I downloaded and installed Java to help a friend test a program (a version of the Shimeji desktop companion) they were working on.
As expected, the program did not launch before installing Java. After I installed Java, it worked perfectly. This should demonstrate I did install Java and it is currently in the machine.
After completing the test I wish to remove Java as I am not using it. However, I cannot locate it anywhere. The install wizard, which can be run to uninstall Java, says "no Java installation is detected on this system" when propted to remove Java. I cannot locate any Java folder in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files(x86). I cannot locate the Java Control Panel anywhere. For all intents and purposes, it seems like Java is not installed, except that it is because I can still run the program my friend is making. I am running Windows 11 Home.

Thanks in advance to anyone who might read this and help out

Issue: Cannot update or uninstall java, current version may be broken.

Windows version: 11 home version 23H2

Current Java version: 17.0.11+7-LTS-207

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Steps taken: (bolding for skimmers)

• Need to open a jar file. Jar file has a blank page icon. Double click to open, asks which program I'd like to run it with, defaults on java with a window icon. Nothing happens.

  • When I say nothing, I mean nothing. No window pops up, computer doesn't stutter, just nothing.

• Figure updating java is the issue, so I download latest version installer, "jre-8u461-windows-x64.exe", I run it, asks for admin rights, I click yes, nothing happens.

• Check current version with windows CMD terminal "java -version" and it lists 17.0.11+7-LTS-207.

• Downloaded the dev kit, "jdk-24_windows-x64_bin.exe", run, asks for admin rights, I click yes, nothing happens.

• Try again, but by right clicking to run as administrator, same results.

• Download java uninstaller "JavaUninstallTool.exe", same results.

• Restart computer, same results.

• Go to control panel, Java option has a blank page icon. Try opening a window pops up titled "All control panel items" with text "Application not found" with just an "ok" button.

• Googled the problem, some list a slash problem but didn't list how to diagnose or resolve the problem.

• Came here, use the search to look within techsupport, best I could find was this, but his results were a bit different (a window pops up for a second after trying to launch a jar file) and I don't like jamming things into terminal without knowing what they are.

• I made a post here that didn't get any traction (I blame putting minecraft in the title.) I have since deleted that post as to avoid any confusion.

• I went to r/javahelp and they would not help me (Definitely because I put minecraft in the title, they told me so.)

• I went to r/minecraft and they have responded but so far it hasn't been very helpful. I figured while I see if that might be fruitful, I'd try and reformat my post here without. (Link to post)

Sorry for withholding that this issue is related to minecraft. People tend to see minecraft and immediately go to "Oh, so this is a child." I am a 38 year old man, and this problem is well outside of a minecraft problem. This is potentially a huge security risk and my only current course of action is at the very least a soft reformat. I'd like to avoid that if at all possible.