To this day, Java is a popular programming language. It may be old, but it hasn’t lost its popularity or utility over time. It is still in active development and is used by many developers. Changes and enhancements to the language are developed regularly, making it very simple to compile and run Java-based applications.
What is Java in simple words?
Java is a widely-used programming language that can be used on various operating systems and devices. It has many applications, including web development, mobile apps, desktop apps, and server-side programming.
Java creates a virtual machine (VM) to run the code written in the language. If something goes wrong with the data or code the Java virtual machine is processing, a Java virtual machine launcher error might result.
What is a Java virtual machine error?
A Java virtual machine error, often known as a JVM error, is a type of error that the Java Virtual Machine generates. This error generally indicates that the computer cannot read or comprehend the code.
This error can occur for various reasons, including when the machine isn’t up to date with essential updates or isn’t Java-compatible. It’s critical to understand how to fix a JVM issue if you encounter one while using your computer.
We’ve learned over the last several days that some customers have been seeing an error message that says “Could not construct the Java Virtual Machine.” According to our research, the problem usually appears when a user tries to run a Java-based program.
What is causing the Could Not Create The Java Virtual Machine error?
There are a handful of conditions that will result in this problem:
- Java is executed with the incorrect arguments or options: When you launch a home-brewed program or try to open an open-source application that is known to cause system instability.
- Java global maximum heap memory is insufficient: One of the most typical reasons for this issue is when you try to run a Java application with a maximum heap memory size bigger than the one specified in the System Variable.
- Administrative credentials are required for a Java executable and/or program: This may occur with apps that require admin access to work properly.
If you’re trying to figure out how to fix the Could Not Create The Java Virtual Machine issue, this article will walk you through a few tried-and-true solutions. Below is a list of solutions that other people in a similar scenario have utilized to address their problems.
To get the greatest results, try the solutions below in the order they’re offered until you find one that works for your specific situation.
How to fix the Java virtual machine error?
Here are the solutions to fix Java virtual machine errors:
- Adding the _JAVA_OPTIONS to System Variables
- Opening java.exe with admin rights
- Reinstalling Java
- Fixing Errors With Code
- Editing Eclipse.ini File
- Check compatible Java version
- Update the Path and Java Home Environment variables
- Check startup arguments
- Check syntax
- Check memory allocation
- Increase the RAM allocation for JVM(Java Virtual Machine)
Let us go through each solution separately:
Solution 1: Adding the _JAVA_OPTIONS to System Variables
The majority of impacted customers were able to address the problem by adjusting the value of a Java System Variable named _JAVA OPTIONS to Xmx512M. This effectively determines the maximum heap memory size for Java globally.
This will fix any error messages because the maximum heap memory size defined in the System Variable is greater than the maximum heap memory size set in the starting Java application. Several customers with the same problem claimed that after following the instructions below, the problem was completely addressed.
To increase the global maximum heap memory size, add a _JAVA OPTIONS item to System Variables as follows:
1. To launch the Run dialogue box, press the Windows key + R. Then, to open the System Properties page, type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab and choose Environment Variables from the System Properties page.
3. Click New in the Environment Variables box (under System Variables).
4. Set the Variable name to _JAVA OPTIONS and the Variable value to –Xmx512M in the New System Variable panel, then click Ok to preserve the changes.
5. To make the modifications take effect, close any previously opened windows and restart your computer.
6. Open the program that was previously giving you the Could Not Create The Java Virtual Machine issue on the next startup to verify if it is now working properly.
If you’re still getting the same error notice when you start the program, try adding the Java Bin path to the environment variable, which can be something like ” %\USER PATH\Java\jdk1.6.0_39\bin”.
Solution 2: Opening java.exe with admin rights
Several people with the same problem could overcome it by forcing the primary Java executable (java.exe) to open with administrative rights.
After applying this update to both the main java executable and the executable of the program that is displaying the error message, several users reported that the problem was resolved.
Here’s a brief walkthrough of everything:
1. Navigate to the location of your Java installation in File Explorer. We’ll need to go to the main Java executable’s location (java.exe).
It should be in Program Files/Java/*JRE build version*/bin by default. Depending on whatever Java Runtime Environment you’re using, the exact position will vary.
2. Choose Properties from the context menu when you right-click on java.exe. Then, under the Compatibility tab, select Run this software as an administrator and check the box (under Settings). To save your changes, click Apply.
3. Repeat the procedure by right-clicking on the application executable (the one causing the error): Application > Compatibility > Run this software as an administrator.
4. Check to verify whether the problem notice has been addressed by running the program.
Insufficient admin privileges may also cause the Java virtual machine issue. As a result, certain users may need to provide Java admin permissions.
Users can provide Java admin access on Windows 10 by following the above steps.
Solution 3: Reinstalling Java
In certain circumstances, the issue is caused by Java not being installed correctly or because its installation has been damaged over time. As a result, after entirely removing Java, we will reinstall it in this step. To do so:
1. To enter the Run prompt, press Windows key + R and type “Appwiz.cpl” or go to the control panel directly.
2. The Programs and Features screen will appear after pressing “Enter.”
3. Scroll through the installed application list on the Programs and Features screen until you locate Java.
4. To remove it from the system, right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”
5. Delete the principal Java installation first, and then all additional Java installations, including updates and other versions.
6. Restart your computer after deleting all of the software.
7. After reboot, go to this page and download the most recent version of JRE.
8. Check to check whether the problem still exists.
9. If the issue continues, go here to obtain and install the most recent version of JDK.
10. If you’re already using JDK, consider switching to a different version or removing the JRE that came with it.
Solution 4: Fixing Errors With Code
This error can occur for various reasons, including if your code has specific faults. We’ll go through a few of them here.
Delete the hyphen: Some users reported that altering the double hyphen “–” in their code to a single hyphen “-” corrected the problem. Consider the following scenario:
Modify the code:
“sony@sony-VPCEH25EN:~$ java –version
Picked up JAVA_TOOL_OPTIONS: -javaagent:/usr/share/java/jayatanaag.jar
Unrecognized option: –version
Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine.
Error: A fatal exception has occurred. The program will exit.”
To
“sony@sony-VPCEH25EN:~$ java -version
Picked up JAVA_TOOL_OPTIONS: -javaagent:/usr/share/java/jayatanaag.jar
Unrecognized option: –version
Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine.
Error: A fatal exception has occurred. The program will exit.”
-Djava.endorsed.dirs=”C:\Program Files\Apache Software Foundation\Tomcat 8.5\endorsed”
Ensure the “-vm” entry is added above the vm args in your eclipse.ini file. Otherwise, the env vars will choose JVM V6.
If you’re using Ubuntu, you should know that only Java 8 is supported. As a result, the third approach will be used. Install the old version of Java after uninstalling the current one.
Solution 5: Editing Eclipse.ini File
To resolve this issue, we can make changes to the Eclipes.ini file. We have broken it into different problems since there may be a few issues with its setting that need to be addressed. Choose the one that best fits your situation.
Lowering Memory Use
1. With notepad, open the Eclipse.ini file in the Eclipse folder.
2. Look for a line similar to “-Xmx256m” (It might be -Xmx1024m or -Xmx 512m).
3. Now, depending on the RAM installed on your machine, modify the default amount to a more sensible figure and add the version number. Consider the following scenario:
-Xmx512m
-Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.6
OR
-Xmx512m
-Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.7
OR
-Xmx512m
-Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.8
4. Remove the number “256m” from the “-launcher.XXMaxPermSize” line.
5. Check to check whether the problem still exists.
Tinkering Around
1. Remove the following lines from your file if possible.
-vm P:\Programs\jdk1.6\bin
2. Change the following lines as well.
set -Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.5
To
set -Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.6
3. Also, above the “-vmargs!” line, try adding the following line.
-vm C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\javaw.exe
4. Also, use the following line to refer to JVM.dll.
-vm
C:\Program Files\Java\jre7\bin\client\jvm.dll
5. Replace “-vmargs” with the path to javaw.exe in the Eclipse file. Consider the following scenario:
-startup
plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.3.0.v20120522-1813.jar
--launcher.library
plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher.win32.win32.x86_1.1.200.v20120522-1813
-product
com.android.ide.eclipse.adt.package.product
--launcher.XXMaxPermSize
256M
-showsplash
com.android.ide.eclipse.adt.package.product
--launcher.XXMaxPermSize
256m
--launcher.defaultAction
openFile
**-vm “c:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.7.0_07\bin\javaw.exe”**
-Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.6
-Xms40m
-Xmx768m
-Declipse.buildId=v21.1.0-569685
6. You may also try adding the following line at the end to see if it helps.
-vmargs
-Xms40m
-Xmx512m
-XX:MaxPermSize=256m
7. Also, see if deleting the following lines from eclipse.ini solves the problem.
-XX:+UseStringDeduplication
-XX:+UseG1GC
If the problem persists, you may try erasing the eclipse.ini file, which has apparently solved the problem for some people but makes a backup beforehand in case you need it. Also, before launching Java, make sure any power-hungry apps are closed to ensure adequate resources are available.
Checking for JDK Corruption
1. To launch the Run prompt, press “Windows” + “R” and type “cmd.”
2. Check to see whether the following command returns an error.
c:>\ java -version
3. If an issue occurs, totally reinstall the JDK.
Solution 6: Check compatible Java version
When code is compiled in an IDE, the message Could not construct the Java virtual machine displays. This occurs because the IDE is incompatible with the Java version installed on your computer.
Check to see which Java versions your IDE supports. Next, determine which Java is installed and compare it to the supported version. Install the proper version if it isn’t already installed.
Solution 7: Update the Path and Java home Environment variables
On Windows 10, the Java parameters set in the environmental variables might result in the Could not construct the Java virtual machine problem.
1. Open the File Explorer program.
2. Copy and paste the following into the location bar explorer shell:::{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE}
3. In the left-hand panel, choose Advanced System Settings.
4. Select the Advanced option from the drop-down menu.
5. Under System Variables, choose Environment Variables and then New.
6. In the name field, type _JAVA OPTIONS.
7. Enter -Xmx1024M in the path/value field.
8. Click the OK button.
9. Restart the application.
You should also double-check that the right path for the Java SDK is specified.
1. Navigate to C:\Program Files in File Explorer\Java
2. Open the JDK version folder that you wish to utilize.
3. The path to the folder should be copied.
4. Variables in the Environment (see previous steps).
5. Select JAVA HOME from the System variables menu.
6. Select Edit.
7. Click OK after entering the path you copied.
Solution 8: Check startup arguments
Examine the starting parameters you’ve specified. Although you may have the right version of Java installed, the startup parameters may have changed the version to be used for compilation. If you’ve done an in-place Java update, it’s quite probable that the startup parameters still refer to the earlier version.
Solution 9: Check syntax
Make sure the syntax is proper for any parameters you’re entering. The Could not construct the Java virtual machine problem can be caused by even the tiniest fault. Look for an additional hyphen or an incorrectly reported version.
Solution 10: Check memory allocation
Insufficient memory allotted for usage is one of the primary causes of the Could not construct the Java virtual machine issue.
1. Open the File Explorer program.
2. Go to C:\Program Files\Java
3. Open the JDK folder with the version number that is presently installed.
4. Look for and launch a file called jvisualvm.exe.
5. The software will provide a graphical user interface for memory management.
6. Increase your memory capacity and try again.
Solution 11: Increase the RAM allocation for JVM(Java Virtual Machine)
To make these modifications, you should have administrator privileges.
1. Simultaneously, press the Windows key and the Pause Break button.
2. In the new window that appears, select Advanced system settings.
3. Click the Environment Variables button at the bottom of the System Properties box that appears.
4. The window for Environment Variables appears. Click the New button in the System Variables section.
5. The window for New System Variable appears. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate values.
- _JAVA OPTIONS is the name of the variable.
- -Xmx512M is a variable value.
6. Click the OK button.
6. Click the Ok button under the Environment Variables section.
Conclusion
It might take a long time to set up a development environment. Before you can write or compile code, you’ll need to set up a lot of things and meet a lot of prerequisites. These problems aren’t specific to Java; every language has its own set of prerequisites that must be completed before it can be used.