What is javaws.exe?

javaws.exe is an executable file, specifically the Java Web Start Launcher, which is part of the Java Platform by Oracle. It is typically located in the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_66\bin. This file is responsible for launching Java applications over the network.

The Java Web Start software allows users to download and run Java applications from the web. The benefit of this software is that it ensures the user is always running the latest version of the application, as it automatically downloads updates when they are available. It also allows for easy access to Java applications without the need for a web browser.

javaws.exe is needed to run Java applications that are distributed via the Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP). Without it, these applications would not be able to run. It is also necessary for the automatic updating of these applications.

While javaws.exe is a legitimate file, it can sometimes be exploited by malicious software to harm your computer or steal your information. If you do not use Java applications, or if your antivirus software identifies javaws.exe as a threat, it may be best to remove it. You should always be cautious when removing system files and only do so if you are certain it is causing a problem.

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Javaws.exe file information

Windows Task Manager with javaws — Javaws.exe process in Windows Task Manager

The process known as Java™ Web Start Launcher belongs to software Java™ Platform (version SE 8, SE 7) by Oracle (www.oracle.com) or Mao.

Description: Javaws.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems. Javaws.exe is located in a subfolder of "C:\Program Files (x86)"—primarily C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_66\bin\. Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 274,016 bytes (38% of all occurrences), 271,968 bytes and 5 more variants.
The program has no visible window. It is not a Windows core file. Javaws.exe is a Verisign signed file. The file has a digital signature. Javaws.exe is able to monitor applications. Therefore the technical security rating is 20% dangerous, but you should also take into account the user reviews.

Uninstalling this variant: In case you experience problems using javaws.exe, you can do the following:
1) uninstall the program using the Control Panel ⇒ Uninstall a Program ⇒ Java 8 or Java 7
2) turn to the software developer ^[1][2], Oracle, for advice
3) look for a new, improved version.

Recommended: Identify javaws.exe related errors

If javaws.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, the security rating is 13% dangerous. The file size is 278,624 bytes (75% of all occurrences) or 272,808 bytes. Javaws.exe is not a Windows core file. The program has no visible window. It is a Verisign signed file. Javaws.exe is certified by a trustworthy company. Javaws.exe is able to monitor applications.
If javaws.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 50% dangerous. The file size is 359,936 bytes. The program is not visible. It is not a Windows core file. The process starts when Windows starts (see Registry key: Run).

Important: Some malware camouflages itself as javaws.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example Trojan.Gen (detected by Symantec), and Trojan.Win32.VBKrypt.hkft (detected by Kaspersky). Therefore, you should check the javaws.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.

Score

User Comments

Runs java applications deployed from webpages in a security sandbox. Apps cannot write to disk, use printer etc unless they are signed and the user accepts the signature)
me self (further information)

javaws.exe is a process by Sun Microsystems which gives functionality to this Internet protocol. Often works together with Internet Explorer.
Mike (further information)

sei que é importante paraaplicação na RAIS
Francisco Mariano da Silva

javaws.exe duplicates itself and runs in the task manager hundreds times.

Opened 7500 processes. Really. My pc had a massive error, restarted and checked if my HDD was broken. Now its shutting down processes ... 5 per second. (Itll take some time)
Flo

javaws.exe stand bei mir (Win 7 32bit) nach dem Booten im Taskmanager - 10x, 100x, 1000x, dann 2000x. Spätestens dann ist er PC tot. Ich habe Java deinstalliert. Ist es meine Aufgabe, Java zu reparieren?
Kaba 151103

If you are seeing multiple version of JAVAWS.EXE running in the background, try to open a COMMAND PROMPT (START = RUN = Type: CMD and hit enter. Once in the command prompt,, type the following line and hit enter to execute it: taskkill /f /im javaws.exe If there are still some processes visible, hit the ARROW UP Key then ENTER to re-run this task. Keep doing it until all processes have been removed
Arthur Cooper

Summary: Average user rating of javaws.exe: based on 7 votes with 7 user comments. 4 users think javaws.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's neither essential nor dangerous. One user suspects danger. One user thinks javaws.exe is dangerous and recommends removing it. One user is not sure about it.

Best practices for resolving javaws issues

A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with javaws. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.

Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.

To get your computer running as fast as it did on day one, you can 8reset your PC. Your personal files will remain intact, but any programs you installed will need to be reinstalled.

To help you analyze the javaws.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. A good Bantivirus software detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.

Other processes

sysnode.exe wowbrowserproxy.exe dellsupportassistremedationservice.exe javaws.exe securitytaskmanagerportable.exe multiscreen.exe redis-server.exe pricesparrow32.dll legacycsloaderservice.exe blmonitor.exe wifi go! server.exe [all]

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