JetBrains has released IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1.2, a maintenance update focused on resolving several issues that impact daily coding tasks. This version brings stability improvements, corrects UI behavior, and restores functionality for features such as project imports, live templates, and external diff tools. Whether you're working with Java, Gradle, or MCP servers, this update aims to provide a smoother, more predictable experience.
What’s New in IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1.2
This release addresses a range of issues reported by the community. Below, we break down the most notable fixes into categories to help you understand what has been improved.
Project and File Handling
One of the key corrections involves opening projects via .ipr files generated by the Gradle idea task. Previously, some users encountered errors when loading such files; now the IDE correctly opens the project without additional steps. [IJPL-242321]
Additionally, a problem that prevented opening a diff in an external tool by double-clicking a file in the Commit tool window has been resolved. Developers who rely on external diff tools can again use this shortcut effectively. [IJPL-241256]
Code Editing and Formatting
The indentation for Java ternary expressions when they appear with chained method calls has been fixed. If you've noticed misaligned lines in complex ternary conditions, this update restores proper formatting. [IDEA-387867]
Another editing improvement addresses drag-and-drop behavior. Dragging selected code and dropping it onto its original position no longer causes the code to disappear. This eliminates a frustrating bug that could lead to lost work. [IJPL-235895]
Live Templates and Shortcuts
Live templates that use groovyScript now work as expected again. A regression had broken this functionality, but it has been restored in 2026.1.2. [IJPL-241581]
On Windows, pressing Alt+Enter no longer unexpectedly opens the context menu. This fix ensures that the keyboard shortcut for intention actions works reliably. [IJPL-47743]
IDE Stability and Performance
Several IDE freezes have been resolved in this release. These freezes were reported under issues [IJPL-235455], [IJPL-224542], and [IJPL-203153]. Users should experience fewer interruptions during long coding sessions.
Furthermore, workspaces functionality has been restored. If you encountered issues with workspaces not working properly after upgrading to a previous build, this update corrects the behavior. [IDEA-388445]
MCP Server and Path Handling
The MCP Server no longer reports illegal character errors for projects with spaces in their paths. This fix eliminates a common annoyance for teams working in directories that include spaces. [IJPL-241803]
How to Update
You can update to IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1.2 directly from within the IDE by navigating to Help > Check for Updates. Alternatively, use the Toolbox App for a managed update experience. Ubuntu users can update via snaps. The update is also available for download from the official website.
What’s Next?
For a complete list of all resolved issues, please refer to the official release notes. If you encounter any new bugs, report them to the issue tracker. Happy developing!