How to change the Java version in the Overwolf Launcher

Do not follow this if you are using Intel HD graphics.

The CurseForge launcher no longer supports this method of changing Java, now it’s long winded and buried in the vanilla launcher options.  Just be smart and use a different launcher such as GDLauncher, ATLauncher, FTB app or Prism, all of which make it really easy to alter the Java version.

By default the Overwolf launcher ships and uses its own Java 8 version, however, this version is old and causes crashes with mods like Immersive Engineering (reading the manual crashes the game) and some others.

The Overwolf launcher will use this old Java 8 even if you install a newer version, you have to tell the Overwolf launcher not to.

Firstly let's find out what version of Java you have installed, these next instructions are for Windows users (sorry Mac users).

Press the Windows key + R  (this should bring up a small box that you type in)

Type in CMD and click OK or press Enter

A black window should open up where you can type “java  -version” without the quotes.

This will return the java version which is currently installed on your PC, it should look something like:

java version "1.8.0_281"

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_201-b09)

Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.201-b09, mixed mode)

There are 2 important bits the first build in brackets should be at least 1.8.0_201 if it’s older like 1.8.0_51 then you need to install Java first before telling the Twitch launcher to use it.  The second part is that the last line be present and contain the words “64-Bit”.  If either of those 2 are not there then do the following before changing settings within the Twitch launcher.

Click https://javadl.oracle.com/webapps/download/AutoDL?BundleId=246474_2dee051a5d0647d5be72a7c0abff270e to download the latest 64 bit Java 8.  Once downloaded install it.

I can understand that you might not want to click a link and immediately download software I can assure you that the above link is correct and can be seen https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp from the official site by clicking Windows Offline (64-bit) link.

Once installed you can check everything went well by doing the step above and finding out the java -version has changed.

Now to the OverWolf launcher

In the Launcher click the cog in the bottom left corner of the Minecraft launcher window as shown below

Then click Minecraft under Game Specific

In the additional java arguments type in -version:1.8+ as shown below.

Then click the X.

It will appear in the vanilla launcher that 1.8.0_51 is still being used, however press F3 in game and you should see it’s using the latest java you have installed.