Which version of Java should I use and how do I configure it?

Preferred Java Versions

Maltego supports Java LTS (Long Term Support versions 8, 11, 17, and 21), however, for optimal performance, we suggest running the Maltego Desktop Client on Java 17.

Download Java safely here.

How to use Maltego's Java Config UI

Opening the UI

Using Windows:

You can find the Maltego Java Config UI for Maltego by searching "maltego java config" from your Start Menu and clicking on the application icon.

Using Mac:

The jar file needed to run the Config UI should be located in the following location:

/Applications/Maltego.app/Contents/Resources/Maltego/maltego-ui/modules/ext/Java_Config_App.jar

Running the following command in your terminal, should launch the configure app:

java -jar /Applications/Maltego.app/Contents/Resources/Maltego/maltego-ui/modules/ext/Java_Config_App.jar

Using Linux:

In the Start Menu, search "Maltego Memory Config"

or run Maltego_memory_config in terminal

/usr/bin/maltego_memory_config

Selecting your Java installation

Once your have opened the configure UI, you can use the "Path" dropdown to select the Java installation to use when running Maltego.

Editing the Java Config file

If you would prefer to edit the config file rather than using the UI, you can edit the following text file:

Windows:

Version 4.3.X and above:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\maltego\v<maltego_version>\etc\maltego.conf

Maltego 4.2.19 and below:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\.maltego\v<maltego_version>\etc\maltego.conf

Mac:

Applications/Maltego.app/Contents/Resources/Maltego/etc/Maltego.conf

Linux:

/home/<username>/.maltego/<maltego_version>/etc/maltego.conf

Add/change the variable "jdkhome" in maltego.conf to point to the path of your Java installation.

jdkhome="PathToYourJavaInstallation"

Note: Please ensure that you replace <username> with your username, and v<maltego_version> with your current Maltego version, e.g. v4.2.19.