What is javaw.exe?

Javaw.exe is a Java(TM) 2 Platform Standard Edition binary.

This file is part of Java(TM) 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 Update. Javaw.exe is developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc and is now owned by Oracle. It’s a hidden file. Javaw.exe is usually located in the %PROGRAM_FILES% sub-folder and its usual size is 24,576 bytes.

The javaw.exe process is responsible for computer network security. Javaw.exe is also the Java Virtual Machine and is used when it’s necessary to execute programs developed using Java. The javaw.exe process works with all popular Web browsers.

Javaw.exe automatically starts on Windows boot and doesn’t require the user to create a desktop shortcut icon. The process can be terminated by the user, but it’s highly recommended to leave it running in the background to ensure the applications using it can run and perform their tasks. It’s also not recommended to move the javaw.exe file from its designated folder. Otherwise you could start experiencing application malfunctions.

Important: RBOT can mask itself as javaw.exe. Scan your PC with Auslogics Antivirus to make sure it's not infected.

Is javaw.exe Infected with the W32/Trojan3.UJ?

When installing Java v6.0, some users get a warning from their antivirus that the W32/Trojan3.UJ virus has been found in the javaw.exe file. The path to the two javaw.exe files is C:\Program Files\JAVA\JRE6\BIN\JAVAW.EXE and C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\JAVAW.EXE. In some cases, the antivirus software automatically deletes or quarantines javaw.exe, which makes Java unable to run.

This happens because of a bug in some antiviruses, which causes the software to wrongly detect the javaw.exe file as a Trojan. Java manufacturers state that javaw.exe is not infected by the W32/Trojan3.UJ, as every version of Java is scanned with several antiviruses at every stage of development and before the public release.

A lot of antivirus software manufacturers got this bug fixed. If your antivirus detects a Trojan in javaw.exe, update your antivirus and try installing Java one more time. If the error persists, contact your antivirus developer and report the bug.

Javaw.exe High CPU and Memory Usage

Some users see javaw.exe utilizing a lot of CPU and RAM, and complain that the process is responsible for computer slow-downs. This is not true because javaw.exe is nothing more but a container panel for third-party applications, such as Azurues, Vuze and Limewire. So when a user sees the javaw.exe process eating up CPU and memory, it’s the application running it that is responsible for the problem. That’s why terminating or killing the javaw.exe process will not solve anything and will simply stop the dependent applications from running.

To solve javaw.exe high CPU and memory usage, try updating the applications that are running it. Sometimes a fresh install is recommended. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact the application technical support team.

If you get a javaw.exe error on startup, then you should stop the dependent application from launching automatically on Windows boot and launch it manually whenever you need it. Here is how you can disable applications launching on startup:

Click on Start, type msconfig in the Search box and hit Enter. Windows XP users will need to click on Start, select Run and type msconfig there.

1. Then go to the Startup tab, locate the application you want to stop running on startup (such as Vuze or Limewire) and deselect it.

Click OK to apply the changes and exit msconfig.