---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-remove-old-java-versions-on-a-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-remove-old-java-versions-on-a-mac
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Programming languages and toolchains"
question: "How do I remove old Java JDK versions from my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "uninstall jdk mac"
  - "java virtual machines folder"
  - "multiple java versions mac space"
  - "java_home list versions"
  - "delete old jdk"
  - "remove java mac"
short_answer: "List JDKs with /usr/libexec/java_home -V, then delete unneeded ones from /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines. Use Homebrew to remove any it installed."
tags: ["java", "jdk", "developer"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-clear-maven-and-gradle-caches", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-clean-up-homebrew"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I remove old Java JDK versions from my Mac?

Run `/usr/libexec/java_home -V` in Terminal to list every installed JDK and where it lives — usually **/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines**.

To remove one, delete its folder from that location in Finder (your administrator password is needed). Keep the version your tools and projects use; build tools often download their own JDKs too, which live in their caches ([Maven and Gradle caches](https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-clear-maven-and-gradle-caches)). If you installed Java through Homebrew, uninstall it with Homebrew instead.