The new version of Java 8 Update 421 is available for download. If you use Java in your system, you should update to the latest version. Since Java 8 updates mostly include security patches, it’s important to keep your system updated.
While the browsers have stopped using Java 8 integration, Java runtime needs to be installed in the system to run Java apps. You can use Java updater to update the program automatically or you can use the direct download links to download and install Java 8 Update 421 runtimes.
Table of Contents
Why Java 8?
Although Java 22 is the latest version of Java, version 8 remains the most widely used Java version. All newer versions are based on Java 8. Many existing apps and libraries are based on Java 8. Java 8 will be supported by Oracle until 2030. You can check out the Java 8 End of Life dates.
Java 8 Update 401 release summary
- Latest Java Version: Java 8 Update 421
- Release date: July 16th, 2024 (View all Java version release dates)
- Next scheduled release date: October 15th, 2024
- Expiry date: November 15th, 2024
- Compatible OS: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7, MacOS, Linux, and Solaris
- License: Free
Download Java 8 Update 421
Click on the following links to download the respective installers:
| Version | Platform | Download |
|---|---|---|
| JRE 8u421 | Windows | x64-Offline x86-Offline Online |
| JRE 8u421 | MacOS | x64 DMG ARM64 DMG |
| JRE 8u421 | Linux | x64 RPM x64 TAR.GZ i586 RPM i586 TAR.GZ |
| JRE 8u421 | Solaris | x64 TAR.GZ SPARC x64 TAR.GZ |
| Portable Java 8 JRE | – | Download |
If you already have an earlier version of Java 8 installed on your system, Java 8 Update 421 will automatically update your existing installation when you download and install it.
What’s new in Java 8 Update 421
Here’s a summary of bug fixes included in this version of Java 8:
| BugId | Category | Subcategory | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| JDK-8331765 | javafx | web | Websocket callbacks are not executed after WebKit 617.1 update |
| JDK-8333859 | core-libs | java.util.jar | Pack200.newUnpacker().unpack() throws IOException |
| JDK-8333447 (not public) | install | install | “alternatives” uninstallation results into intermittent “Java not available” issues |
Most of the updates and fixes are related to the developers instead of the users. So we won’t get into detail of each point. If you are a developer and are interested in the details, you may check out the release notes here.
Final Thoughts
Java 8 is becoming older but still highly relevant. While later versions provide more features, Java 8 remains the baseline for many applications and libraries. It’s even the baseline for Java certification exams.
Commercial users of Java 8 have to pay Oracle for a commercial license to get updates. But if you are using Java 8 for personal purposes, you can get these updates for free. Free updates will be available until the end of 2030. After that, Java 8 will reach its end of life.
