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Windows · Development & Programming Tools

NetBeans for Windows

Free, open-source Apache-hosted IDE with strong out-of-the-box Java support and lighter plugin dependence than Eclipse.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Apache NetBeans is a free, open-source IDE with particularly strong built-in support for Java SE and Java EE development, along with usable support for PHP, C/C++, and HTML5/JavaScript. Compared to Eclipse, more of its functionality works out of the box without hunting down plugins, which appeals to developers who want a simpler setup.

It fits students, educators, and Java developers who want a straightforward, no-cost IDE without JetBrains-style subscription decisions. NetBeans has historically been popular in academic settings for teaching Java, thanks to its approachable GUI builder and clear project structure.

Against IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse, NetBeans is generally seen as lighter on cutting-edge refactoring intelligence but simpler to configure for common Java project types, with Maven and Gradle support built in rather than added on. It is maintained by the Apache Software Foundation as a top-level project, which gives it a different governance and release cadence than commercially backed IDEs.

Development activity and plugin ecosystem size are smaller than Eclipse's or JetBrains products, so less common languages or niche framework integrations may have thinner support.

Key features

  • Built-in support for Java SE, Java EE, PHP, and HTML5/JavaScript
  • Integrated GUI builder (Swing) for desktop Java applications
  • Built-in Maven and Gradle project support
  • Code editor with refactoring, code completion, and hints
  • Built-in profiler for Java applications
  • Git and other version control integration out of the box

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); also available for macOS
Architecture
x64
Java
A Java Development Kit (JDK) is required to run and build Java projects

How to install NetBeans

  1. 1. Download the installer

    Get the Windows package from netbeans.apache.org/download.

  2. 2. Run setup

    Follow the installer prompts, choosing which language bundles to include.

  3. 3. Point to a JDK

    Confirm or set the JDK path NetBeans should use for building and running projects.

  4. 4. Open or create a project

    Use File > New Project or open an existing Maven/Gradle/Ant project.

How to use it

  1. 1. Create a project

    Choose a project template matching your language and build system.

  2. 2. Use the GUI builder

    For desktop Java apps, use the drag-and-drop Swing GUI builder to lay out forms visually.

  3. 3. Run and debug

    Use the Run and Debug buttons in the toolbar to launch your application with breakpoints active.

  4. 4. Profile performance

    Use the built-in Profiler to find memory and CPU bottlenecks in Java applications.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from netbeans.apache.org — an official Apache project page.
  • Verify you're using the Apache NetBeans releases rather than older, unmaintained Oracle-era mirrors.
Bundled software
No third-party bundling in the official installer.
Privacy
NetBeans does not require an account and does not transmit personal data beyond standard update checks.

Known risks

  • Smaller plugin ecosystem than Eclipse or JetBrains products for niche frameworks.
  • Older online guides sometimes reference the pre-Apache Oracle NetBeans distribution, which is no longer the current channel.

What's new

  • Current release

    Apache NetBeans ships periodic releases through the Apache Software Foundation. Check the project's release notes on netbeans.apache.org for what changed in your installed version.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Completely free and open source
  • Strong out-of-the-box Java support with less plugin hunting than Eclipse
  • Approachable for students and Java newcomers
  • Built-in GUI builder for desktop apps

Cons

  • Smaller plugin ecosystem than Eclipse or JetBrains IDEs
  • Less refined refactoring intelligence than commercial competitors
  • Requires a separately installed JDK
  • Slower release cadence for some non-Java language support

Verdict

NetBeans is a solid, genuinely free Java IDE for students and developers who want built-in tooling without assembling plugins. Developers needing broader language support or the newest refactoring tools may prefer Eclipse or a JetBrains IDE instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is NetBeans free?

Yes, NetBeans is free and open source, maintained by the Apache Software Foundation.

Does NetBeans include Java?

No, you need a JDK installed separately; NetBeans uses it to build and run projects.

Does NetBeans run on Windows 11?

Yes, both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit) are supported.

Is NetBeans still maintained?

Yes, as Apache NetBeans it's an active top-level Apache Software Foundation project with regular releases.