How to reset settings during IDE reinstallation

Background

During installation, IDE inherits settings (settings, plugins, and so on) from the previous version if it existed.

If you suspect that IDE installation/settings/plugins are corrupted and want to make an installation from scratch, use this instruction.

Question

How to reset IDE settings during IDE reinstallation?

Answer

Option 1

• uninstall the IDE
• remove all IDE folders described here for all IDE versions (including IDE backup folders)

Note: settings, caches, Local History will be lost in this case.

If you want to save IDE settings, you can export settings before uninstallation and import it after installation.

If you want to save all settings, backup all directories described here.

• and install IDE again from official site or via Toolbox.

Option 2

• open IDE, navigate to Help | Edit Custom VM Options and add -Didea.initially.ask.config=true

• uninstall the IDE
• install IDE again from official site or via Toolbox. IDE will ask you if you want to import settings and you can choose "don't import settings"