As Java developers we are often found to work with various java versions. Here is a windows batch file that would help you switch the Java versions in a more sane way. Switch between different JDK versions in Windows with a batch file.

Before running the Batch file, here are the things to make a note of:

1. Ensure all java versions are installed @ “C:\Program Files\Java”, else make that minor change in the provided batch file. The idea is to have all jdk’s installed in one location.
2. Set the JAVA_HOME system variable to the appropriate java version
3. Ensure the PATH variable has %JAVA_HOME%\bin, as one of the entries
4. If you installed Java 8
   • \windows\system32 contains Java 8 java.exe, javaw.exe and javaws.exe. Your path probably has system32 near the beginning, so these tend to be run by default. Delete these files.
   • The system path variable starts with C:\programdata\Oracle\Java\javapath. This folder contains java.exe, javaw.exe and javaws.exe as symlinks to the JRE 8 executables. Delete these files or remove the entry.

Save the following file as ChangeJDK.bat (or whatever name you choose)
Ensure to run this batch file as an administrator

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@echo off
echo "Current Java Version is"
echo %JAVA_HOME%
setlocal enableDelayedExpansion
SET PT="C:\Program Files\Java"
cd %PT%
::build "array" of folders
set folderCnt=0
for /f "eol=: delims=" %%F in ('dir /b /ad *') do (
  set /a folderCnt+=1
  set "folder!folderCnt!=%%F"
)

::print menu
for /l %%N in (1 1 %folderCnt%) do echo %%N - !folder%%N!
echo(
 
:get selection
set selection=
set /p "selection=Enter number to Set the JAVA_HOME and PATH "
echo you picked %selection% - !folder%selection%!
cd %PT%\!folder%selection%!
echo %cd%
( endlocal & rem return
   Set jdk=%cd%
 
)
echo Setting JAVA_HOME
SETX /M JAVA_HOME "%jdk%"
SET JAVA_HOME=%jdk%
echo %JAVA_HOME%
REM echo setting PATH
REM setx PATH %JAVA_HOME%\bin;%PATH% -m
REM echo Display java version
REM java -version