JDK on PATH environment variable is not detected #1391

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1. jdneo commented on Oct 14, 2024

   

   Sheng Chen (jdneo)

   on Oct 14, 2024

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   Have you tried set the JDK to the setting java.configuration.runtimes? See: https://github.com/redhat-developer/vscode-java?tab=readme-ov-file#project-jdks
2. soloturn commented on Oct 14, 2024

   

   soloturn

   on Oct 14, 2024

   Last edited by soloturn

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   Sheng Chen (@jdneo) yes, i can get it work by setting such a variable. but it would be really nice if the vscode java pack is more intelligent here (or less) and relies on PATH only.
3. Sheng Chen (jdneo)

   changed the title [-]java is on the path, extension does not recognize it[/-] [+]JDK on PATH environment variable is not detected[/+] on Oct 15, 2024
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5. github-actions commented on Nov 4, 2025

   

   github-actionsbot

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   Hi soloturn, I'm an AI Support assistant here to help with your issue. While the team reviews your request, I wanted to provide some possible tips and documentation that might help you in the meantime.

   Suggestions

   • Verify java is on your PATH:
     1. Open a new Command Prompt or PowerShell.
     2. Run java -version. If you see an error, your PATH isn’t picking up the JDK.
   • After changing system or user PATH, restart VS Code (or your machine) so it picks up the updated environment.
   • Launch VS Code from a shell that has the correct PATH (e.g. code .) to ensure it inherits your variables.
   • Explicitly configure the JDK in VS Code settings rather than relying on PATH:

     // settings.json
     {
       "java.home": "C:\\Program Files\\OpenJDK\\jdk-21"
     }

   • (Optional) Set a JAVA_HOME environment variable pointing to the JDK root (not the bin folder), then restart VS Code.

   References with high confidence

   • Setting the JDK via java.home or JAVA_HOME:
     https://github.com/redhat-developer/vscode-java#setting-the-jdk
   • Improve failed JDK detection diagnostic (tips on env vars & paths):
     Improve failed JDK detection diagnostic redhat-developer/vscode-java#835

   Other references with low confidence

   • Java language support requires Java 8 (using C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe): suggests specifying java.home to a proper JDK. Java language support requires Java 8 (using C:\ProgramData\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe) redhat-developer/vscode-java#441
   • The “path” argument must be of type string. Received type object: reports JDK not detected even with JAVA_HOME. The "path" argument must be of type string. Received type object redhat-developer/vscode-java#1449
   • does not find java on wsl: PATH detection issue in WSL + remote. does not find java on wsl #829

   The team will respond to your issue shortly. I hope these suggestions are helpful in the meantime. If this comment helped you, please give it a 👍. If the suggestion was not helpful or incorrect, please give it a 👎. Your feedback helps us improve!
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