How to Download and Install IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11

IntelliJ IDEA is one of the most popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) used by developers worldwide. It’s known for its smart coding assistance, deep code analysis, and seamless integration with version control systems. Whether you’re building applications in Java, Kotlin, or Android, IntelliJ IDEA provides a powerful environment to make development faster and easier.

If you’re running Windows 11 and want to get started with Java development using IntelliJ IDEA, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to download, install, and set up IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11 — step by step.

Before You Begin

Before installing IntelliJ IDEA, make sure Java is installed and configured on your Windows 11 system.
If you haven’t installed Java yet, check out our guide on how to install the Java Development Kit (JDK) first.

Once Java is ready, you can proceed with installing IntelliJ IDEA.

How to Download and Install IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11

You can install IntelliJ IDEA in two main editions:

• Community Edition (Free) – Great for Java, Kotlin, and basic Android development.
• Ultimate Edition (Paid) – Includes advanced features for web, enterprise, and full-stack development. (You can try it free for 30 days.)

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Download IntelliJ IDEA

1. Open your preferred browser and visit the official JetBrains website:
   👉 https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/
2. Click on the Download button.
3. On the download page, select Windows as your operating system.
4. Choose your preferred edition — Community (free) or Ultimate (trial) — and click Download.

Once the installer is downloaded, you’re ready to move on to the installation.

Step 2: Install IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11

1. Run the Installer:
   Locate the downloaded file (for example, ideaIC-2025.x.x.exe) and double-click to start the installation.
2. Click Next:
   On the setup wizard, click Next to proceed.
3. Choose Installation Folder:
   You can keep the default location or choose a custom directory by clicking Browse, then click Next.
4. Select Installation Options:
   Here, you can choose optional features such as:
   • Create Desktop Shortcut
   • Add “Open Folder as Project” to the Windows Explorer context menu
   • Associate .java files with IntelliJ IDEA
   • Add the bin folder to your system PATH
   Select your preferences and click Next.
5. Choose Start Menu Folder:
   Keep the default name JetBrains or enter a new one, then click Install.
6. Finish Installation:
   Once installation is complete, click Finish.
   You may be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the setup.

How to Set Up IntelliJ IDEA for Java Development

Now that IntelliJ IDEA is installed, let’s configure it for Java development.

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA:
   Launch it from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
2. Accept the User Agreement:
   When prompted, check the box to accept the JetBrains license terms and click Continue.
3. Create a New Project:
   • Click on Projects → New Project.
   • From the left panel, select Java.
   • Under Project SDK, select your installed JDK.
     (If it’s not detected, click Add SDK → Download JDK and follow the prompts.)
4. Select Additional Libraries (Optional):
   You can download extra frameworks or libraries if needed, then click Next.
5. Create a Simple Java Project:
   Check the box Create project from template → select Command Line App → click Next.
6. Name Your Project:
   Enter your Project Name, Location, and Base Package, then click Finish.
7. IntelliJ IDEA will now create a Main.java file with a default main() method — you’re ready to start coding!

Bonus: Using IntelliJ IDEA for Kotlin and Android

Besides Java, IntelliJ IDEA is also excellent for Kotlin and Android development.
When creating a new project:

• Select Kotlin to start building cross-platform or desktop apps.
• Select Android to develop Android apps using the same powerful IDE.

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed and set up IntelliJ IDEA on Windows 11.
With its intelligent coding features, advanced debugging tools, and seamless Git integration, IntelliJ IDEA helps you write better code — faster.

Whether you’re developing in Java, Kotlin, or Android, this IDE is packed with everything you need to bring your ideas to life.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your fellow developers or drop a comment below if you have any questions.
And if you want to try another popular IDE, check out Eclipse IDE — another great option for Java development.