Java's aggressive update mechanism has become a persistent headache for system administrators. The core issues we're tackling:

• Unwanted update prompts disrupting user workflows
• Silent installation of bundled software (e.g., Carbonite backup)
• Lack of centralized control in enterprise deployments

Java contacts these domains for update checks (add to firewall blocklist):

# Primary update domains
javadl-esd-secure.oracle.com
javadl.oracle.com
java.com
updates.jenkins.io

For thorough blocking, use this PowerShell script to modify Windows Firewall:

# PowerShell firewall rule to block Java update domains
$domains = @(
    "javadl-esd-secure.oracle.com",
    "javadl.oracle.com",
    "java.com"
)

foreach ($domain in $domains) {
    netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Block Java Update - $domain" dir=out action=block enable=yes profile=any remoteip=$domain
}

Apply these registry settings to disable update checks:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft]
"SPONSORS"="DISABLE"
"JU"="0"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Update\Policy]
"EnableJavaUpdate"=dword:00000000
"EnableAutoUpdateCheck"=dword:00000000

For large deployments, combine these approaches:

• Group Policy Preferences: Push registry changes via GPO
• SCCM/Intune: Deploy pre-configured Java installs with transforms
• Network Segmentation: Restrict Java-enabled machines to specific VLANs

After implementation, verify using:

# Check active Java update processes
Get-Process -Name "jqs", "jusched", "jp2launcher" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Stop-Process -Force

# Verify firewall rules
netsh advfirewall firewall show rule name=all | findstr "Java"

Consider implementing these additional measures:

• Log analysis for update attempts
• Periodic registry compliance checks
• Network traffic monitoring for Java update domains

Java's aggressive update mechanism and bundled software installations (like Carbonite backup) have become a persistent headache for IT administrators. The constant update prompts disrupt workflows, and the additional software creates unnecessary security and maintenance overhead.

Java checks for updates by contacting these Oracle domains:

java.com
javadl-esd-secure.oracle.com
javadl-oracle.com
updates.jenkins-ci.org (for Jenkins-related Java installations)

Sample Windows Firewall rule (PowerShell):

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block Java Update Servers" -Direction Outbound 
-Program "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Oracle\Java\javapath\java.exe" 
-Action Block -RemoteAddress "java.com","javadl-esd-secure.oracle.com","javadl-oracle.com"

For individual machines, modify these registry keys (create if they don't exist):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

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

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Update\Policy]
"EnableJavaUpdate"=dword:00000000
"EnableAutoUpdateCheck"=dword:00000000
"NotifyDownload"=dword:00000000
"NotifyInstall"=dword:00000000

For domain environments, deploy these ADMX template settings:

1. Download Java ADMX templates from Oracle
2. Configure: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Java > Auto Update > Disable
3. Enable "Hide the Java Auto Update prompt"

When implementing these changes:

• Test in a staging environment first
• Document all changes for compliance
• Monitor firewall logs for update attempts
• Consider using Chocolatey for controlled Java updates: choco install jre8 --version 8.0.251 -y

Create a silent install package with updates disabled:

jre-8u251-windows-x64.exe /s INSTALL_SILENT=1 
AUTO_UPDATE=0 
WEB_JAVA=1 
WEB_ANALYTICS=0 
EULA=0 
REBOOT=0 
SPONSORS=0