Eclipse Temurin
Also called adoptium, adoptopenjdk, temurin, openjdk
A popular OpenJDK build from Eclipse Adoptium. The runtime is java.exe. It is not Oracle Java as the only option, and it is not a browser plugin anymore.
What you need to know
Temurin is an OpenJDK build. java.exe is not a browser plugin.
Eclipse Temurin is Adoptium's OpenJDK. java.exe is the runtime. Oracle Java is a different vendor build. The Eclipse IDE is eclipse.exe. The old browser plugin is gone.
- What is it?
- Popular OpenJDK build
- Only Oracle Java?
- No. Temurin is another JDK
- Browser plugin?
- No. That era is over
What is Eclipse Temurin?
Eclipse Temurin is Adoptium's OpenJDK distribution. java.exe runs Java programs. It is not Oracle's JDK exclusively, and it is not the Eclipse IDE.
If you have never used it
If a README said install a JDK, Eclipse Temurin from adoptium.net is a common OpenJDK build. java.exe is the runtime. It is not a browser plugin. Oracle also ships JDKs. Those are a different vendor and license. eclipse.exe is the IDE, not this runtime.
What is it used for?
java.exe starts a JVM. A leftover java.exe in System32 from an old Oracle install can steal PATH.
javac.exe comes with the JDK image. A JRE-only folder will not compile.
JAVA_HOME to the Temurin folder. IntelliJ and Eclipse can each pick a different JDK.
Who is it for?
- People who need a free OpenJDK on Windows
- Shops that left Oracle Java and moved to Adoptium
- Anyone who thinks java.exe is still a browser add-on
Current status
Eclipse Temurin (2017) is a current java runtime and jdk from Eclipse Adoptium. The vendor still points Windows users at https://adoptium.net/.
How old is it?
AdoptOpenJDK started in 2017 after Oracle changed Java licensing. The project moved to Eclipse Adoptium and the Temurin builds. The old Java browser plugin is gone. A 2008 Java.com plugin guide is history.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per Adoptium |
|---|---|
| RAM | The JRE is modest. The app heap is what you configure |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| java.exe | Temurin Java runtime for that install |
|---|---|
| javac.exe | Compiler when you installed a JDK, not only a JRE |
Startup components
Windows does not add java.exe as an inbox service. A vendor app or scheduled task can start a JVM.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\Eclipse Adoptium\jdk-*\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Several java.exe copies
Oracle, Temurin, and a vendor JRE can all be named java.exe. where.exe java names which one launched.
People open Eclipse IDE to "install Java"
adoptium.net is the JDK. eclipse.org/downloads is the IDE.
Getting unstuck
java -version and where.exe java
Temurin should say Eclipse Adoptium or Temurin. An Oracle string is a different install.
Set JAVA_HOME to the Temurin folder
IDEs and Maven read that variable. A Store Python alias will not help.
Install from adoptium.net, not a random JDK pack
Adoptium hosts the MSI and API. A Java runtime toolbar bundle is junk.
Alternatives
Oracle JDK if your shop requires it. Microsoft Build of OpenJDK and Amazon Corretto are other OpenJDK builds. Eclipse IDE is not a substitute runtime.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | adoptium.net/ Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | adoptium.net/docs/ Vendor support |
| Official site | adoptium.net/ Start here, not a random exe host |
| Temurin releases | adoptium.net/temurin/releases/ LTS and latest JDK builds |
Related hardware
The JVM heap is what you set. A 64-bit PC is required for current JDKs. A GPU is only relevant if that Java app uses one.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- Eclipse Temurin official site · Vendor product page
- Eclipse Temurin help · Vendor support
- Adoptium documentation · How Temurin is built and installed
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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