Oracle Java Updates Released ~ Security Garden

Oracle released the scheduled security updates for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.

Important: The Edge browser does not support plug-ins. In the event you still have a need for Java, it will be necessary to use Firefox or open with Internet Explorer by selecting the "More Actions" option located at the top of the Edge browser and then click "Open with Internet Explorer. (See Windows 10 and Java.)

Update

If Java is still installed on your computer, it is recommended that this update be applied as soon as possible due to the threat posed by a successful attack.

Download Information

Java SE Runtime Environment Version 8u291: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jre8-downloads.html or https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp.

Notes:

UNcheck any pre-checked toolbar and/or software options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional. Preferably, see the instructions below on how to handle "Unwanted Extras".
Oracle does not plan to migrate desktops from Java 8 to Java 9 through the auto update feature. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you uninstall JRE 8 prior to updating.
Verify your version: http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp. Note: The Java version verification page will only work if your browser has NPAPI support. In that case, to check the version, open a cmd window and enter the following (note the space following Java): java -version

Critical Patch Updates

For Oracle Java SE Critical Patch Updates, the next scheduled dates are as follows

20 July 2021
19 October 2021
18 January 2022
19 April 2022

Unwanted "Extras"

Although most people do not need Java on their computer, there are some programs and games that require Java. In the event you need to continue using Java, How-to Geek discovered a little-known and publicized option in the Java Control Panel to suppress the offers for the pre-checked unwanted extras that Oracle has long included with the updates. Although the Ask Toolbar has been removed, tha does not preclude the pre-checked option for some other unnecessary add-on.

Do the following to suppress the sponsor offers:

Launch the Windows Start menu
Click on Programs
Find the Java program listing
Click Configure Java to launch the Java Control Panel
Click the Advanced tab and go to the "Miscellaneous" section at the bottom.
Check the box by the “Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java” option and click OK.

Java Security Recommendations

1) In the Java Control Panel, at minimum, set the security to high.
2) Keep Java disabled until needed. Uncheck the box "Enable Java content in the browser" in the Java Control Panel.

3) Instructions on removing older (and less secure) versions of Java can be found at http://java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml