How to turn Java off

It is important that you read the following advisory:

Keep Java up-to-date

If you choose to keep Java installed on your computer (whether disabled or not) it is important to keep it up-to-date.  Instructions that will help you do this are found here.  NOTE:  If you install a new version of Java from Java's web site, remember to un-check the box to install the "ASK.com" toolbar.  It is not needed.

Managing Java

The instructions below will help you disable Java in the individual browser(s) you use for your day-to-day web activities. For those who have no need for web sites or web programs that require Java, instructions are also included that will help you disable Java globally.  In most cases, you will be alerted to the need for Java when you visit a site or use a program feature that requires it.  At that point you must decide if another (safer) web site or program can be used instead.  If you have no other option, you can enable Java selectively using instructions found here.

Known sites and applications in use at Hamilton that require Java.

Turn Java off in individual browsers

(If you have no need for Java and want to turn it off globally, skip this section and proceed to the next section.)

If you know you must use a web site or program that requires Java (e.g. certain features in Blackboard Learn), only one of your browsers should have Java enabled.  Java should be disabled in all your remaining browsers.  If you have not previously turned Java off globally using the Java Control Panel (Windows) or the Java Preference (Macintosh) then you may turn it off selectively in those browsers you intend to use for your daily work on the web.   As an alternative, if you prefer to use only one browser for all your browsing, then you must learn to turn it off and on as needed.  These instructions describe how to turn it off. 

Safari (Macintosh)

1.  Click on the Safari menu and choose Preferences. 
2. Click on the Security icon and check the box to "Enable Browser".  This should remove the check mark.
3. Close the Preferences window.

 Firefox (Windows & Macintosh)

1. Click on the Tools menu and choose Add-ons OR click on the Firefox menu, and choose Add-Ons. 
2. Click on Plug-ins and then locate the Java Applet plugin.
3. Click to disable it and close the Add-ons window (if it is enabled). 

Chrome (Windows & Macintosh)

1. Click on the Chrome menu and choose Preferences (Macintosh) OR click on the wrench icon, then select Settings (Windows)
2. Click on Settings in the left column.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link labeled "Show advanced settings".
4. Scroll down to the Privacy section and click on the button labeled "Content Settings...".
5. Next click on "Disable individual plug-ins" in the Plug-ins section.
6. In the list that is presented, locate Java and click on the link to "Disable" it (if it is enabled).

Internet Explorer 7 and above (Windows)

1. Click on your Start button and select Control Panel
2. Locate and open the Control Panel called Internet Options.
3. Click the Programs tab and select Manage Add-ons.
4. Select Toolbars and Extensions in the left hand column. Then in the right hand column scroll down to Oracle America.
5. Click Java Plug-in then click the Disable button.
6. Click Close and OK to accept the change.

Turn Java off globally

Follow these instructions if you are sure you won't need Java.  Turning Java off globally makes it unavailable regardless of the browser you use.  It will remain available, however, for any applications installed on your computer that use Java. If you are unsure, you can still turn it off globally and then refer back to these instructions later if you need to turn it back on.

Windows (all versions)

NOTE: It is important to remove older versions of Java prior to proceeding with these instructions.  You can keep the newest version of Java installed as long as it is disabled. 

1. Click on the Start button 
2. Click on Control Panel
3.  Click on the Java (32 Bit) Control Panel 
4. Click on the Security tab
5. Click to uncheck the box at the top labeled, "Enable Java content in the browser".
6. Click Apply and then click OK.

Macintosh (OS 10.7.3 and up) Lion & Mountain Lion

NOTE: Versions of the Macintosh OS that are below 10.7.3 do not have the Java Preference and, therefore, cannot be turned off globally.

1. Click on the Apple menu (upper left corner of the screen).
2. Select Preferences.
3. Locate the preference called Java (it is in the bottom row) and click to open it
4. Click on the Security tab in the Java Preference. 
5. Click to uncheck the box labeled "Enable Java content in the browser".
6. Click on Apply and then click on OK.