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How to Upgrade the JDK Used by Oracle WebLogic Server 11g to a Different Version (Doc ID 1309855.1)

Last updated on AUGUST 16, 2023

Applies to:

Oracle WebLogic Server - Version 8.1 and later
Generic UNIX



Goal

The main goal for this article is to illustrate the steps to upgrade the JDK used by an Oracle WebLogic Server install to a newer version.

It is important to note that it is supported to update this Java SE (or JDK/JRE if separate) to the latest release, as long as it remains certified, and hence it is user responsibility to implement the following instructions after checking the target version of the JDK is correctly certified for the WebLogic Server version.  

Disclaimer note

  • Oracle WebLogic Server can be used as an individual product, or as the core for many other layered products, as for example for Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g installations. This article is not considering the point that the new JDK will be or not certified for a specific Fusion Middleware release, hence it is the user responsibility to check your product certification matrix to confirm if your installation type supports the desired version of the JDK. See the following:

    <Note 1492980.1> How to Maintain the Java SE Installed or Used with FMW 11g/12c Products
     
  • For individual Oracle WebLogic Server configurations involving versions prior than 10.3.0, check the certifications here https://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E13196_01/platform/suppconfigs/config_wls.html 
     
  • For WebLogic Server 12c scenarios, please use Note 1616397.1, "How to Upgrade the JDK Used by Oracle WebLogic Server 12c to a Different Version"
     
  • Oracle Support has filed the following internal Doc Bug and Enhancement Request to make this process easier since there are frequent Java updates recommended:

    Bug: 19529627 - ER: REMOVE JAVA DIRECTORY FROM SO MANY FILES - USE JAVA_HOME EXCLUSIVELY
    Bug: 19510382 - JAVA_HOME NOT DOCUMENTED - FULL JAVA LOCATION CONFIGURED ANYWAY

     

Cases not covered  by this article:

  • If your goal is not upgrading, but changing from Java SUN JDK to Oracle JRockit JDK , please refer to  <Note 1058804.1>, "How To Change Type of JDK (Sun / JRockit) for FMW 11g Domain"
     
  • If your goal is to replace a 32bit JDK version by a new 64 bit JDK version, this article does not apply. Please refer to <Note 1312755.1>, "How Re-Create, Copy, or Re-Use Existing WLS Domains from 32 bit to 64 bit Architecture"
     
  • These steps were tested on UNIX and should be the same on Windows. Following approach "A" below would prevent all issues. (See the "Tips" in <Note 1492980.1>) . If you installed a Windows Service and the JDK directory changed, you will need to reinstall the Service. See  <Note 1065146.1>, "While Trying to Start WebLogic Server Configured as a Windows Service, It Starts Up And Then Stops Automatically" 

 

 

Solution

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In this Document
Goal
Solution
 Alternatives
 Step by Step Actions
 Approach A)
 Approach B)
References

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