How to open a JNLP file

Currently, an electronic device has files and applications created in various formats. However, when a reader program is missing, it is impossible to perform certain functions or view certain files from your preferred web browser. This is the case for files with a JNLP extension .

Consequently, running JNLP files from a web browser (such as Google Chrome) will not open the application for security reasons. This is because web pages generally do not run JNLP files on PC without the consent of their administrator. Therefore, below, we will explain everything related to how to open a JNLP file , both on Windows and Mac, thus covering from its definition to its most salient aspects.

JNLP file overview

JNLP stands for JAVA Network Execution Protocol and is used to run and manage Java programs on a computer or on the internet in general. Files of this type contain information related to the download of the Java program and are saved in XML format. This can be viewed with any text editor.

Today JNLP files work because of a Java Web Start . Which is nothing more than a Java software that allows you to activate the applications and functions of your computer with a click. Among which the following stand out:

  • Eliminate long and tedious software installation processes .
  • It makes sure that the program to be run is in its latest version.

Remember that currently it is possible to read a JNLP file from a computer with a Windows or Mac OS operating system . Consequently, this type of application does nothing more than download the code of the program in question to the computer, starting immediately after the first valid instruction for its execution. In other words, a JNLP file is nothing more than the initiator of a Java Program.

Procedure to open a file with a JNLP extension in Windows

Opening a file with a JNLP format is not that difficult to do, it will only be necessary to follow certain instructions. Therefore, below we will explain in a simple and practical way how to open a file with a JNLP extension in Windows. So the steps are as follows:

  • First of all make sure that Java is up to date and active in the Internet browser you are using. We recommend using the latest version of the web browser, to avoid compatibility problems.
  • Now locate the file with the JNLP extension that you want to open on your electronic device. Therefore, go ahead and open the Internet browser of your choice. If it is on the Internet, use the URL address , but if it is not on the network, look for the location of the file on your PC.
  • Once the previous step is completed, you can click on “Open with”. Next, you will be shown a list of programs that support the ability to open the file with the JNLP extension.
  • Now, within the possibilities offered to you, choose ” Java Web Start ” and proceed to click on the ” OK ” icon . In just a few seconds the file with the JNLP extension will be executed successfully.

Possible inconveniences that you could present to view JNLP files in Windows

Sometimes you may not be able to view or use files with a JNLP extension in Windows . Therefore, below we will mention the possible drawbacks, these are:

  • Java Web Start software is not installed: This program is included in the Java Runtime Environment since Java version 5.0. Consequently when you install the Java software, it will be installed automatically.
  • An update is missing: You will have to make sure that the software is up to date, if it is not you will have to look for the most recent version.
  • Java Web Start is not in default configuration: The program may be installed and up-to-date, but you still cannot open JNLP files because it is not set as the default option.
  • The file contains errors: A file with a JNLP extension will not open if it is damaged. If this is the case, try opening other files to verify that it is not a program error.

The operating system does not establish communication with the application. If this is the case, you may need to ” Reassociate ” the JNLP extension to run through Java, for which you must follow the steps below. These are:

    • First, right-click on the JNLP file in question.
    • Then you can click on the ” Property ” element attached to the proposed context menu.
    • Now open the ” General ” tab where you must select the button identified as ” Change “. Which you can locate in the ” Open with ” section.
    • At this point, click on the items and find “ Other apps on this PC ”.
    • Then using the File Explorer / Windows Explorer panel go to the folder that contains Java Executable Files
    • Then select the ” exe” file with a double click.
    • Finally, press the ” OK ” button on the file’s properties screen and try to run it again.

Procedure to open a file with a JNLP extension on Mac

One of the strengths of programs written in Java is their cross-platform nature. These types of applications, in fact, can be run on any operating system that has previously been installed in a Java environment .

Therefore, below we will explain in a simple and practical way how to open a file with a JNLP extension under the IOS environment (Mac) . So the steps are as follows:

  • Exactly as already seen for Windows, the first thing to do to open JNLP files on Mac computers is to proceed with the installation of the entire Java system.
  • The Java download page should now be connected.
  • Then you must click on the ” Accept and continue ” button to consent to the use of cookies.
  • After that, click the ” Java Free Download ” button and repeat the operation with the ” OK ” button . This will start the free download.
  • Once the installation file is obtained, run it on your Mac . Therefore, double-click on the package icon.
  • Now click on the ” Open ” button and then type your Mac password in the text box designated for this purpose.
  • Press the “Installation Wizard” button and follow the instructions on the screen to continue.
  • At this stage, locate the JNLP file that you are interested in opening and select its preview by right-clicking. Then from the proposed menu and confirm the desire to open the file by pressing ” Open “.
  • If everything went in the right direction, the system should display a summary screen on the application you are trying to open.
  • Finally, if the author of the post is consistent with what you expect, press ” RUN ” or ” Run ” to immediately begin running the file.

Possible drawbacks that you could present to view JNLP files on Mac OS

Sometimes you may not be able to view or use files with the JNLP extension on Mac OS . Therefore, below we will mention the possible drawbacks, these are:

  • If, after trying to open a JNLP file by following the instructions mentioned above, you cannot open the file. In this case, the Java launcher. Therefore, below we will mention how to do it. Then:
    • First, right-click on any JNLP File.
    • Select the item ” Get information ” from the proposed context menu and expand the ” Open with ” section by clicking on the corresponding arrow.
    • Then, in the drop-down menu located just below, select the item “More” and wait for the window to choose the program that will be used to open the document.
    • At this point, move the top drop-down menu to the option labeled ” Mac by (Your Name) .”
    • Choose the “Mac Disk” from the left side of the window and, using the adjacent panels, go to the System> Library> CoreServices folder.
  • Then select the “ Java Web Start ” application from the list on the right panel. If it cannot be selected, go to settings and select the “All applications” option from the drop-down menu.
  • The digital signature associated with the file itself could be in error. In this case, it is possible to ensure that control over digital signatures is not done at all, so that any type of JNLP file can be executed without compromising security-related errors.

In conclusion, we hope that all this information related to how to open a JNPL file will be of great help to you. In addition, if you liked this article, we recommend you enter the following link where you will find various information of your possible interest.

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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