Why does java.exe in \Windows\System32 change its version number?

[Stevens Miller]

I am running 64-bit Windows 7. In my \Windows\System32 directory there is a java.exe with a created/modified date of July 3, 2014. Its size is 190,888 bytes. When I examine its properties, Windows tells me that this is "Product version 8.0.05.13."

Earlier today, I installed the 64-bit JDK1.8.0_31 in \Program Files\Java\JDK1.8.0_31. In its .\bin subdirectory, there is a java.exe. Its created/modified date is January 27, 2015. Its size is 190,856 bytes. When I examine its properties, Windows tells me that this is "Product version 8.0.31.13."

In a command window, when I explictly execute either (by entering "C:\windows\system32\java -version" or "C:\program files\java\jdk1.8.0_31\bin\java -version"), both give me identical output. They both say

java version "1.8.0_31"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_31-b13)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.31-b07, mixed mode)

I would expect the older version in \Windows\System32 to say it is version 1.8.0_5. Can anyone help me understand why that's not what it's saying?

[Stefan Evans]

The java executable gets installed into the Windows directory at initial installation.
THe java updater however does NOT update that file.

Apparently there is some magic that makes windows looks in the registry and determines which version of java to ACTUALLY run, despite you explicitly running the version in the windows System directory.
It works that out based on the last version installed.
Well. this guy seems to think so anyway.

[Stevens Miller]

Stefan Evans wrote:Apparently there is some magic that makes windows looks in the registry and determines which version of java to ACTUALLY run, despite you explicitly running the version in the windows System directory.

Oh.

Good.

[Stevens Miller]

Please add the following to my previous reply:

God.