ARCHIVED: In Mac OS X, how can I disable or enable Java?

Starting in Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), Java is not installed by default. However, when you attempt to use a program that requires Java, the system will automatically open and offer to install it on your computer. In previous versions of Mac OS X, Java will ordinarily be installed by default. In any case, to make sure you have the most recent version of Java in Mac OS X, use Software Update; see ARCHIVED: For Mac OS X, how do I obtain and install system software updates?

All current web browsers, including Safari, Firefox, and Chrome, support Java.

• Enabling or disabling Java in your browser
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • Chrome
• Enabling or disabling Java for all systems on your Mac

Enabling or disabling Java in your browser

Safari

1. From the Safari menu, select Preferences....
2. At the top of the resulting window, click the Security icon.
3. Check or uncheck the Enable Java box.

Firefox

1. From the Tools menu, click Add-ons.
2. In the left column, select Plugins.
3. Click Java Applet plug-ins, and then, on the right, click Enable or Disable.

Chrome

1. From the Chrome menu, select Preferences....
2. In the left column, click Settings.
3. At the bottom of the window, select Show advanced settings....
4. In the "Privacy" section, click Content settings....
5. In the "Plug-ins" section of the Content settings window, click Disable individual plugins....
6. Find the entry for Java and click Enable or Disable.

Enabling or disabling Java for all systems on your Mac

1. Open the Applications folder, and then the Utilities folder.
2. Double-click Java Preferences.
3. Select the General tab and check or uncheck all options.