Free Java Update 8

Version 8 Update 501

Release date: July 21, 2026

Your system currently has an older version of Java and you are receiving this update notification because a newer version has been automatically detected.

This release addresses security concerns. Oracle strongly recommends that all Java SE 8 users upgrade to this release.

Please install this free Java Update by clicking on the Update button on the Java Update window.


Installing this update will ensure that your Java applications continue to run as safely and efficiently as always.


Release Highlights
  • JDK 8u501 contains IANA time zone data 2026b .
    For more information, refer to Timezone Data Versions in the JRE Software.
  • Other Notes: Added WISeKey Global GB and GC Root CA Certificates
    The following root certificates have been added to the cacerts truststore:+ WISeKey
    + wisekeyglobalrootgbca
    DN: CN=OISTE WISeKey Global Root GB CA, OU=OISTE Foundation Endorsed, O=WISeKey, C=CH
    + WISeKey
    + wisekeyglobalrootgcca
    DN: CN=OISTE WISeKey Global Root GC CA, OU=OISTE Foundation Endorsed, O=WISeKey, C=CH
    See JDK-8372351
» More information on 8u491

Bug Fixes

This release also contains fixes for security vulnerabilities described in the Oracle Critical Patch Update. For a more complete list of the bug fixes included in this release, see 8u501 Release notes.

Java Expiration Date

Oracle recommends that the JDK is updated with each Critical Patch Update. In order to determine if a release is the latest, the Security Baseline page can be used to determine which is the latest version for each release family.

Critical patch updates, which contain security vulnerability fixes, are announced one year in advance on Critical Patch Updates, Security Alerts and Bulletins. It is not recommended that this JDK (version 8u501) be used after the next critical patch update scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Java Management Service, available to all users, can help you find vulnerable Java versions in your systems. Java SE Subscribers and customers running in Oracle Cloud can use Java Management Service to update Java Runtimes and to do further security reviews like identifying potentially vulnerable third party libraries used by your Java programs. Existing Java Management Service user click here to log in to your dashboard. The Java Management Service Documentation provides a list of features available to everyone and those available only to customers. Learn more about using Java Management Service to monitor and secure your Java Installations.

For systems unable to reach the Oracle Servers, a secondary mechanism expires this JRE (version 8u501) on 2026-11-20. After either condition is met (new release becoming available or expiration date reached), the JRE will provide additional warnings and reminders to users to update to the newer version. For more information, see 23.1.2 JRE Expiration Date in the Java Platform, Standard Edition Deployment Guide.


Related Information

» More information on Java Update
» Detailed technical information about this release can be found in the Java 8 Release Notes.
» Previous release changes FAQ