Reverting to IntelliJ IDEA Classic UI

Problem Statement

JetBrains introduced a major UI overhaul starting with IntelliJ IDEA 2022.2 as an experimental preview. While some users welcomed the modern interface, many found the changes disruptive to their workflow. The redesigned UI removed familiar elements like the traditional toolbar and repositioned key navigation controls, causing frustration for established users. This article explores how to restore the classic UI in different IntelliJ versions.

Important version considerations

The method for restoring the classic UI varies significantly depending on your IntelliJ version. Check your IDE version under Help > About before proceeding.

Solution by Version

For IntelliJ IDEA 2024.2 and Later

Starting with version 2024.2, JetBrains removed the built-in option to disable the new UI. The solution is to install the official Classic UI plugin:

1. Open Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S on Windows/Linux, Cmd+, on macOS)
2. Navigate to Plugins > Marketplace
3. Search for "Classic UI"
4. Click Install on the plugin from JetBrains
5. Restart the IDE when prompted

Screenshot: Installing Classic UI Plugin

Download Classic UI Plugin

Post-installation notes

• Backup your configuration before installation
• If UI issues occur after installation:
  1. Reset settings to defaults
  2. Install Classic UI plugin
  3. Restore your backed-up configuration

For IntelliJ IDEA 2022.3 to 2024.1

Versions between late 2022 and mid-2024 provide a built-in toggle:

1. Open Settings (Ctrl+Alt+S)
2. Navigate to Appearance & Behavior > New UI
3. Uncheck Enable New UI
4. Click OK and restart the IDE

Screenshot: Disabling New UI in Settings

For IntelliJ IDEA 2022.2

For the original preview version, modify the IDE registry:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+A to open Find Action
2. Search for "Registry" and select it
3. Find and disable ide.experimental.ui
4. Restart the IDE

Registry alternative

If you can't locate the registry option:

1. Navigate to Help > Find Action > Registry...
2. Search for ide.experimental.ui
3. Uncheck its checkbox

Alternative Solutions

Downgrading IntelliJ IDEA

If plugin installation isn't possible (firewall restrictions, corporate policies), downgrade to a version that supports the classic UI natively:

1. Download an older version (pre-2024.2) from JetBrains Archive
2. Install separate from your current version
3. Transfer settings via File > Manage IDE Settings > Export Settings

Downgrade considerations

• You can maintain parallel installations of different IntelliJ versions
• Perpetual fallback licenses allow staying on a specific version indefinitely
• Test newer versions in a separate install before upgrading your main environment

Configure New UI to Emulate Classic Behavior

For users who must stay on the new UI but want a more classic experience:

1. JetBrains' official migration guide suggests adjustments to:
   • Enable "Compact Mode"
   • Restore menu positions
   • Adjust tool window appearance
2. Create custom keymap presets to mimic previous shortcuts

Limitations

Configuration adjustments cannot fully restore the classic UI layout and may not preserve all custom toolbar configurations.

Version Compatibility Reference

IntelliJ Version	Method	Permanent Solution
2022.2	Registry setting	No
2022.3-2024.1	Settings toggle	Through 2024.1
2024.2+	Classic UI plugin required	Yes (via plugin)

When to Consider Adaptation

While reverting to classic UI is ideal for many, consider that:

• JetBrains will gradually phase out classic UI support
• New features may appear first in the modern UI
• The plugin solution requires ongoing maintenance

Future-proofing your workflow

1. Document your current toolbar customizations
2. Gradually incorporate new UI elements while keeping the classic layout
3. Provide feedback to JetBrains about critical missing features

Conclusion

Restoring IntelliJ's classic UI requires different approaches depending on your version:

• 2024.2+: Install Classic UI plugin (official solution)
• 2022.3-2024.1: Use settings toggle
• 2022.2: Modify IDE registry

For environments with restricted plugin access, downgrading to a pre-2024.2 version remains a viable option. The Classic UI plugin provides the most sustainable solution for modern IDE versions while preserving familiar workflows.