Oracle Java Runtime (JRE) Update Released ~ Security Garden

Oracle released the scheduled update for its Java SE Runtime Environment software. This is a bugfix update.

Download Information:

Java SE Runtime Environment Version 8u431: https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp.

Java Security Recommendations

1) If Java is still installed on your computer, it is recommended that all updates be applied as soon as possible and older, less secure, versions uninstalled. See Why should I uninstall older versions of Java from my system?
2) In the Java Control Panel, at minimum, set the security to high.
3) Keep Java disabled until needed. Uncheck the box "Enable Java content in the browser" in the Java Control Panel.

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
Important: If you have a need to use Java, see which browser support it at Browsers That Still Support Java & How to Enable It.

Patch Schedule

For Oracle Java SE, the next scheduled update is January 21, 2025. The planned release schedule is available here.

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, that 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.