Java: How to unplug the Java plug-in of your web browser for security

Synopsis:
Java: How to disable Java in your web browser and unplug it

Solution:
Java is both software installed on your computer as well as a plug-in for your web browser. Browser plug-ins have become the most common attack vector for system compromises, and for security reasons it is recommended that you disable Java browser plugins in all of your browsers if you do not need them to support a browser-based application. It is becoming less and less common to rely upon Java support in the browser side of web applications.

To unplug Java in Firefox

1. Click on the Tools pull-down menu and select Add-ons
2. In the Add-ons Manager window, select Plugins
3. Click Java (TM) Platform plugin to select it
4. Click Disable (if the button displays Enable then Java is already disabled)

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To unplug Java in Safari

1. Choose Safari Preferences
2. Choose the Security option
3. Uncheck Enable Java
4. Close Safari Preferences window

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To unplug Java in Chrome

1. Click on the Chrome menu, and then select Settings.
2. At the bottom of Settings window, click Show advanced settings
3. Scroll down to the Privacy section and click on Content Settings.
4. In the Content Settings panel, scroll down to the Plug-ins section.
5. Under the Plug-ins section, click Disable individual plug-ins.
6. In the Plugins panel, scroll to the Java section. Click Disable to disable the Java Plug-in.
7. Close and restart Chrome.

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Internet Explorer

The only way to completely disable Java in Internet Explorer (IE) is through the Java Control Panel and requires administrative access. Make sure Internet Explorer is closed. When you find the Java Control Panel, disable Java on the Security tab.

Windows 8

• Use search to find the Control Panel
• Find the Java Control Panel
• Press Windows logo key + W to open the Search charm to search settings

OR

• Drag the Mouse pointer to the bottom-right corner of the screen, then click on the Search icon.
• In the search box enter Java Control Panel
• Click on Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

• Click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel option.
• In the Control Panel Search enter Java Control Panel.
• Click on the Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.
• Windows XP
• • Click on the Start button and then click on the Control Panel option.
  • Double-click on the Java icon to open the Java Control Panel.