If you’re planning to start your Java development journey or looking for a clean setup of NetBeans IDE on your Windows PC, you’ve landed at the right place. This guide will walk you through the complete process — from installing the required Java JDK to configuring environment variables and finally setting up and running your first Java project in NetBeans IDE.

Let’s begin the journey and make sure everything is installed and configured smoothly!

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🧰 What You’ll Need

• A stable internet connection
• A Windows PC (Windows 10/11 preferred)
• Basic familiarity with Windows navigation

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🛠 Step 1: Install Java JDK on Windows

Before you install NetBeans, you must install Java JDK (Java Development Kit), as NetBeans IDE requires it to function properly.

Let’s move to the first step – installing Java:

1. Open your browser and search for Oracle Java.
2. Click the first result (Oracle’s official website):
   🔗 https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-downloads.html
3. Click on Download Java.
4. Scroll down to the Windows section and click on it.
5. Download the file named x64 MSI Installer.

This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Be patient during the download.

6. Once downloaded, right-click on the installer file and choose Open.
7. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.
8. In the Java installer window, click Next.
9. Keep the default installation path (usually C:\Program Files\Java) and click Next again.
10. Wait for the installation to complete and then click Close.

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🔧 Step 2: Configure Java Environment Variables

Now that Java is installed, it’s important to set up the environment path variable so the system can recognize Java commands.

Let’s set it up:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-XX\bin
   (Replace XX with the version number installed)
2. Click on the address bar, then right-click and select Copy the full path.
3. Now, open the Start menu and search for Environment Variables and click on Edit the system environment variables.
4. In the System Properties window:
   • Click on Environment Variables…
   • Under System Variables, scroll down and double-click on Path.
   • Click New, then right-click and Paste the path you copied.
   • Click OK, then again OK to exit.

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✅ Step 3: Verify Java Installation

Let’s make sure Java is working properly before we install NetBeans.

1. Open Command Prompt (search “cmd” in the Start menu).
2. Type the following command: java -version
3. Press Enter.

If everything is set up correctly, you’ll see the Java version printed on your screen. 🎉

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💻 Step 4: Install NetBeans IDE on Windows

Now that Java is ready, it’s time to install NetBeans — a powerful IDE for Java development.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Open your browser and search for NetBeans IDE.
2. Click on the first result from Apache’s official site:
   🔗 https://netbeans.apache.org
3. Click on the Download button for the latest version (e.g., NetBeans 26).
4. Under the Installers section, click the Friends of Apache NetBeans link.
5. Download the Windows installer (around 585 MB).
6. Once downloaded, right-click the file and choose Open.
7. If prompted, click Run and then Yes to allow changes.
8. In the setup window:
   • Leave the installation path as default.
   • Leave the desktop shortcut checked.
   • Click Next, then click Install.
9. Once the setup completes, click Finish.

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🚀 Step 5: Create and Run Your First Java Project

So far, we’ve done a great job! Now let’s test it all by creating your first Java program in NetBeans.

Follow these steps:

1. Open NetBeans from the desktop shortcut or Start menu.
2. On the welcome screen, click New Project.
   • Or go to File > New Project.
3. In the wizard:
   • Select Java > Java Application
   • Click Next
4. Enter a Project Name like FirstApplication (avoid spaces).
5. (Optional) Set a custom package name.
6. Click Finish.

NetBeans will now create your project structure and show a default Java class in the editor.

Now let’s write a simple Java statement:

In the main method, add the following line:

System.out.println("Hello World Bite Geek");

To run the program:

• Right-click inside the code editor and choose Run File.
• The output window at the bottom will display:
  Hello World Bite Geek

👏 Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed NetBeans, Java, and executed your first program.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to reinstall NetBeans after a JDK update?

A: Usually no. NetBeans auto-detects updated Java versions. But if there are issues, you can reconfigure the JDK path in NetBeans preferences.

Q: Can I install NetBeans without Java?

A: No. NetBeans requires Java JDK to run and compile Java code.

Q: Which is the best JDK version for NetBeans?

A: It’s recommended to use the latest LTS version of Java (like Java 21 or 17), which offers long-term stability and compatibility.

⚠ Disclaimer:

This article is meant for educational and development purposes only. Always download software from official sources to avoid security risks.

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📌 Tags:

java, netbeans ide, jdk installation, install netbeans on windows, java tutorial, beginner java setup, netbeans setup guide

📢 Hashtags:

#Java #NetBeans #WindowsSetup #Programming #JavaDevelopment #CodingBeginners #LearnJava

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If this guide helped you set up your environment, feel free to bookmark this page for future reference. Happy coding! 💻✨

Emily Carter

Emily is a Windows power user and technical writer from the UK. She has spent 7+ years in IT consulting, helping businesses migrate to new Windows versions, optimize performance, and solve common errors. Emily’s articles combine professional experience with step-by-step clarity, making even registry hacks accessible to everyday users.

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