How to Install IntelliJ in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to install IntelliJ in Windows 11 to start developing Java, Kotlin, or even Python applications? Great choice! IntelliJ IDEA is one of the most powerful and intelligent IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) available today — and setting it up on Windows 11 is simpler than you might think.

In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything about how to install IntelliJ in Windows 11, from system requirements and installation options to creating your first Java project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this tutorial will walk you through every detail in a simple, clear, and beginner-friendly way.

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💡 What Is IntelliJ IDEA?

IntelliJ IDEA, developed by JetBrains, is a feature-rich IDE widely used for programming in Java, Kotlin, Scala, Groovy, and many other languages. It provides smart code completion, debugging tools, version control integration (Git, SVN), and a clean interface that makes development faster and easier.

IntelliJ comes in two editions:

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🧠 Why Use IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11?

Windows 11 provides an optimized and stable environment for modern development tools. IntelliJ runs exceptionally well on it because:

• It supports Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for hybrid development.

• You can easily integrate with Git, Docker, Gradle, and Maven.

• It’s optimized for 64-bit processors.

• The sleek Windows 11 UI complements IntelliJ’s design perfectly.

Whether you’re learning Java or building enterprise-grade applications, IntelliJ on Windows 11 is a perfect combo.

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⚙️ System Requirements for Installing IntelliJ in Windows 11

Before we begin the installation, ensure your PC meets these minimum requirements:

👉 Tip: IntelliJ IDEA comes bundled with a built-in JDK, so you don’t necessarily need to install one separately unless you prefer a specific version.

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🪄 Step-by-Step: How to Install IntelliJ in Windows 11

Let’s get right into the installation process!

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🧩 Step 1: Download IntelliJ IDEA

1. Open your web browser and go to the official JetBrains download page:
   👉 https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/download

2. You’ll see two versions available:

   • Community (Free)

   • Ultimate (Paid)

3. Click Download under the edition you want.

Your browser will download the IntelliJ IDEA Setup (.exe) file.

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🗂️ Step 2: Run the IntelliJ Installer

1. Once the download completes, open your Downloads folder.

2. Double-click the file named something like:

   ideaIC-2024.2.1.exe


3. Windows may show a User Account Control (UAC) prompt — click Yes to allow the installer to run.

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⚙️ Step 3: Choose Installation Options

You’ll now see the IntelliJ Setup Wizard.

1. Click Next on the welcome screen.

2. Choose the destination folder (default is C:\Program Files\JetBrains\IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition).

3. Click Next again.

You’ll now see Installation Options — this step is important!

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🧭 Step 4: Select Additional Options

You’ll get checkboxes to configure shortcuts and associations. Here’s what they mean:

✅ It’s recommended to check all options for a smoother experience.

Once selected, click Next → Install.

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⏱️ Step 5: Complete the Installation

1. Wait for the installation to finish — it may take a few minutes depending on your system.

2. Once complete, select Run IntelliJ IDEA and click Finish.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully installed IntelliJ on Windows 11.

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🧰 Step 6: Configure IntelliJ on First Launch

When IntelliJ launches for the first time, it asks you to configure some initial settings.

1. Import Settings:
   If you’ve used IntelliJ before, choose to import old settings; otherwise, select Do not import settings.

2. UI Theme:
   Choose between:

   • 🌞 Light theme

   • 🌙 Dark (Darcula) theme

3. Plugins:
   You can install optional plugins for languages like Python, Go, or Flutter. You can also skip this step and add them later.

4. Click Start using IntelliJ IDEA.

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☕ Step 7: Install or Configure the JDK (If Needed)

If you don’t have a JDK installed, IntelliJ will prompt you to download one.

1. When creating a new project, select “Download JDK”.

2. Choose the version (e.g., JDK 17) and vendor (Oracle, JetBrains, OpenJDK).

3. IntelliJ automatically downloads and configures it for you.

Alternatively, if you already have a JDK:

• Go to File → Project Structure → SDKs.

• Click + Add JDK, then select your JDK installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17).

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💻 Step 8: Create Your First Java Project

Now that everything is ready, let’s write your first program.

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA.

2. Click New Project.

3. Select Java from the left-hand panel.

4. Choose your installed JDK.

5. Click Next → Finish.

IntelliJ will create a new workspace.

✍️ Write a Simple Program

1. In the Project Explorer, right-click src → New → Java Class.

2. Name it HelloWorld.

3. Paste the following code:

   public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, IntelliJ on Windows 11!");
}
}


4. Click the green Run ▶ button at the top.

✅ Output:

Congratulations — you just ran your first program in IntelliJ IDEA!

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🧩 Step 9: Customize IntelliJ for Better Productivity

IntelliJ offers tons of customization options to fit your workflow.

🧱 Change Theme or Font

• Go to File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → Appearance

• Choose your favorite theme (Dark, Light, or High Contrast)

• Adjust font size and editor colors

⚡ Enable Auto Save

• Navigate to File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings

• Check Save files automatically if application is idle

🧠 Enable Code Suggestions and Live Templates

IntelliJ provides intelligent code completion by default, but you can customize it:

• Go to File → Settings → Editor → General → Code Completion

• Enable “Show suggestions as you type”

🧭 Install Plugins

• Open File → Settings → Plugins

• Browse the JetBrains Marketplace for useful tools like:

  • Lombok

  • CheckStyle

  • GitToolBox

  • Rainbow Brackets

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🧰 Step 10: Update IntelliJ IDEA Regularly

To keep IntelliJ running smoothly:

1. Go to Help → Check for Updates.

2. If a new version is available, click Download and Install.

3. Restart IntelliJ once the update is complete.

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🪛 Common Installation Issues and Fixes

❌ Issue 1: IntelliJ Won’t Start

Fix:

• Run IntelliJ as an administrator.

• Check antivirus or firewall settings.

• Reinstall IntelliJ if necessary.

⚠️ Issue 2: JDK Not Detected

Fix:

• Verify your JDK path under File → Project Structure → SDKs.

• If missing, click + Add JDK and browse to your JDK folder.

🧩 Issue 3: Slow Performance

Fix:

• Increase IDE memory: Help → Change Memory Settings → Increase Heap Size.

• Close unused projects or disable heavy plugins.

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🔐 Security Tips When Installing IntelliJ

• Always download IntelliJ from the official JetBrains website.

• Avoid third-party installers or cracked versions — they can contain malware.

• Keep IntelliJ and your JDK updated for the latest security patches.

• Enable auto-updates under Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings.

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🚀 Alternative Installation: Using JetBrains Toolbox App

JetBrains provides a convenient Toolbox App to manage all its IDEs in one place.

How to Use JetBrains Toolbox

1. Visit https://www.jetbrains.com/toolbox-app

2. Download and install the Toolbox App.

3. Launch it and sign in with your JetBrains account.

4. From the dashboard, click Install IntelliJ IDEA.

5. Toolbox handles updates, installations, and even multiple versions automatically.

This method is ideal for developers who use multiple JetBrains products like PyCharm, WebStorm, or Rider.

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is IntelliJ free for Windows 11?

Yes, the Community Edition is completely free for personal and educational use. The Ultimate Edition requires a paid license.

2. Do I need to install JDK separately?

Not necessarily — IntelliJ offers a bundled JDK option. However, you can also install your own preferred JDK manually.

3. Can I use IntelliJ for Python or web development?

Yes, with the Ultimate Edition or plugins, IntelliJ supports multiple languages including Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.

4. Why is IntelliJ running slowly on my PC?

Increase the IDE’s memory allocation and disable unnecessary plugins. Also, ensure you’re running it on an SSD for faster performance.

5. How do I uninstall IntelliJ from Windows 11?

Go to Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a Program → IntelliJ IDEA, or use JetBrains Toolbox to remove it safely.

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🏁 Conclusion: Your IntelliJ Setup on Windows 11 Is Ready!

Installing IntelliJ in Windows 11 is straightforward when you follow the right steps. From downloading the installer to setting up your JDK and creating your first Java project — you’ve covered it all!

Whether you’re a student exploring Java or a developer working on professional projects, IntelliJ IDEA provides the perfect mix of power, performance, and productivity.

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✅ Key Takeaways

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🚀 Final Thought

That’s it! You now know exactly how to install IntelliJ in Windows 11 and set it up like a pro. So fire up your IDE, create a new project, and start writing powerful, elegant Java code today.

“The best way to learn coding is by writing code — IntelliJ just makes it faster and smarter.”