How to Install OpenJDK 26 on Windows Using Winget

In this skill recipe, you will learn how to easily install OpenJDK 26 on a Windows computer using winget (Windows Package Manager).

This guide is written in simple English, making it easy for developers everywhere to understand and follow.

What is Winget?

Winget (Windows Package Manager) is a free command-line tool built into modern Windows. Just like SDKMAN on macOS and Linux, winget helps you discover, install, update, and remove software using text commands. Instead of searching websites, downloading .exe or .msi installers, and clicking “Next” repeatedly, winget automates the entire installation process in seconds.

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

1. Press the Windows key (or click Start Menu).
2. Type Terminal or PowerShell and press Enter.

Step 2: Search for OpenJDK 26

Because OpenJDK is built by multiple trusted vendors (such as Microsoft, Eclipse Adoptium / Temurin, and Oracle), search for the exact Package ID first:

winget search "OpenJDK 26"

Look at the Id column in the search results. Common IDs include:

• Microsoft.OpenJDK.26
• EclipseAdoptium.Temurin.26.JDK
• Oracle.JDK.26

💡 Tip: The Microsoft Build of OpenJDK or Eclipse Temurin are widely recommended for enterprise development because they are completely free and open-source.

Step 3: Install OpenJDK 26

To install the Microsoft Build of OpenJDK 26, run:

winget install Microsoft.OpenJDK.26

(If you chose Eclipse Temurin or Oracle in Step 2, simply replace Microsoft.OpenJDK.26 with that specific package ID).

A progress bar will appear in your console. If Windows prompts for User Account Control (UAC) permission, click Yes.

Step 4: Verify Your Java Installation

Close your current Terminal window and open a new one (so Windows reloads your updated PATH environment variables). Then verify:

java -version

If successful, you will see output confirming OpenJDK 26:

openjdk version "26" 2026-03-17
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 26+35)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 26+35, mixed mode, sharing)

Conclusion

You have successfully installed OpenJDK 26 on Windows with a single command! You can use winget to install almost any developer tool (e.g. winget install Git.Git, winget install Node.js).