How to Change the Java Runtime in IntelliJ IDEA on Mac

Are you experiencing problems with the selected Java runtime in your IntelliJ IDEA project? If so, deleting the file and reverting back to the default runtime may be a viable solution. The path to the selected runtime is stored in the `idea.jdk` or `idea64.jdk` file located in the IntelliJ IDEA configuration directory.

When updating IntelliJ IDEA, you can reset back to the default runtime by using the latest compatible version of JetBrains Runtime. However, if you are currently using a non-default Java runtime for your project, it will not update automatically and may not be compatible with the new version.

To change the Java runtime used in your IntelliJ IDEA project, follow these steps:

1. Open the `Settings` menu by clicking on the gear icon located at the top right corner of the window.

2. Select `Build, Execution, Deployment` > `Build Tools` > `Java Runtime`.

3. Click on the `Use Default Runtime` button to reset back to the default runtime used by IntelliJ IDEA initially.

Alternatively, you can select a different Java runtime available on your Mac by clicking on the `Add Custom Runtime…` button under the `Advanced` option in the `New` field.

Note that when you open the `Choose Boot Runtime for the IDE` dialog for the first time, it may take some time to load the list of JetBrains Runtime builds from the server. Wait until IntelliJ IDEA restarts with the new runtime before proceeding.

If necessary, you can also change the location where IntelliJ IDEA downloads the selected runtime by selecting the desired runtime and clicking `OK`.

To switch the Java runtime used in your project, you can also use the `Find Action` feature. To do this, select `Help` > `Find Action` or press `Ctrl+Shift+A`, then type `Choose Boot Java Runtime for the IDE` in the search bar and select the action from the list.

It's important to note that the runtime used for IntelliJ IDEA is not the same as the runtime used for your applications. Unless you are specifically instructed by JetBrains support, it is recommended to leave the default runtime unchanged.

In some cases, you may be required to use a different Java runtime or specific version of JetBrains Runtime. However, changing the boot Java runtime can cause unexpected problems, so proceed with caution.

Overall, using JetBrains Runtime offers several benefits, including fixes for known OpenJDK and Oracle JDK bugs, improved performance, and enhanced stability. By default, IntelliJ IDEA uses JetBrains Runtime (a fork of OpenJDK), which is included with the IDE.

As a Java application, IntelliJ IDEA requires a Java runtime environment (JRE). With these steps, you can easily change the Java runtime used in your project to ensure optimal performance and stability.

Java runtime mac