How to install latest version of NetBeans IDE on Windows

Here’s a step-by-step guide to install the latest version of NetBeans IDE on Windows.

📌 1. System Requirements (Quick Check)

Before installing, make sure your PC has:

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• At least 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
• Java JDK 11+ installed (NetBeans needs Java)

Tip: You can install JDK from Oracle or Eclipse Temurin depending on your preference.

🪟 2. Install Java JDK (if not already)

NetBeans runs on Java, so you need the JDK first.

🧾 Steps:

1. Go to the official JDK download page:
   • Oracle JDK: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/
   • Eclipse Temurin (Adoptium): https://adoptium.net/
2. Pick Windows installer for the latest LTS (e.g., JDK 17 or JDK 21).
3. Run the downloaded installer:
   • Accept license
   • Install in default folder
4. Set JAVA_HOME (optional but recommended):
   • Search “Edit system environment variables”
   • Click “Environment Variables”
   • Under System Variables → New
     • Name: JAVA_HOME
     • Value: path to your JDK folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-21)
   • Add JAVA_HOME\bin to your PATH

💡 Verification: Open Command Prompt and type:

java -version

☁️ 3. Download NetBeans Installer

1. Open browser → go to Apache NetBeans official site:
   https://netbeans.apache.org/
2. Click Download
3. Choose the latest stable version for Windows (e.g., NetBeans 17.x or 18.x)
4. Download the Windows .exe installer

🖥️ 4. Run the Installer

1. Double-click the downloaded .exe
2. If warned by Windows SmartScreen → click Run anyway
3. In the setup:
   • Accept license agreement
   • Choose Installation Folder (default is fine)
4. Installer will detect your installed JDK automatically
5. Click Install

⏱️ Wait while files get installed.

✅ 5. Launch NetBeans

After installation finishes:

• Open NetBeans IDE from the Start menu
• On first launch, it may ask to set up:
  • UI theme (Dark/Light)
  • Check for updates
  • Install recommended plugins

📌 6. Install Plugins (Optional)

NetBeans supports extra plugins for Java, PHP, Python, etc.
From within NetBeans:

1. Go to Tools → Plugins
2. Browse or search
3. Install what you need

🧠 Quick Tips

• Tips for Java development:
  • Use JDK 17 or higher for best compatibility with latest NetBeans
• Updating NetBeans:
  • Go to Help → Check for Updates
• Uninstalling:
  • Use Add or Remove Programs in Windows Settings