IntelliJ - Error:java: release version 5 not supported

#java #intellij #troubleshooting

A common error in IntelliJ when attempting to run a new Java maven project is Error:java: release version 5 not supported.

Here are 3 techniques to resolve this. Try them in order. If one doesn't resolve the issue, try the next.

1. Update Java Compiler

Go to IntelliJ IDE menu item (or File on Windows) -> Preferences -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Java Compiler
Delete value under Target bytecode version, then click OK
Refresh maven
Try running again. If problem persists, continue on to number 2 below

2. Update SDK Version

Go to File -> Project Structure -> Project Settings -> Project. Make sure you have the correct Java version selected. It should be the same as the one you downloaded
Also on this same panel, go to Platform Settings -> SDKs. Make sure you have the correct Java version selected
Click OK
Refresh maven
Try running again. If problem persists, continue on to number 3 below

3. Add property to pom.xml

Within IntelliJ, open pom.xml file
Add this section before <dependencies> (If your file already has a <properties> section, just add the <maven.compiler...> lines below to that existing section):

   <properties> 
      <maven.compiler.source>1.8</maven.compiler.source> 
      <maven.compiler.target>1.8</maven.compiler.target> 
   </properties>

Change the x in 1.8 to your Java version. For example, if you’re using Java 13, change 1.8 to 1.13
Refresh maven

Try running again

Oldest comments (35)

Jason Reed • Feb 16 '20

Maven by default always targets JRE 5. You should always configure the correct Java version as you have shown in the pom.xml

Lars Opitz • Feb 16 '20

The proper solution for maven-based projects is to change the target version as shown by Angie in option 3. I added some background on the root cause and provided an additional example for spring boot projects and "plain" java projects here:

Proper solutions for error “java: release version 5 not supported”

Lars Opitz ・ Feb 16 ・ 4 min read

#java #intellij #troubleshooting #maven

dopplerGit • Feb 26 '20

Yeah I had the same problem, Why don't the ItelliJ just add these things by itself.

Android studio is so nice to work with everything is auto.

Ishwak Sharda • Mar 1 '20

By default, your "Project bytecode version isn't set in maven project.

It thinks that your current version is 5, so just go to "Project Settings>Build, Execution...>compiler>java compiler" and then change your bytecode version to your current java version.

Have a good day :)