> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://launcher.openvoxel.studio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://launcher.openvoxel.studio/java.md).

# Java

Here is some help for Java! And an advanced tutorial :)

## Download Java

Minecraft required Java to run. Java is a programming language `(JavaScript is a DIFFERENT programming language :p)` and you need it installed in order to run the Launcher.

Here is the java download link: <https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/> (you will need at least java 17 for Minecraft to run). Download the version matching your Operating System.

When downloaded and installed, you should have stuff appearing in your `Terminal` (on Mac) or `Power Shell` (on Windows) when you type `java --version` (the version of java should be printed). If that doesn't work, you can still use the advanced technic to use java (see [#use-a-custom-java-path](#use-a-custom-java-path "mention"))

## Use a custom java path

If you want to use a custom java path, different from your `java` in your terminal, or if you do not have the permissions to install java on your computer, you can still use this.

Head to the **Java download page** and download the **Compressed Archive** corresponding to your Operating System: <https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/>

Once downloaded, extract the zip to any folder on your computer. You should now have a folder with java inside! So now, in this folder, go to the `bin` folder inside (bin stands for binaries). For Mac the path is `jdk/Contents/Home/bin`. You should find a file called `javaw` or `javaw.exe` if you are on Windows. Right click on it and click on `Copy File Path` (this text may change depending of your OS).

{% hint style="info" %}
Using `javaw` instead of `java` will prevent the "log" console to open.
{% endhint %}

Now, open the Launcher and go to the `Settings` tab, scroll to the bottom and click on `Open Game Folder`. It will open your File Explorer (Finder on Mac) in the `launcher` folder. Go one folder back (in the `OpenVoxel` folder) and find the `options.txt` file.

**CLOSE THE LAUNCHER before doing the next steps.**

Edit this file with any Text Editing software (TextEdit, Notepad++, VSCode, anything) and find the line containing `"java": "..."`. the second text in brackets is `"java"` by default, but you can change it!&#x20;

For that, run this code pen and it will ask you for the path. Paste the path of the java file and it will return you the text you are gonna put. Replace the **SECOND TEXT IN BRACKETS** (after the `:`) with the output given by the program (keep the brackets, or else it wont work).

{% embed url="<https://codepen.io/KodeurKubik/pen/abMvbMg>" %}

Start the launcher again and now, if you run Minecraft, it will run it using the specified java!