Accessing the Java log?

I've had Java installed on my PCs for decades. But I'm wondering if it actually does anything. If not I'll probably uninstall it.

I've just switched on the 'Enable logging' option via Settings > Control Panel > Java



But on trying to access the log file at
C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\log
I got the message:
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

However, using an elevated command prompt I was able to use dir *.* which reports no files in that folder.

So, my question : is there a way to trigger some (trivial) Java activity so that I can test I can access it in future?

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Java is used in many programs and all browsers, some won't run if Java is not there.

If you use internet based banking (online bank) it is often used to verified your identity, so do not uninstall it!

About the log you have enabled, it is a log for debug, when problems arise. You have to wait until some event happen,
such as it updating to new version, as it did 2 weeks ago. The log will not be created before something happens.

Check that you have the newest version:

Thanks Gordon, appreciate the tip about online banking. I do use that, although Firefox doesn't work well with it so I switch to Chrome or IE for that. I'll leave Java installed!

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Oracles finally killing its terrible Java browser plugin - The Verge

Thanks Ztruker.
@Gordon7: Perhaps you made the same mistake as me, in confusing Java and JavaScript?

Just to clarify: the Java browser plugin, which runs Java applets in your browser, is separate from the Java runtime environment, which runs Java applications in your operating system. Both are part of the Oracle Java installation.

Applets are slated for deprecation but some legacy sites like certain banks/governments may still use them because they never bothered to move to newer technology.

If you have any Java applications then you will still need to have Java installed.

If you are not sure if your banking sites use Java applets or if you have any Java applications then go ahead and uninstall it and see if anything breaks.