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OpenJDK vs Microsoft Build of OpenJDK: catalog facts
OpenJDK	Microsoft Build of OpenJDK
Best for: Developers who need a standard JDK to build and run Java applications	Best for: Java developers who want a free, long-term supported JDK
Free Free under the GPL; Oracle also sells a commercially licensed JDK built from the same code.	Free Free of charge and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
Reference implementation of the Java Platform Free production-ready builds for three desktop platforms All 3 strengths for OpenJDK Reference implementation of the Java Platform Free production-ready builds for three desktop platforms Open development with public source and proposals	Long-term supported releases at no cost Builds for macOS, Linux and Windows All 3 strengths for Microsoft Build of OpenJDK Long-term supported releases at no cost Builds for macOS, Linux and Windows Patches are upstreamed to OpenJDK by default
Oracle's OpenJDK builds are only updated for a short time per release Older versions such as JDK 17 need builds from other vendors for updates	One of many OpenJDK distributions with similar contents Support focus leans towards Microsoft's own ecosystem
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0 with Classpath Exception	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for OpenJDK openjdk.org Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Microsoft Build of OpenJDK microsoft.com/openjdk Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.