# Can I delete Java versions installed with SDKMAN!?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/jvm-sdkman-java
- Item: Java versions (SDKMAN!)
- Location: `~/.sdkman/candidates/java` (items inside)
- Verdict: Review first — Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
- Comes back on its own: yes
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

SDKMAN! installs each Java distribution and version you ask for in its own folder under `~/.sdkman/candidates/java`, plus a `current` link pointing to your default. Each JDK typically takes 200 to 400 MB, and versions installed for one project tend to stay.

## What happens if you delete it?

A removed version can be installed again with `sdk install java <version>`; SDKMAN! does not do it automatically unless a project uses an `.sdkmanrc` file and you run `sdk env install`.

## How to remove it properly

Run `sdk list java` to see what is installed and `sdk current java` to see your default, then `sdk uninstall java <version>` for each version you no longer need. This is SDKMAN!’s own command and deletes permanently.

## Before you delete it

Do not remove the default version or the `current` link; to retire your default, switch first with `sdk default java <version>`.