administratorto runCommand Promptwith full privileges.

3.Then input the following command (replacingpathtofilefrom the example with the actual path of the file you need to run):java-jarc:\pathtojarfile.jar

PressEnter.

5.That will open the executable JAR file so long as itcontainsa manifest file to specify the application’s entry point (the developers should have already included that in the archive.)

If you develop your own Java programs, you’ll need to convert the JAR to an executable format.

Another easy option is to run a JAR file in cmd, your PC’s built-in command-line tool. All you need to do is input a command while running the app with admin rights, and the file will be opened.

The command-lie app is crucial for debugging and installing apps but if it doesn’t work,learn how you can fix Command Prompt in Windows.

5. Add a third-party JAR executor to Windows

There are also executor programs for Windows like JARX that enable you to run .JAR files the same as any other program.

How to get a JAR file for your favorite app?

There are lots of websites that offer free JAR versions of any application you can think of and we’re going to provide a simple example for Instagram.

If you’re having trouble or you receive an error,learn what to do if you’re unable to access JarFile on Windows 10.

We hope that our guide helped you with all the information needed to run JAR files in Windows or even convert them if needed.

For any other issues, we also haveanother guide that will help you if JAR files are not opening on Windows 10.

If you have any other suggestions on how to run a JAR file or questions about the topic, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to take a look.

How to Run a JAR File on Windows: 5 Easy Methods#

How can I run a JAR file?#

1. Add Java to Windows#

2. Use Java (TM) Platform SE binary#

3. Download a JAR file opener#

4. Run a JAR file in cmd#

5. Add a third-party JAR executor to Windows#

How to get a JAR file for your favorite app?#