Prevent Java Updater from Installing Ask Toolbar

Java has to be one of the most annoying pieces of software out there. From the constant security vulnerabilities to the way the installer and updater tricks the user into installing Ask Toolbar and other crap.

Even if you avoid installing any other stuff during the setup, once the updater kicks in it will install the Ask Toolbar with notifying the user. This has been the case for most of the clients I do computer maintenance to and it annoys me every time. I decided to look for a solution and the easiest way is to use the Windows registry.

Windows Registry Solution

Copy the following text into Notepad or other editor and save it as a .REG file.

Windows 32-bit

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"

Windows 64-bit

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"

Run the files on you’re set. Those entries will prevent the installation of Ask Toolbar every time you install Java updates.

Other Solution

You can use a custom Java installer that disables the update feature. The downside of this is that you won’t receive update notifications and updating Java is a must because it’s one of the most vulnerable pieces of software ever known to man.

As you may know, I like to make my own installers for things like this but I’ve been using a custom installer from the folks at WinCert forum for years. There are English and Spanish versions available from different authors.

[box type=notice] If the links above stop working, there will be other threads at WinCert offering installers for sure. Look for them there if you can’t find the latest versions. [/box]

On my computers I use those installers and I download their updated versions every time Oracle releases a new one. I use the registry files on my clients computers so they can update Java when notified and the Ask Toolbar won’t be installed, saving me and them from headaches and wasted time.