Our verdict: Eclipse Temurin is the safe default when you need Java on Windows without Oracle's license questions. The MSI installer is clean, can set PATH and JAVA_HOME for you, and the builds are tested for Java SE compatibility. It is a JDK only: no IDE, and you pick the major version yourself.
About Eclipse Temurin
Eclipse Temurin is the OpenJDK distribution produced by the Eclipse Adoptium Working Group, the successor of AdoptOpenJDK. The binaries are built from OpenJDK source, licensed under the GPL v2 with the Classpath Exception, and are free for development and production use, including commercial work.
Adoptium publishes long-term support (LTS) versions such as 17, 21 and 25 as well as short-lived feature releases. The download link always fetches the newest JDK 25 LTS MSI for Windows x64. The installer can add Java to PATH, set JAVA_HOME, associate .jar files and write the registry keys that some older Java launchers look for.
What it does well
- Full JDK. Includes the Java runtime, javac compiler, jshell and standard JDK tools.
- LTS releases. Long-term support versions receive regular security updates.
- Optional JAVA_HOME. The MSI can set JAVA_HOME and PATH during installation.
- Compatibility tested. Builds are certified against the Java SE specification.
- Silent install. MSI options support unattended installs with msiexec.
Who it is for
Good fit
Java and Kotlin developers, Minecraft modders and anyone who needs a free, current Java runtime.
Look elsewhere
People who need an older Java version for legacy apps; download that version separately from Adoptium.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free for any use, including production
- Clean MSI that can set JAVA_HOME
- Tested for Java SE compatibility
- LTS versions with regular security updates
Cons
- No automatic updates; new builds need a new MSI
- Several versions can confuse PATH if installed carelessly
- No bundled IDE or JavaFX
How to install Eclipse Temurin
Run the MSI and open Custom Setup: enable Set JAVA_HOME variable, which is off by default, if your tools need it. Keep Add to PATH on. Check the install with java -version in a new terminal. Install other versions, such as 17 or 21, side by side if a project requires them.
Questions about Eclipse Temurin
Is Eclipse Temurin free?
Yes. Temurin is open source under the GPL v2 with the Classpath Exception and free for personal and commercial use.
Is Temurin the same as Oracle Java?
Both are built from OpenJDK source, but Temurin is produced by Eclipse Adoptium and does not carry Oracle's licensing terms.
Which version should I install?
The latest LTS release, currently JDK 25, unless a project or game requires a specific older version.
