How can I move back to old IntelliJ IDEA UI?

Question

I've got the new IntelliJ IDEA UI (I applied for testing), but I want to move back to the old one and can't find a way to do that. How can I disable the new UI?

Version: 2022.2.1

Answer 1

If you are behind a firewall like me without access to the "Marketplace" the best way might be to revert to the previous version of IntelliJ, I just did it and it works just like it did (At least the new version didn't wipe my config files).

I suppose I can keep it at this version until they release a new must-have feature and solve the problem then. (Another consideration is that with the perpetual license you can stop renewing your license after a year and just keep the 2023 until they release some must-have feature and deal with the "new" UI then)

They do have some instructions that are supposed to make it look like the previous version, but it didn't seem to restore my toolbar customizations and stuff still didn't feel right.

I find it amazing that there is a UI company that doesn't understand the concept that you don't throw away a user's customizations, you just change the default layout. If you need to change the code in a way that is fundamentally different then you need to ensure that you can read the old configuration and keep the layout as close as possible BY DEFAULT.

Answer 2

New UI option is not available in 2024.2 version. That's why you should install Classic UI plugin for getting back to old version in your IDE. From your IDE's settings options go to plugins>Marketplace>Search Classic UI and install it. Restart your IDE. You are good to go

https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/24468-classic-ui/versions/stable

Answer 3

v 2024.2 Does not have this option.

This is really a Microsoft move, trying to force users into a cartoonish UI that requires re-learning and more clicks. Lame.

Answer 4

Updated for version 2024.2: Install and enable the Classic UI plugin:

• navigate to plugins management settings File | Settings | Plugins | Marketplace
• search for Classic UI plugin
• click the Install button and restart the IDE

Updated for version 2022.3:

In 2022.3 IDE version new UI can be enabled/disabled without modifying registry keys.

Settings | Appearance & Behavior | New UI:

Original Answer:

Go to Help | Find Action | Registry, start typing the key name for ide.experimental.ui, then disable it. Restart the IDE.

Answer 5

You will need "Classic UI" plugin from the Marketplace in 242

Answer 6

Update for version 2024.2+

now Classic GUI is supported with plugin.

i advise make backup of your custom configuration. personally my first try has broken IDEA. then i have deleted all config, installed idea, added plugin, and than imported my custom config

https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/24468-classic-ui

Answer 7

Open Settings with CTRL + ALT + S and look for 'Appeareance & Behavior -> New UI'

You can also access the Settings by clicking on the icon in the top right.