Skip to content
Spyware News
  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Sep 2019

How to remove “Install Java Update” scam

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Jake Doevan · Computer technology expert

“Install Java Update” is a scam that tries to convince users to download adware or malware executables

The image of

“Install Java Update” is a fraudulent pop-up window that does not come from the official developer (Oracle) site website and can show up on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or any other installed browser. The fake alert indicates that your computer is running an outdated Java version and suggests you update it as soon as possible for the “improved computer performance.”

However, “Install Java Update” is a scam that helps criminals to distribute various high-risk computer infections. While in most of the cases you will encounter potentially unwanted programs promoted, other times, fake Java updates can distribute Trojans, backdoors, spyware or even ransomware. Likewise, you should never fall for “Download Java” fake update.

Therefore, you should never download anything which is offered to you through the bogus “Install Java Update” pop-up. Simply leave the malicious page without clicking anything. However, if redirects to scam sites, intrusive ads, slow browser operation, and other symptoms, your computer is likely suffering from the adware infection.

Name “Install Java Update”
Type Fake update/scam
Why does it show up? Users might encounter the scam message after visiting a malicious site, or after being redirected from adware
Targeted systems Java only runs on Windows and Android devices, although Mac users might also see the fake update and install it without knowing what the prompt is
Risk factors Installation of various malware and potentially unwanted programs, sensitive data disclosure to cybercriminals, money loss
Symptoms Frequent redirects to scam, phishing, spoofing, and other sites; fake alerts urging you to install bogus anti-malware applications to fix the alleged malware infection, intrusive advertisement banners, pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons and other commercial content delivered to all websites, etc.
Infiltration Adware is usually installed along with freeware downloaded from third-party sites
Termination To get rid of adware along with “Install Java Update” scam messages, you should find and uninstall adware application from your computer. You can use FortectIntego or other anti-malware software to do that automatically or terminate the infection manually with the help of our instructions below

There are numerous similar scams to “Install Java Update” fake alert, such as “Adobe Flash Player Was Not Found,” “The Mercury Text Font Was Not Found,” etc. However, all of them are designed for the same purpose — infect the computers of inexperienced users via phishing[1] techniques. 

Users are redirected to “Download Java” page where they see the pop-up which states the following:

Download Java

Install Java Update

Your Java version may be outdated. It is strongly recommended to update your Java plugin now. Upgrading to the latest Java version improves the security of your system, as older versions do not include the latest security updates.

The latest Java version contains important enhancements to improve your computer performance:

Allows you to see web content properly;
Safe and secure;
Free Software.
Update Version: 8u111

If you have been redirected to Download Java page, you must immediately leave it and do NOT click on the download button. If you struggle to leave the page, open the Task Manager, and shut down the browser from there.

Fake “Install Java Update” prompt is likely caused by an adware infection. Such potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) are designed to deliver advertising and often potentially dangerous content for the owner of the computer. Likewise, an ad-supported application will continue to display fake alerts as long as you keep it on your system.

Unfortunately, by downloading “Install Java Update” virus executable (often labeled as “javaupdate11.jar, update.exe, Java.exe, and similar), you will most likely be injecting more ad-supported programs on your computer. Also, because most PUPs are quite deceptive, it might be difficult to detect them all and eliminate.

In such a case, you should use FortectIntego or another security software to remove “Install Java Update” alerts from your browsers along with all the unwanted apps on your machine. The examples of the downloaded PUPs via the fake update includes Trovi Search, MyCouponize, Spigot Toolbar, MergeDocsNow, etc.

If you encountered “Install Java Update” pop-up just once or twice, it does not mean that your computer is infected. However, you should watch out for the following adware infection symptoms:

  • Pop-ups, coupons, banners, offers, deals, and other advertisements are displayed on all sites that you visit;
  • You see sponsored links at the top of search results;
  • Suspicious applications or browser extensions installed without your permission;
  • Desktop shortcuts changed and link to suspicious sites;
  • Homepage, new tab URL and the search engine of the browser changed;
  • The browser takes much longer to load up websites, and you are after redirected several times before landing on the destination page.

Be aware that you might experience some or all of the symptoms listed below. However, for “Install Java Update” removal from your browsers, you should check the installed program list via the Control Panel (Windows) or Settings > Apps (Android). You will find detailed instructions for that below.

Some programs still use Java, but most regular users don't need it in the first place

Java is a popular programming language, and its software is run on 3 billion devices, as Oracle claims. It is usually installed together with software that uses the language, and cannot be run without it. Correspondingly, some websites might also be made in Java and would be not accessible without it.

However, Java is rarely needed by regular users,[2] unless they run specific software that requires Java to run. Besides, very few websites are using Java nowadays, so there is no need for software in the first place. Keep in mind that Java is also often targeted by cybercriminals and riddled with vulnerabilities[3] – these can be abused if the software is not patched with the latest updates.

Nevertheless, if you indeed run programs that use Java, you should always make sure that the updates for it are downloaded from the official Oracle's website (www.java.com). The best solution would be to set the updates of the program to run automatically, so you would not have to worry about fake versions.

Java's installer is also responsible for bundling unwanted apps like Ask Toolbar and other suspicious software that spams users with ads without providing many benefits. What is worse, is that at least two optional components are included with every single Java update that comes out and users have to decline them.[4] As usual, most are quick to get through the installation process to install what's needed, and then end up with unwanted apps on their systems. However, you can find out more about that in the next section.

Official Java download site

Paying attention to the installation of freeware is the only way to avoid adware infections

If you wonder how did adware get on your system, the answer is simple. Developers employ an unfair, but legal distribution method, which is called bundling[5]. It allows the contrivers to offer potentially unwanted programs together with third-party applications in one package. In other terms, people who want to download only the freeware will additionally get the adware as well.

Even though developers do not inform their customers about such actions, you can easily detect potentially unwanted programs in software-bundles if you choose Custom/Advanced mode during the installation. These parameters do not skip steps and reveal optional components which are hidden in Recommended/Quick settings.

In case you notice any suspicious pre-selected boxes like “I agree to install XXX,” “Get XXX now” and similar claims, immediately de-select them. Being cautious during the installation of freeware is the only way how you can avoid the infiltration of potentially unwanted programs.

Additionally, you should stay away from suspicious and shady websites. Typically they are designed to distribute numerous potentially dangerous programs, like spyware, Trojan horses, etc. Also, download software and their updates only from official websites or authorized distributors.

Java bundled apps

Guide to get rid of “Install Java Update” scam pop-up

Even though adware programs are not as dangerous as ransomware, they might still be tricky to eliminate. Usually, they have numerous extra components which support its malicious activity and might disguise under un-relatable names. Thus, regular computer users are highly advised to complete “Install Java Update” removal automatically.

Although, Virusi.bg[6] experts say that those who opt for a challenge can remove “Install Java Update” virus by following the instructions below. They are designed to be easy-to-use and briefly explain each step of the elimination procedure. However, if you want to get rid of the adware manually, you must be extremely attentive and not skip steps.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Did this guide help?

Yes0No0

Be the first to comment

Log in to post your comment
Log in to comment
Editor's pick · tested 2026

Fortect Intego

9.4 / 10 9.6 / 10 Best overall pick
  • Real-time ransomware shield
  • Free 14-day trial, no card
  • Cleans the threats listed above

Ad — we may earn a commission if you buy via this link.

Get protected →Get protected → Read our full review Read our full review
Spyware News
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy preferences

We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze traffic. Some cookies enable embedded content like videos and social posts. Choose what you allow — you can change this anytime.