How to Install Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime on MacOS
If you’re an app developer using a Mac, you might need to install Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime. Here’s how to do it in a few quick and easy steps.
Table of Contents
How to Install Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime on MacOS
What is Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime?
The Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime is a software package that provides runtime support for applications written in Java SE 6. It is no longer supported by Oracle, but remains available for download from third-party websites.
Installing the Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime on MacOS is a simple process. However, it is important to note that you will need to have a compatible version of the Java SE 6 platform installed on your computer in order to run applications that require it.
Download the Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime package from a reputable website. Once the download is complete, open the DMG file and double-click on the installer package. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once the installation is complete, you will be able to run applications that require the Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime.
Why do you need it?
If you want to run a Java-based application on your Mac, you will need to install the Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime. This is because the newer versions of Java are not compatible with all applications. The Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime allows you to run such applications on your Mac.
How to Install it on MacOS
There are two ways to install the Legacy Java SE 6 runtime on MacOS. The first way is to use the Terminal, and the second is to use the Macintosh Installer.
To install the Legacy Java SE 6 runtime using the Terminal, follow these steps:
1. Download the JDK 6 disk image from the Apple website.
2. Mount the disk image by double-clicking on it.
3. Open the Terminal, and type the following command:
sudo installer -package /Volumes/JDK\ 6/JDK.pkg -target /
4. Enter your password when prompted.
5. The Legacy Java SE 6 runtime is now installed.
To install the Legacy Java SE 6 runtime using the Macintosh Installer, follow these steps:
1. Download the JDK 6 disk image from the Apple website.
2. Mount the disk image by double-clicking on it.
3. Open the Macintosh Installer.
4. Click on the “Install” button.
5. Enter your password when prompted.
6. The Legacy Java SE 6 runtime is now installed.

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1. If you have not already done so, download and install the latest version of the Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) for your platform.
2. Download the “Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 17 Developer Package” from Apple.
3. Double-click the DMG file to mount it, then double-click the “Package Installer” icon to launch the installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Java Developer Package.
5. Once the installation is complete, you will need to add the “Legacy Java SE 6” runtime to your system classpath.
6. To do this, open the “Java Preferences” application, which is located in the “Utilities” folder.
7. In the “Java Runtime Versions” section, click on the “Add” button and select the “Legacy Java SE 6” runtime.
8. Once the runtime has been added, you will need to restart any Java applications that you have running in order for them to use the new runtime.
Conclusion
As of macOS 10.15, Apple no longer provides software updates for Java SE 6. If you have legacy software that depends on Java SE 6, you can install it on your Mac using a package manager such as Homebrew. However, this is not recommended, as it opens up your system to potential security vulnerabilities. It is better to find a replacement for any legacy software that still depends on Java SE 6.