Oracle Java Transition

This article provides guidance on the transition from Oracle Java to Azul Zulu Java, including uninstalling Oracle Java and installing the supported Zulu version.

Oracle Java Licensing Change

In 2019, Oracle changed the licensing for Java. Oracle Java is no longer available for commercial use without a license.

To maintain compliance, IT has replaced Oracle Java with Azul Zulu Java, an open-source Java distribution that is free for use on campus. Azul Zulu is also patched and updated via our Third Party Patch Management solution.

Important: Using older, unsupported versions of Oracle Java exposes your applications and the institution to security vulnerabilities and software bugs.

If your department requires Oracle Java for a specific application or system, you will need to either:

  1. Purchase a commercial Oracle Java license, or

  2. Assess whether Azul Zulu Java meets your needs.

For assistance, contact:

Oracle Java Licensing Change

Oracle Java changed their licensing in 2019 and it is no longer available for commercial use without a license. We replaced the versions of Oracle Java with Azul Zulu Java version which is free to use on campus. This product is also patched with our Third Party Patch Management solution. If you need Oracle Java on any device or system in your department, you’ll need either buy a license or see if the open source product would work.
Using an older, unsupported version of Oracle Java puts your application and the institution at risk for security vulnerabilities and software bugs. If you need help assessing what you should do, please contact the IT Service Center for technical questions, or Software Licensing for purchasing options.

Removing Oracle Java

  1. Open Control Panel from the Start Menu.

  2. Select Programs and Features.

  3. Locate any installed Java(TM) versions in the list.

  4. Select the version and click Uninstall.

Installing Azul Zulu Java

  1. Go to the Azul Zulu Downloads page.

  2. Look for Zulu 21 LTS.

  3. Click Download next to the version for your operating system.

  4. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Tip: Zulu Java is fully compatible with applications that previously used Oracle Java, but always test critical applications after installation to ensure functionality.



Keywords:
Oracle Java, Java(TM), Azul Zulu Java, Zulu 21 LTS, Java uninstall, Java install, Java update, Java migration, Oracle Java license, Java licensing change, Commercial Java use, Open source Java, Software compliance, IT approved Java, Third Party Patch Management, Security vulnerabilities, Unsupported software, End-of-life Java, Software patching, Java replacement, Java transition, IT software, Java instructions 
Doc ID:
108684
Owned by:
Chad C. in NDSU IT Knowledge Base
Created:
2021-01-28
Updated:
2025-11-04
Sites:
NDSU IT Knowledge Base