How to Easily Uninstall Java 7 on a Mac

Java 7 has caused countless headaches for Mac users around the world. The security vulnerabilities in Java 7 mean that some machines have been compromised by hackers who were able to break through the walls of security. In addition to the security problems, some Mac users running Java 7 have been plagued by bugs. These bugs make it impossible for some applications to run correctly. In order to resolve the problem, many of these users have uninstalled Java 7 and started using an older version of the product. If you would like to remove Java 7 from your machine, use the following simple steps.

Simple Java 7 Uninstallation 

Java 7 can easily be uninstalled by using Finder. Once inside of Finder, navigate to the applications folder. Here, the user needs to search for the following strand: “JavaAppletPlugin.plugin.” Once the computer has finished searching, the file in question should be found. The file can then be right-clicked and moved to the trash. It is important to then go to the trash to make certain the file has been deleted for good. Once Java 7 has been removed from the machine, it is likely a good idea to reinstall Java 6. Failure to do so means some programs will no longer function correctly.

Advanced Uninstallation Methods

Mac users who are comfortable performing more advanced functions on their machine may instead wish to remove Java 7 through Terminal. Terminal can also be launched through Finder. Once inside Finder, users should navigate to the applications tab. Here, it is necessary to find the Utilities folder. Terminal is located in this folder. Conversely, users can simply use the search function to look for Terminal.

Once Terminal has been launched, a strand of text needs to be entered to search for the plugin. Enter this strand:

sudo rm -fr /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

Once the command has run, the plugin should be gone from the system, and Terminal can be closed.

Reinstalling an Older Version of Java

Apple’s Java 6 has become a popular alternative for users who no longer wish to run Java 7 on their machines. In order to reinstall this plugin on the machine, it is important to have administrator privileges. Without these privileges, the installation will fail, meaning applications and Internet pages using Java will not work as they are intended.

Terminal should be launched in order to enter the command for the reinstallation. The command should be entered as follows:

sudo ln -s /System/Library/Java/Support/CoreDeploy.bundle/Contents/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

Once the command is entered, the former Apple version of Java should become active once again.

Close out of Terminal, and go to the Internet to test the reinstallation. Several different sites rely on Java. You may need to restart the computer, or perhaps the relaunch the browser you generally use when browsing the Internet. This will finalize the actions that took place in Terminal.

While the problems Java 7 has caused for users are certainly annoying, it isn’t that uncommon for a plugin or applet to cause bugs and security issues to arise. For this reason, it is essential for Mac users to pay very close attention to their machine. Many Mac users also stay up to date on the latest security threats online, reading expert blogs and staying connected on social media. Antivirus tools can also be used to add an extra layer of security to a machine, protecting it from any damage that could arise because of a security hole posed by a plugin.

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Guest article written by: Tim Edmonds. Tim is a freelance technical writer interested in Mac YouTube Downloader software.

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Guest article written by: Tim Edmonds. Tim is a freelance technical writer interested in Mac YouTube Downloader software.

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