IntelliJ - Error:java: release version 5 not supported

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