Opening multiple minor versions of Intellij IDEA

Problem

A user attempts to run two minor versions of the same major IntelliJ IDEA release (e.g., 2025.1.1 and 2025.1.2) simultaneously. However, only one launches, and the other brings the existing instance to the foreground instead of opening a new window.

Cause

IntelliJ IDEA does not allow multiple minor versions of the same major release to run concurrently by default because they share the same configuration directory (e.g., IntelliJIdea2025.1). Running both simultaneously may cause conflicts due to shared settings, system, and log files.

In contrast, different major versions (e.g., 2025.1 and 2025.2) use separate configuration directories (e.g., IntelliJIdea2025.1, IntelliJIdea2025.2) and can run side-by-side without issue.

Resolution

To run multiple minor versions of IntelliJ IDEA at the same time, configure each version to use its own configuration folder. Follow these steps using JetBrains Toolbox:

1. Open JetBrains Toolbox.
2. Click the three dots (⋮) next to the installed IntelliJ IDEA 2025.1.2.
3. In the Configuration section, enable:
   • "Per-tool JVM options file location"
4. Set a custom directory under "System, config and log directory", such as:
   • ~/JetBrainsConfigs/IntelliJIdea2025.1.2
   • Read more about directories used by the IDE.
5. Save and launch IntelliJ IDEA 2025.1.2.

This ensures 2025.1.2 uses a separate configuration folder and allows it to run alongside other 2025.1.x versions.