How to Switch to the New Launcher on Windows All this and you'll never be prompted to install the Ask Toolbar again.

Better yet, the Minecraft launcher automatically downloads the correct version for your system (all those players inadvertently using Java 32-bit on their 64-bit machines should see significant performance boosts thanks to this) and automatically updates it. The Java executable used by Minecraft stays with Minecraft and is as good as invisible and inaccessible to the rest of the system. If Minecraft is the only reason you have Java installed, you now have no reason to open up your system to Java vulnerabilities. You still technically need Java, but it is now downloaded by the Minecraft launcher and stored with the launcher instead of installed across the entire system.

This new Minecraft development changes the game, however, so that we no longer need a full system-wide Java installation to play the game.

Because of this, millions of people around the world who love Minecraft also have to love-hate Java and keep it installed on their system in order to play the game. As awful as Java is and as prone to zero day exploits as it may be, it's also the magic that drives Minecraft, for better or worse.

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