How to Fix Java Not Found Error After Updating Steam Deck

• This blog post teaches how to fix the Java not found error on Steam Deck, a portable gaming device that runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system.
• The content explains the possible causes of the error, such as corrupted or overwritten Java files or settings, and provides a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve it by checking, reinstalling, and configuring Java on Steam Deck.

Steam Deck is a portable gaming device that lets you play your favorite Steam games on the go. It runs on a custom Linux-based operating system called SteamOS, which supports a variety of applications and features. One of these features is the ability to run Java programs and games, such as Minecraft, on your Steam Deck.

However, some users have reported that after updating their Steam Deck, they encountered an error message saying that Java is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. This means that their Steam Deck can no longer find or execute Java, which prevents them from playing Java-based games or using Java-related tools.

If you are one of these users, don’t worry. In this blog post, we will show you how to fix this problem and restore Java functionality on your Steam Deck. We will explain the possible causes of this error, the steps to troubleshoot and resolve it, and some tips to prevent it from happening again. By following this guide, you will be able to enjoy your Java games and applications on your Steam Deck without any issues.

Possible Causes of Java Not Found Error on Steam Deck

There are several possible reasons why your Steam Deck may not be able to find or run Java after an update. Some of the most common ones are:

• The update may have overwritten or corrupted some of the Java files or settings on your Steam Deck, making them inaccessible or unusable.
• The update may have changed the location or name of the Java folder or executable file on your Steam Deck, making them hard to find or recognize.
• The update may have modified or removed some of the environment variables that are used to locate and run Java on your Steam Deck, breaking the link between Java and your system.
• The update may have installed a new or incompatible version of Java on your Steam Deck, causing conflicts or errors with your existing Java programs or games.

How to Fix Java Not Found Error on Steam Deck

To fix the Java not found error on your Steam Deck, you need to do the following steps:

Solution 1: Check the Java Version and Installation on Your Steam Deck

The first thing you need to do is to check if Java is still installed on your Steam Deck and what version it is. To do this, you need to open a terminal window on your Steam Deck and type the following command:

java -version

This command will display the current Java version and other information on your terminal. If you see something like this:

java version "1.8.0_292" OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_292-b10) OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.292-b10, mixed mode)

Then it means that Java is still installed on your Steam Deck and it is version 1.8.0_292. You can skip to step 3.

However, if you see something like this:

bash: java: command not found

Then it means that Java is either not installed or not recognized on your Steam Deck. You need to proceed to step 2.

Solution 2: Reinstall Java on Your Steam Deck

If Java is not installed or not recognized on your Steam Deck, you need to reinstall it using the package manager of your SteamOS. To do this, you need to open a terminal window on your Steam Deck and type the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install default-jdk

This command will update your package list and install the default Java Development Kit (JDK) on your Steam Deck. The JDK includes the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and other tools that are needed to run Java programs and games. You may need to enter your password and confirm the installation when prompted.

After the installation is complete, you can check the Java version and installation again using the command from step 1. You should see something like this:

java version "11.0.11" 2021-04-20 OpenJDK Runtime Environment (build 11.0.11+9-Ubuntu-0ubuntu2.18.04) OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 11.0.11+9-Ubuntu-0ubuntu2.18.04, mixed mode, sharing)

This means that Java is now installed on your Steam Deck and it is version 11.0.11. You can proceed to step 3.

Solution 3: Configure the Environment Variables for Java on Your Steam Deck

The environment variables are settings that tell your system where to find and how to run certain programs or files. They are essential for Java to work properly on your Steam Deck. However, sometimes they may get changed or deleted by an update or other factors, causing Java not to be found or run correctly.

To fix this, you need to configure the environment variables for Java on your Steam Deck. To do this, you need to open a terminal window on your Steam Deck and type the following commands:

echo "export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/default-java" >> ~/.bashrc
echo "export PATH=$PATH:$JAVA_HOME/bin" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

These commands will add two environment variables to your bash configuration file, which is a script that runs every time you open a terminal window. The first variable, JAVA_HOME, tells your system where to find the Java installation folder. The second variable, PATH, tells your system where to find the Java executable file. The last command will reload the bash configuration file to apply the changes.

After configuring the environment variables, you can check the Java version and installation again using the command from step 1. You should see the same output as before, indicating that Java is now recognized and ready to run on your Steam Deck.

Solution 4: Test Java Functionality on Your Steam Deck

The final step is to test if Java is working properly on your Steam Deck. To do this, you can try to run a Java program or game on your Steam Deck and see if it works without any errors. For example, you can try to run Minecraft, a popular Java-based game, on your Steam Deck and see if it launches and runs smoothly.

To run Minecraft on your Steam Deck, you need to do the following steps:

1. Download and install the Minecraft Launcher for Linux from the official website.
2. Launch the Minecraft Launcher and log in with your account.
3. Select the Play button and choose the latest version of Minecraft.
4. Wait for the game to download and launch.
5. Enjoy playing Minecraft on your Steam Deck.

If Minecraft runs without any issues, then it means that Java is working properly on your Steam Deck and you have successfully fixed the Java not found error. You can also try to run other Java programs or games on your Steam Deck and see if they work as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Java not found error on Steam Deck:

Question: What is Steam Deck?

Answer: Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device that lets you play your Steam games anywhere. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, a powerful processor, a custom Linux-based operating system, and a built-in controller. It also supports a dock that lets you connect it to an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals.

Question: What is Java?

Answer: Java is a programming language and a platform that allows you to create and run applications and games on different devices and operating systems. Java is widely used for web development, mobile development, desktop development, and game development.

Question: Why do I need Java on my Steam Deck?

Answer: You need Java on your Steam Deck if you want to run Java-based applications and games, such as Minecraft, on your device. Java provides the runtime environment and the libraries that are required for these programs and games to function.

Question: How do I update Java on my Steam Deck?

Answer: You can update Java on your Steam Deck using the package manager of your SteamOS. To do this, you need to open a terminal window on your Steam Deck and type the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update your package list and upgrade all the installed packages on your Steam Deck, including Java. You may need to enter your password and confirm the upgrade when prompted.

Summary

In this blog post, we have shown you how to fix the Java not found error on your Steam Deck. We have explained the possible causes of this error, the steps to troubleshoot and resolve it, and some tips to prevent it from happening again. By following this guide, you will be able to enjoy your Java games and applications on your Steam Deck without any issues.

We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy gaming!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Steam, Valve, or any of the products or services mentioned in this blog post. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions or using the products or services mentioned in this blog post. Use them at your own risk and discretion.