How to run a JAR file in Windows 11/10 Since Java or JAR files can’t run on Windows on their own, you need to install the Java Framework or what is popularly called Java.

Here's a quick example of how to use Java's jarsigner to digitially sign JAR files.

Newer versions of Java now require all JAR files to be signed with a valid code-signing key, and starting with Java 7 Update 51, unsigned or self-signed applications are blocked from running.

What's the difference between EAR, JAR and WAR files? They are three common formats for Java application deployment, but they each target different environments with different characteristics.