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How can I fix "unsupported class file major version 60" in IntelliJ IDEA?

I have a Gradle project in Ubuntu. It's written in Java 14. I have the Java 14 JDK installed. When I build it from the command line, everything works, but no one wants to use a command line! When I open it in IntelliJ IDEA, it throws an error:
* Where:
Initialization script '/tmp/ijmapper.gradle`
* What went wrong:
Could not compile initialization script '/tmp/ijmapper.gradle`.
> Startup failed:
General error during semantic analysis: Unsupported class file major version 60.
followed by a long, unhelpful stack trace that says a lot about Groovy. (The project is not a Groovy project; it's a Java project.)
Major version 60 refers to Java 16, which this project is not using. I've already gone into Project Structure and made sure that it's set to use JDK version 14. But the name "ijmapper" suggests that this has something to do with IntelliJ specifically, and this is likely an IDE problem rather than a project problem.
The mapper file simply says:
if(!ext.has('mapPath')) ext.mapPath = { path -> path}
A simple polyfill, in other words.
What's going on here and how can I fix it?

TL;DR; You need to have the Java version which is compatible with your Gradle version, and configure Gradle to use exactly that version (not older Java, and not even newer version).
I fixed this problem by changing the Gradle JVM settings in IntelliJ settings:
In the Settings/Preferences dialog, go to Build, Execution, Deployment → Build Tools → Gradle.
Under the Gradle section, change the Gradle JVM option. Select a Gradle JVM which works for you.
See Resolve the Gradle JVM version for the existing project

For me, it was fixed by upgrading the Gradle version.
In the file under the directory gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties, just change the version number of Gradle. For example, if your Gradle version is 6.3, change this:
distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-6.3-bin.zip
to:
distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-7.0-bin.zip
It is not available in File → Project Structure → Project for the project I was working with.

Upgrading Gradle version 6.8.3 to 7.0 solved my problem. You can upgrade it:
Menu File → Project Structure → Project (on the left panel)
Change to Gradle version 7.0
It works with the Android Gradle plugin version 4.2.0.

For me, (in Flutter) the problem was that I was using Java JDK version 16, but version 16 is not supported for some packages.
So, I downgraded to JDK version 15.
On Windows, I did the following:
Close your current IDE / Terminal (do not skip this step).
Uninstall the current Java JDK and restart your computer.
Download and install Java JDK version 15 from here (you are required to create an account in order to download).
Update the JAVA_HOME Environment Variable.

In my case (Manjaro Linux), the issue was that there is a known bug with OpenJDK 16 and Gradle. (See: * "Unsupported class file major version 60" Using toolchain with Java 16 #16766*)
The solution was to point Java to openJdk-11 with the following command:
sudo archlinux-java set java-11-openjdk
Make sure that this JDK is installed. On Arch Linux and Manjaro you can check it with:
archlinux-java status
After switching to OpenJDK 11 everything works again like expected.

I fixed it too, the hard way:
Java
Installed the latest Java JDK
Fixed the Java path in the system environment variables by adding the JAVA_HOME variable (main Java folder without bin) and added %JAVA_HOME%\bin to the PATH environment variable
java -version shows the correct version now
Gradle
Installed Gradle from scratch using https://gradle.org/install/
Fixed the Gradle path in the system environment variables by adding the GRADLE_HOME variable (main Gradle folder without bin) and added %GRADLE_HOME%\bin to the PATH environment variable
gradle -version shows the correct version now incl. the correct JVM
IntelliJ IDEA settings
Go to Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Build Tools → Gradle
Edit Gradle user home (C:/Gradle/gradle-7.0.2)
Use Gradle from: C:/Gradle/gradle-7.0.2
Gradle JVM: JAVA_HOME version 16.0.1
Now it builds without error: Unsupported class file major version 60

I faced the same issue, but with Android Studio. It seems like JDK 17 is not compatible with Gradle 7.0.2 as the others mentioned that.
I fixed this problem by changing the Gradle JDK settings in Android Studio settings:
In menu File → Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Build Tools → Gradle.
In the Gradle section, change the Gradle JVM option to another JDK (example: JDK11).
Later Gradle versions (version higher than 7.3.2) support running on and building with Java 17.

I ran into the same issue. It seems like JDK 17 is not compatible with Gradle 7.0.2.
Download JDK 16, drop it _somewhere_ (close to other JDK's folders or whatever)
Next, update: Project Structure → SDK Location → Gradle Settings → Gradle JDK to match that _somewhere_
At the end, don't forget to Sync Project with Gradle files.

Changing, as people mentioned above, the page with the correct compatibility: Compatibility Matrix
In my case it was 7.3, because I was using JDK 17 and Java 8 worked for me!
// gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties
distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-7.3-bin.zip

The correct version of Java is needed, here's a list:
Java SE 19 = 63,
Java SE 18 = 62,
Java SE 17 = 61,
Java SE 16 = 60,
Java SE 15 = 59,
Java SE 14 = 58,
Java SE 13 = 57,
Java SE 12 = 56,
Java SE 11 = 55,
Java SE 10 = 54,
Java SE 9 = 53,
Java SE 8 = 52,
Java SE 7 = 51,
Java SE 6.0 = 50,
Java SE 5.0 = 49,
JDK 1.4 = 48,
JDK 1.3 = 47,
JDK 1.2 = 46,
JDK 1.1 = 45

To fix "Unsupported class file major version 63" we need to update gradle to v7.6:
gradle-wrapper.properties
distributionUrl=https://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-7.6-all.zip

My project is using Java 16 and Maven to build a Spring Boot application. I got the same error and was able to resolve it with these steps:
Navigate to IntelliJ IDEA → Preferences... → Build, Execution, Deployment → Compiler → *Java Compiler
Select your module under "Per-module bytecode version:"
Click the red "-" button to delete the custom setting
Click Apply
I think this bytecode setting (16) was conflicting with the one configured in my project (11). Removing the override cleared it up.

At the moment, it won't work with JDK 17, so it is suggested to use embedded Java provided from IDE in Settings/Gradle.

In Spring Tool Suite (STS)/Eclipse even after changing the build path, compiler, default JRE from 16 to 11.0 it did not fix. Finally in the STS.ini file, I had to change the -vm argument from
-vm plugins/org.eclipse.justj.openjdk.hotspot.jre.full.win32.x86_64_16.0.2.v20210721-1149/jre/bin
to
-vm C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11.0.12\bin

I fixed it by installing the Chocolatey package manager and running
choco install -y nodejs.install openjdk8
in PowerShell admin.

12.31.2022 UPDATE
To everyone who has this problem, and have not found solution yet.
First of all, you have to check for the compatibility of your Java version, and first Gradle version to support it, in: Compatibility Matrix.
Then you have to change the distributionUrl in:
android/gradle/wrapper/gradle-wrapper.properties
distributionUrl=https\://services.gradle.org/distributions/gradle-7.3-bin.zip

Java version error after upgrading a dependency [duplicate]

While running a script, I am getting the following error message in the Eclipse console:
Class has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Environment (class file version 53.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0.
Java Version: 8
IDE: Eclipse Oxygen
Firefox Version: 46

This is just a version mismatch. You have compiled your code using java version 9 and your current JRE is version 8. Try upgrading your JRE to 9.
49 = Java 5
50 = Java 6
51 = Java 7
52 = Java 8
53 = Java 9
54 = Java 10
55 = Java 11
56 = Java 12
57 = Java 13
58 = Java 14
59 = Java 15
60 = Java 16
61 = Java 17
62 = Java 18
63 = Java 19

IDE: Eclipse Oxygen.3
To temporarily correct the problem do the following:
Project menu > Properties > Java Compiler > Compiler compliance level > 1.8
A permanent fix likely involves installing JDK 9.
FYI 1.8 is what Java 8 is called.
Side bar
I recently returned to Java after a foray into C# (a breath of fresh air) and installed Eclipse Oxygen onto a clean system that had never had Java installed on it before. This default everything with a brand new install of Eclipse Oxygen yet somehow or other Eclipse can't get its own parameters to match the jdk that's installed. This is the second project I created and the second time I ran into this headache. Time to go back to C#?
Related Question
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 53.0)

You might see this error in IntelliJ as well and this comes up in Google.
I think it's a Gradle error more than an IDE error.
The fix (stolen from here) is configure Java 11 as a Gradle JVM in IntelliJ:
File -> Settings -> Build, Execution & Development -> Build Tools -> Gradle and change Gradle JVM to 11
That screenshot stolen from the Jetbrains issue as well

You can try this way
javac --release 8 yourClass.java

For Android Studio, File -> Project Structure [Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S]

53 stands for java-9, so it means that whatever class you have has been compiled with javac-9 and you try to run it with jre-8. Either re-compile that class with javac-8 or use the jre-9

For temporary solution just right click on Project => Properties => Java compiler => over there please select compiler compliance level 1.8 => .class compatibility 1.8 => source compatibility 1.8.
Then your code will start to execute on version 1.8.

I had a similar issue from the console after building a Jar in Intellij. Using the Java configuration to update to a newer version (Windows -> Configure Java -> Update -> Update Now) didn't work and stuck at version 1.8 (Java 8).
To switch to a more recent version locally I had to install the Java 15 JDK from https://www.oracle.com/uk/java/technologies/javase-jdk15-downloads.html and add that to my Java runtime environment settings.

The solution for me was doing what Andrei Kuznetsov said at https://youtrack.jetbrains.com/issue/IDEA-251407/Failed-to-run-Android-project-in-the-Idea-20203-EAP-OutputBuildAction-has-been-compiled-by-a-more-recent-version-of-the-Java, summarized in the following image:
"Root cause: IDEA sources are now compiled against Java 11. Known workaround is to configure Java 11 as a Gradle JVM." (Andrei Kuznetsov)

Your JDK version: Java 8
Your JRE version: Java 9
Here your JRE version is different than the JDK version that's the case. Here you can compile all the java classes using JDK version 1.8. If you want to compile only one java class just change the *.java into <yourclassname>.java
javac -source 1.8 -target 1.8 *.java
source: The version that your source code requires to compile.
target: The oldest JRE version you want to support.

I'm writing this because I found the other answers hard to understand.
Essentially your JRE is not updated and/or Eclipse is not configured to use the most recent JRE.
On Windows, go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Java -> update and proceed to update java
or if you don't have Java, go to Oracle's website and download the most recent JRE.
Once this is done, go into eclipse, and under the project view, right click on your project, select Java Build Path, double click on JRE System Library, then Select Workspace Default JRE 14.1.
If a recent version of Java doesn't show up here, it probably isn't installed. Check you JRE(NOT JDK) version and make sure it's recent. If it is, try restarting the computer then trying this again.

IDE : Eclipse 2021-09
This is caused because you have compiled the code with java version 9 and have java8 installed. You don't have to update to solve this issue.
Right click on project > properties > Java Compiler > untick-Enable
project specific settings > configure workspace settings > tick-Use
default compliance settings > Apply and Close.
Now your code should be executed properly.

I've reproduced on Windows 10 the similar issue in format like:
Error: LinkageError occurred while loading main class ...
java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: com/.../ServiceApplication
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 62.0),
this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 61.0
after upgrading the project from Java 17 to Java 18.
I had project settings regarding to Java 18:
Command line:
java version "18.0.1.1" 2022-04-22
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 18.0.1.1+2-6)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 18.0.1.1+2-6, mixed mode, sharing)
Project Structure -> Project Settings -> Project:
Project Structure -> Project Settings -> Modules:
Project Structure -> Platform Settings -> SDKs:
And the reason of this issue was:
I forgot to specify the correct version for Run/Debug Configurations -> Build and run to Java 18 instead of Java 17:
As it was compiled with a newer Java version, but running on the older one.
If it's Maven-related issue, you can modify POM by specifying the -source and -target of the Java Compiler.
Additional helpful links:
Setting the Java Version in Maven
Consuming Jar Artifact of a Specific Java Version

Go to Project section, click on properties > then to Java compiler > check compiler compliance level is 1.8 , or there should be no yellow warning at bottom

Refreshing gradle dependencies works for me: Right click over the project -> Gradle -> Refresh Gradle Project.

You should check your Project Facets.
Project Properties > Project Facets
Change java version to the same version you are using. That work for me!

I faced this error in Intellij. Apparently, choosing java 1.8 as the project SDK doesn't affect the javac compiler that's used to build the project.
To change that, go to Settings -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Compiler -> Java Compiler, and change Project bytecode version to 8.

If you're using IntelliJ IDEA and having this error, try this.
Command + , (Open Preferences)
Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle
Gradle JVM > Change it to a proper version

This is getting as an example
if your computer running on an older version of java and the Neo4J is compiled on the latest version, please try to install the same version or upper to your computer.

I'm getting the same problem with Sonarqube
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
Sonarqube with AzureDevOps error output:
INFO: SonarScanner 4.6.2.2472
INFO: Java 1.8.0_231 Oracle Corporation (32-bit)
INFO: Windows Server 2016 10.0 x86
INFO: User cache: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile.sonar\cache
INFO: Scanner configuration file: C:\agent_a_work_tasks\SonarQubePrepare_15b84ca1-b62f-4a2a-a403-89b77a063157\5.4.0\classic-sonar-scanner-msbuild\sonar-scanner-4.6.2.2472\bin..\conf\sonar-scanner.properties
INFO: Project root configuration file: C:\agent_a_work\189.sonarqube\out\sonar-project.properties
INFO: Analyzing on SonarQube server 9.4.0
INFO: Default locale: "en_AU", source code encoding: "windows-1252" (analysis is platform dependent)
INFO: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO: EXECUTION FAILURE
INFO: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO: Total time: 0.405s
INFO: Final Memory: 3M/15M
##[error]ERROR: Error during SonarScanner execution
java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: org/sonar/batch/bootstrapper/EnvironmentInformation has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
I had Java v11 installed on the Sonarcube server, but the error is saying its the Build Agent that doesn't have Java v11.
I decided to add the Java v12 bin path to the Environment Variable Path for it to be detected. IMPORTANT THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THE BUILD AGENT:
For a Hosted Build Agent you can install JDK v11 or use this PowerShell script step:
- task: PowerShell#2
displayName: 'Download and Install Java v11'
inputs:
targetType: 'inline'
script: |
[Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12
$Command = "c:\jdk-11.0.15_windows-x64_bin.exe"
$Parms = "/s"
Write-Host [System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)
if ([System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)) {
Write-Host 'Downloading Java11.exe'
Invoke-WebRequest https://yourOwnUrl.com/jdk-11.0.15_windows-x64_bin.exe -OutFile $Command
}
Write-Host [System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)
& "$Command" $Prms
[System.Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("JAVA_HOME", "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11.0.15")
[System.Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('Path', [System.EnvironmentVariableTarget]::Machine) + ";$($env:JAVA_HOME)\bin")

In my case, I'm building with VS2019 some C++ code that is using ANTLR4.
ANTLR4 is java based, and to use it I run java commands as a custom build step.
Earlier that day I had updated my JRE (Java Runtime Environment) on my new laptop to 1.8. Not thinking, since it's been a year since I ran ANTLR4 stuff... I need the full JDK to COMPILE with java. So I had a 1.8 RUNTIME, but the VS2019 build shell was finding the JDK1.7 compiler. Once I installed the 1.8 JDK, all was good.
So 80% of the time JRE is fine for me... it's just when I need the full JDK, DOH I need the full JDK.

In build.gradle(app) update as below: (Worked for me)
kotlinOptions {
jvmTarget = '1.8'
}

For me this problem was resolved by just installing older version of testng. Looks like It compiles with my Java 8

If you're using IntelliJ IDEA and having this error, try this.
1. Command + , (Open Preferences)
2. Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle
3. Gradle JVM > Change it to a proper version

Check the version of Java configured in IDE by navigating to Settings -> Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle

In my case, I use the IntellJ Idea and set JDK11 as my SDK and JDK17 in gradle setting.
Just update my SDK as JDK17, it was solved
Check the JDK in "Project Setting"(CMD+;) -> SDK
with
the gradle JVM in "Preference"(CMD+,) -> Build Tools -> gradle JVM

Faced the same issue when initialise my project from spring initizer
We need to match the version of java.sourceCompatibility and jvmTarget used for run and compile in "build.gradle.kt" file.

Last week, I updated my Mac's Android Studio from 2021.2.1 to 2021.3.1. Then our project was built failed for the similar reason:
Cause: com/android/tools/idea/gradle/run/OutputBuildAction has been
compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file
version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class
file versions up to 53.0
I found several discussion on the Jetbrains YouTrack Forum: Failed to run Android project in the Idea 2020.3 EAP (OutputBuildAction has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0)). The suggested workaround is to update the defined Gradle JDK version to JDK11, but many Android projects don't support Gradle JDK11, so does mine.
Another solution is to downgrade Android Studio from 2021.3.1 to 2021.2.1, and it worked for me. Hope it helps.

it looks like everyone is using windows for development, but if you use Linux, lower your Java version. maybe install JDK 8, the version table provided by #Nithin should give you an idea of which version you want to install.

After configuring the version of the compiler to 1.8 (your required version), try the older version of spring boot currently it is 3.0.0 by default but you can try 2.7.6 instead.
enter image description here

Class has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Environment

While running a script, I am getting the following error message in the Eclipse console:
Class has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Environment (class file version 53.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0.
Java Version: 8
IDE: Eclipse Oxygen
Firefox Version: 46

This is just a version mismatch. You have compiled your code using java version 9 and your current JRE is version 8. Try upgrading your JRE to 9.
49 = Java 5
50 = Java 6
51 = Java 7
52 = Java 8
53 = Java 9
54 = Java 10
55 = Java 11
56 = Java 12
57 = Java 13
58 = Java 14
59 = Java 15
60 = Java 16
61 = Java 17
62 = Java 18
63 = Java 19

IDE: Eclipse Oxygen.3
To temporarily correct the problem do the following:
Project menu > Properties > Java Compiler > Compiler compliance level > 1.8
A permanent fix likely involves installing JDK 9.
FYI 1.8 is what Java 8 is called.
Side bar
I recently returned to Java after a foray into C# (a breath of fresh air) and installed Eclipse Oxygen onto a clean system that had never had Java installed on it before. This default everything with a brand new install of Eclipse Oxygen yet somehow or other Eclipse can't get its own parameters to match the jdk that's installed. This is the second project I created and the second time I ran into this headache. Time to go back to C#?
Related Question
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 53.0)

You might see this error in IntelliJ as well and this comes up in Google.
I think it's a Gradle error more than an IDE error.
The fix (stolen from here) is configure Java 11 as a Gradle JVM in IntelliJ:
File -> Settings -> Build, Execution & Development -> Build Tools -> Gradle and change Gradle JVM to 11
That screenshot stolen from the Jetbrains issue as well

You can try this way
javac --release 8 yourClass.java

For Android Studio, File -> Project Structure [Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S]

53 stands for java-9, so it means that whatever class you have has been compiled with javac-9 and you try to run it with jre-8. Either re-compile that class with javac-8 or use the jre-9

For temporary solution just right click on Project => Properties => Java compiler => over there please select compiler compliance level 1.8 => .class compatibility 1.8 => source compatibility 1.8.
Then your code will start to execute on version 1.8.

I had a similar issue from the console after building a Jar in Intellij. Using the Java configuration to update to a newer version (Windows -> Configure Java -> Update -> Update Now) didn't work and stuck at version 1.8 (Java 8).
To switch to a more recent version locally I had to install the Java 15 JDK from https://www.oracle.com/uk/java/technologies/javase-jdk15-downloads.html and add that to my Java runtime environment settings.

The solution for me was doing what Andrei Kuznetsov said at https://youtrack.jetbrains.com/issue/IDEA-251407/Failed-to-run-Android-project-in-the-Idea-20203-EAP-OutputBuildAction-has-been-compiled-by-a-more-recent-version-of-the-Java, summarized in the following image:
"Root cause: IDEA sources are now compiled against Java 11. Known workaround is to configure Java 11 as a Gradle JVM." (Andrei Kuznetsov)

Your JDK version: Java 8
Your JRE version: Java 9
Here your JRE version is different than the JDK version that's the case. Here you can compile all the java classes using JDK version 1.8. If you want to compile only one java class just change the *.java into <yourclassname>.java
javac -source 1.8 -target 1.8 *.java
source: The version that your source code requires to compile.
target: The oldest JRE version you want to support.

I'm writing this because I found the other answers hard to understand.
Essentially your JRE is not updated and/or Eclipse is not configured to use the most recent JRE.
On Windows, go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Java -> update and proceed to update java
or if you don't have Java, go to Oracle's website and download the most recent JRE.
Once this is done, go into eclipse, and under the project view, right click on your project, select Java Build Path, double click on JRE System Library, then Select Workspace Default JRE 14.1.
If a recent version of Java doesn't show up here, it probably isn't installed. Check you JRE(NOT JDK) version and make sure it's recent. If it is, try restarting the computer then trying this again.

IDE : Eclipse 2021-09
This is caused because you have compiled the code with java version 9 and have java8 installed. You don't have to update to solve this issue.
Right click on project > properties > Java Compiler > untick-Enable
project specific settings > configure workspace settings > tick-Use
default compliance settings > Apply and Close.
Now your code should be executed properly.

I've reproduced on Windows 10 the similar issue in format like:
Error: LinkageError occurred while loading main class ...
java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: com/.../ServiceApplication
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 62.0),
this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 61.0
after upgrading the project from Java 17 to Java 18.
I had project settings regarding to Java 18:
Command line:
java version "18.0.1.1" 2022-04-22
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 18.0.1.1+2-6)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 18.0.1.1+2-6, mixed mode, sharing)
Project Structure -> Project Settings -> Project:
Project Structure -> Project Settings -> Modules:
Project Structure -> Platform Settings -> SDKs:
And the reason of this issue was:
I forgot to specify the correct version for Run/Debug Configurations -> Build and run to Java 18 instead of Java 17:
As it was compiled with a newer Java version, but running on the older one.
If it's Maven-related issue, you can modify POM by specifying the -source and -target of the Java Compiler.
Additional helpful links:
Setting the Java Version in Maven
Consuming Jar Artifact of a Specific Java Version

Go to Project section, click on properties > then to Java compiler > check compiler compliance level is 1.8 , or there should be no yellow warning at bottom

Refreshing gradle dependencies works for me: Right click over the project -> Gradle -> Refresh Gradle Project.

You should check your Project Facets.
Project Properties > Project Facets
Change java version to the same version you are using. That work for me!

I faced this error in Intellij. Apparently, choosing java 1.8 as the project SDK doesn't affect the javac compiler that's used to build the project.
To change that, go to Settings -> Build, Execution, Deployment -> Compiler -> Java Compiler, and change Project bytecode version to 8.

If you're using IntelliJ IDEA and having this error, try this.
Command + , (Open Preferences)
Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle
Gradle JVM > Change it to a proper version

This is getting as an example
if your computer running on an older version of java and the Neo4J is compiled on the latest version, please try to install the same version or upper to your computer.

I'm getting the same problem with Sonarqube
has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
Sonarqube with AzureDevOps error output:
INFO: SonarScanner 4.6.2.2472
INFO: Java 1.8.0_231 Oracle Corporation (32-bit)
INFO: Windows Server 2016 10.0 x86
INFO: User cache: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile.sonar\cache
INFO: Scanner configuration file: C:\agent_a_work_tasks\SonarQubePrepare_15b84ca1-b62f-4a2a-a403-89b77a063157\5.4.0\classic-sonar-scanner-msbuild\sonar-scanner-4.6.2.2472\bin..\conf\sonar-scanner.properties
INFO: Project root configuration file: C:\agent_a_work\189.sonarqube\out\sonar-project.properties
INFO: Analyzing on SonarQube server 9.4.0
INFO: Default locale: "en_AU", source code encoding: "windows-1252" (analysis is platform dependent)
INFO: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO: EXECUTION FAILURE
INFO: ------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFO: Total time: 0.405s
INFO: Final Memory: 3M/15M
##[error]ERROR: Error during SonarScanner execution
java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: org/sonar/batch/bootstrapper/EnvironmentInformation has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
I had Java v11 installed on the Sonarcube server, but the error is saying its the Build Agent that doesn't have Java v11.
I decided to add the Java v12 bin path to the Environment Variable Path for it to be detected. IMPORTANT THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THE BUILD AGENT:
For a Hosted Build Agent you can install JDK v11 or use this PowerShell script step:
- task: PowerShell#2
displayName: 'Download and Install Java v11'
inputs:
targetType: 'inline'
script: |
[Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12
$Command = "c:\jdk-11.0.15_windows-x64_bin.exe"
$Parms = "/s"
Write-Host [System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)
if ([System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)) {
Write-Host 'Downloading Java11.exe'
Invoke-WebRequest https://yourOwnUrl.com/jdk-11.0.15_windows-x64_bin.exe -OutFile $Command
}
Write-Host [System.IO.File]::Exists($Command)
& "$Command" $Prms
[System.Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("JAVA_HOME", "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-11.0.15")
[System.Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('Path', [System.EnvironmentVariableTarget]::Machine) + ";$($env:JAVA_HOME)\bin")

In my case, I'm building with VS2019 some C++ code that is using ANTLR4.
ANTLR4 is java based, and to use it I run java commands as a custom build step.
Earlier that day I had updated my JRE (Java Runtime Environment) on my new laptop to 1.8. Not thinking, since it's been a year since I ran ANTLR4 stuff... I need the full JDK to COMPILE with java. So I had a 1.8 RUNTIME, but the VS2019 build shell was finding the JDK1.7 compiler. Once I installed the 1.8 JDK, all was good.
So 80% of the time JRE is fine for me... it's just when I need the full JDK, DOH I need the full JDK.

In build.gradle(app) update as below: (Worked for me)
kotlinOptions {
jvmTarget = '1.8'
}

For me this problem was resolved by just installing older version of testng. Looks like It compiles with my Java 8

If you're using IntelliJ IDEA and having this error, try this.
1. Command + , (Open Preferences)
2. Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle
3. Gradle JVM > Change it to a proper version

Check the version of Java configured in IDE by navigating to Settings -> Build, Execution, Deployment > Build Tools > Gradle

In my case, I use the IntellJ Idea and set JDK11 as my SDK and JDK17 in gradle setting.
Just update my SDK as JDK17, it was solved
Check the JDK in "Project Setting"(CMD+;) -> SDK
with
the gradle JVM in "Preference"(CMD+,) -> Build Tools -> gradle JVM

Faced the same issue when initialise my project from spring initizer
We need to match the version of java.sourceCompatibility and jvmTarget used for run and compile in "build.gradle.kt" file.

Last week, I updated my Mac's Android Studio from 2021.2.1 to 2021.3.1. Then our project was built failed for the similar reason:
Cause: com/android/tools/idea/gradle/run/OutputBuildAction has been
compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file
version 55.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class
file versions up to 53.0
I found several discussion on the Jetbrains YouTrack Forum: Failed to run Android project in the Idea 2020.3 EAP (OutputBuildAction has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 55.0)). The suggested workaround is to update the defined Gradle JDK version to JDK11, but many Android projects don't support Gradle JDK11, so does mine.
Another solution is to downgrade Android Studio from 2021.3.1 to 2021.2.1, and it worked for me. Hope it helps.

it looks like everyone is using windows for development, but if you use Linux, lower your Java version. maybe install JDK 8, the version table provided by #Nithin should give you an idea of which version you want to install.

After configuring the version of the compiler to 1.8 (your required version), try the older version of spring boot currently it is 3.0.0 by default but you can try 2.7.6 instead.
enter image description here

Unsupported major.minor version 52.0 using Maven for wikixmlj [duplicate]

This question already has answers here:
How to fix java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Unsupported major.minor version
(51 answers)
Closed 6 years ago.
Pictures:
Command Prompt showing versions
Picture of error
Hello.java
import java.applet.Applet;
import java.awt.*;
public class Hello extends Applet {
// Java applet to draw "Hello World"
public void paint (Graphics page) {
page.drawString ("Hello World!", 50, 50);
}
}
Hello.html
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>HelloWorld Applet</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<APPLET CODE="Hello.class" WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=150>
</APPLET>
</BODY>
</HTML>
Error
Hello : Unsupported major.minor version 52.0
What may the problem be?

The issue is because of Java version mismatch. Referring to the JVM specification the following are the major versions of classfiles for use with different versions of Java. (As of now, all versions support all previous versions.)
Java SE version
Major version
1.0.2
45
1.1
45 (Not a typo, same version)
1.2
46
1.3
47
1.4
48
5.0
49
6
50
7
51
8
52
9
53
10
54
11
55
12
56
13
57
14
58
15
59
16
60
These are the assigned major numbers. The error regarding the unsupported major.minor version is because during compile time you are using a higher JDK and a lower JDK during runtime.
Thus, the 'major.minor version 52.0' error is possibly because the jar was compiled in JDK 1.8, but you are trying to run it using a JDK 1.7 environment. The reported number is the required number, not the number you are using. To solve this, it's always better to have the JDK and JRE pointed to the same version.
In IntelliJ IDEA,
Go to Maven Settings → Maven → Importing. Set the JDK for importer to 1.8.
Go to Maven Settings → Maven → Runner. Set the JRE to 1.8.
Go to menu File* → Project Structure → SDKs. Make sure the JDK home path is set to 1.8.
Restart IntelliJ IDEA.
Another approach which might help is by instructing IntelliJ IDEA which JDK version to start up with.
Go to: /Applications/IntelliJ\ IDEA\ 15\ CE.app/Contents/Info.plist
and replace the JVM version with:
<key>JVMVersion</key>
<string>1.8*</string>

The smart way to fix that problem is to compile using the latest SDK and use the cross compilation options when compiling. To use the options completely correctly requires the rt.jar of a JRE (not JDK) of the target version.
Given the nature of that applet, it looks like it could be compiled for use with Java 1.1 meaning you'd use javac -target 1.1.

You will need to change your compiler compliance level back to 1.7 in your IDE.
This can be done in the preferences settings of your IDE. For example, in Eclipse go to menu Windows → Preferences, select Java, and expand it. Then select Compiler and change the compliance level to 1.7. I am sure this will work from there.

You must run and compile your application with the same version of Java.
If you're using Eclipse you should do 2 things:
In Eclipse, click on "Window > Preferences", and in the window that appears, on the left side, under "Java", click on "Installed JREs", click on "Add..." and navigate to the folder that contains the JDK.
Right-click on your project and click on "Properties", in the window that appears, on the left side, click on "Java Compiler" and uncheck "Use compliance from execution environment on the Java Build Path", this allows you to choose in the the list "Compiler compilance level" the same version that you set in the previous step.

You need to upgrade your Java version to Java 8.
Download latest Java archive
Download latest Java SE Development Kit 8 release from its official download page or use following commands to download from the shell.
For 64 bit
# cd /opt/
# wget --no-cookies --no-check-certificate --header "Cookie: gpw_e24=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oracle.com%2F; oraclelicense=accept-securebackup-cookie" "http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u51-b16/jdk-8u51-linux-x64.tar.gz"
# tar xzf jdk-8u51-linux-x64.tar.gz
For 32 bit
# cd /opt/
# wget --no-cookies --no-check-certificate --header "Cookie: gpw_e24=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oracle.com%2F; oraclelicense=accept-securebackup-cookie" "http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u51-b16/jdk-8u51-linux-i586.tar.gz"
# tar xzf jdk-8u51-linux-i586.tar.gz
Note: If the above wget command doesn’t not work for you, watch this example video to download the Java source archive using the terminal.
Install Java with alternatives
After extracting the archive file, use the alternatives command to install it. The alternatives command is available in the chkconfig package.
# cd /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/java 2
# alternatives --config java
At this point Java 8 has been successfully installed on your system. We also recommend to setup javac and jar commands path using alternatives:
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/jar jar /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/jar 2
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/javac javac /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/javac 2
# alternatives --set jar /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/jar
# alternatives --set javac /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/javac
Check installed Java version
Check the installed version of Java using the following command.
root#tecadmin ~# java -version
java version "1.8.0_51"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_51-b16)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.51-b03, mixed mode)
Configuring Environment Variables
Most of Java-based applications use environment variables to work. Set the Java environment variables using the following commands:
Setup JAVA_HOME Variable
# export JAVA_HOME=/opt/jdk1.8.0_51
Setup JRE_HOME Variable
# export JRE_HOME=$JAVA_HOME/jre
Setup PATH Variable
# export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$JRE_HOME/bin:$PATH
Note that the change to the PATH variable put the new Java bin folders first so that they override any existing java/bins in the path. It is a bit sloppy to leave two java/bin folders in your path so you should be advised to clean those up as a separate task.
Also, put all above environment variables in the /etc/environment file for auto loading on system boot.

I had the same problem... a JDK and plug-in version conflict.
I compiled using 1.8 ... the latest one, and that message started to appear.
So I've searched for the JRE 7 (http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/server-jre7-downloads-1931105.html)... and installed it... again...
Now 1.8 and 1.7 in the same computer.
Using NetBeans, and compiling, and targeting to version 1.7, fixed my problem.

If you have a problem in Android Studio and you have installed Android N, change the Android rendering version with an older one and the problem will disappear.

If you're using the NetBeans IDE, right click on the project and choose Properties and go to sources, and you can change the Source/Binary Format to a lower JDK version.

Unsupported major.minor version 52.0 comes when you are trying to run a class compiled using Java 1.8 compiler into a lower JRE version e.g. JRE 1.7 or JRE 1.6. Simplest way to fix this error is install the latest Java release i.e. Java 8 and run your program.
Read more: http://javarevisited.blogspot.com/2015/05/fixing-unsupported-majorminor-version.html#ixzz4AVD4Evgv

It happens when you compile your projects on higher version of java(say jdk 1.8) and then run it on a lower version (say jdk 1.7).
If you have JRE-1.7 library in your project path then ,
1.Right click on project
2.Go to Properties
3.Select Project Facets
4.Find Java in rows and then choose version (say 1.7) if using JRE-1.7
5.Click Apply and run your project.

I solved my problem by removing old versions of JRE and installing JRE 8.

I could solve the same problem using the below solution.
In my project, I added a JAR file which were created in Java 8. And my project was referring to JRE 7. When I changed project JRE to 8, my problem was solved.
Steps:
In Eclipse, right click on the project name in project explorer → Build path → Libraries → click on JRE version → click Edit → Installed JRE → Add → Standerd VM → select JRE home click-path (path should be localePath\java\jdk1.8.0_25\jre) → provide name → Save → select same JRE for project → Finish → OK. Refresh/build project once → try to run your Java file. It should work.

I had Java 1.7 & 1.8 installed (with SBT 2.4 that requires Java 1.8).
Even though my project was linked to Java 1.8, I had to change the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point 1.8.
Finally, problem solved.

If you are using Eclipse, make sure your menu Project → Properties → Java build path → libraries → JRE system library matches your project requirements (as shown in the image).

All you need to do to solve the problem is... to make sure your version of Java is the same for both compiling and running. No matter what tools or IDEs you are using.

If you are using Linux and you have different versions of Java installed, use the following command:
sudo update-alternatives --config java
This will give a quick way of switching between the Java versions installed on the system. By choosing Java 8 I will solve your problem.

This occurred to me when I installed a fresh Java 1.8, but left the old command line interpreter open.
It had an old path and kept on executing the application with Java 1.7 whereas project was already built with Java 1.8.

If your JDK version is right. Another reason that may cause this error is that your Android Studio is in a low version, but your Gradle version is too high. Upgrade your IDE to a newer version may help this.

Upgrade your Andorra version to JDK 1.8.
This is a version mismatch that your compiler is looking for Java version 8 and you have Java version 7.
You can run an app build in version 7 in version 8, but you can't do vice versa because when it comes to higher levels, versions are embedded with more features, enhancements rather than previous versions.
Download JDK version from this link
And set your JDK path for this

You need to use JDK 1.7.0 rather than JDK 1.8.0.
To make sure it, you need to delete JDK 1.8.0 on your computer.
If you use Mac, you need to delete:
/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk.jdk
/Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane
/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
Then, you need to reinstall JDK 1.7.0, and you will succeed to generate the .jar file.

You may want to check your Run Configurations setting if you're using Eclipse v4.4 (Luna) and have already completed all steps mentioned above.
There could be several possibilities that cause this error. The root cause is a mismatch of the project require compilation in JDK1.8/JRE8 while the environment compiler is JDK1.7/JRE7.
You can check my blog post to go through all your settings are correct.

None of these answers helped me, but I found a solution.
I had a webproject used in Wildfly 8.2, built with Maven, source and target was set to 1.8 on maven-compiler-plugin, as well as all Eclipse and Maven settings were set to Java 1.8.
The problem was that Wildfly 8.2 cannot handle Java 1.8, so I had to set everything to 1.7 and it worked.

Just want to add this. I had this problem today. Adjusted the settings in my project, rebuilt, and same problem. I had (incorrectly) assumed that changing the settings in my project (Eclipse) would cause the projects on which my project depends to be recompiled also.
Adjusting the settings to all of the projects up the dependency tree solved the problem.

Just go to http://java.com/en/download/ and update your version of JRE

If you are using IntelliJ IDEA, go to Project Structure (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S), and you can change your project's JDK.

I ran into this issue in Eclipse on Mac OS X v10.9 (Mavericks). I tried many answers on Stack Overflow ... finally, after a full day I *installed a fresh version of the Android SDK (and updated Eclipse, menu Project → Properties → Android to use the new path)*.
I had to get SDK updates, but only pulling down those updates I thought were necessary, avoiding APIs I were not working with (like Wear and TV) .. and that did the trick. Apparently, it seems I had corrupted my SDK somewhere along the way.
BTW .. I did see the error re-surface with one project in my workspace, but it seemed related to an import of appcompat-7, which I was not using. After rm-ing that project, so far haven't seen the issue resurface.

Java Virtual Machine Launcher error [duplicate]

This question already has answers here:
How to fix java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Unsupported major.minor version
(51 answers)
Closed 6 years ago.
Pictures:
Command Prompt showing versions
Picture of error
Hello.java
import java.applet.Applet;
import java.awt.*;
public class Hello extends Applet {
// Java applet to draw "Hello World"
public void paint (Graphics page) {
page.drawString ("Hello World!", 50, 50);
}
}
Hello.html
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>HelloWorld Applet</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<APPLET CODE="Hello.class" WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=150>
</APPLET>
</BODY>
</HTML>
Error
Hello : Unsupported major.minor version 52.0
What may the problem be?

The issue is because of Java version mismatch. Referring to the JVM specification the following are the major versions of classfiles for use with different versions of Java. (As of now, all versions support all previous versions.)
Java SE version
Major version
1.0.2
45
1.1
45 (Not a typo, same version)
1.2
46
1.3
47
1.4
48
5.0
49
6
50
7
51
8
52
9
53
10
54
11
55
12
56
13
57
14
58
15
59
16
60
These are the assigned major numbers. The error regarding the unsupported major.minor version is because during compile time you are using a higher JDK and a lower JDK during runtime.
Thus, the 'major.minor version 52.0' error is possibly because the jar was compiled in JDK 1.8, but you are trying to run it using a JDK 1.7 environment. The reported number is the required number, not the number you are using. To solve this, it's always better to have the JDK and JRE pointed to the same version.
In IntelliJ IDEA,
Go to Maven Settings → Maven → Importing. Set the JDK for importer to 1.8.
Go to Maven Settings → Maven → Runner. Set the JRE to 1.8.
Go to menu File* → Project Structure → SDKs. Make sure the JDK home path is set to 1.8.
Restart IntelliJ IDEA.
Another approach which might help is by instructing IntelliJ IDEA which JDK version to start up with.
Go to: /Applications/IntelliJ\ IDEA\ 15\ CE.app/Contents/Info.plist
and replace the JVM version with:
<key>JVMVersion</key>
<string>1.8*</string>

The smart way to fix that problem is to compile using the latest SDK and use the cross compilation options when compiling. To use the options completely correctly requires the rt.jar of a JRE (not JDK) of the target version.
Given the nature of that applet, it looks like it could be compiled for use with Java 1.1 meaning you'd use javac -target 1.1.

You will need to change your compiler compliance level back to 1.7 in your IDE.
This can be done in the preferences settings of your IDE. For example, in Eclipse go to menu Windows → Preferences, select Java, and expand it. Then select Compiler and change the compliance level to 1.7. I am sure this will work from there.

You must run and compile your application with the same version of Java.
If you're using Eclipse you should do 2 things:
In Eclipse, click on "Window > Preferences", and in the window that appears, on the left side, under "Java", click on "Installed JREs", click on "Add..." and navigate to the folder that contains the JDK.
Right-click on your project and click on "Properties", in the window that appears, on the left side, click on "Java Compiler" and uncheck "Use compliance from execution environment on the Java Build Path", this allows you to choose in the the list "Compiler compilance level" the same version that you set in the previous step.

You need to upgrade your Java version to Java 8.
Download latest Java archive
Download latest Java SE Development Kit 8 release from its official download page or use following commands to download from the shell.
For 64 bit
# cd /opt/
# wget --no-cookies --no-check-certificate --header "Cookie: gpw_e24=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oracle.com%2F; oraclelicense=accept-securebackup-cookie" "http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u51-b16/jdk-8u51-linux-x64.tar.gz"
# tar xzf jdk-8u51-linux-x64.tar.gz
For 32 bit
# cd /opt/
# wget --no-cookies --no-check-certificate --header "Cookie: gpw_e24=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oracle.com%2F; oraclelicense=accept-securebackup-cookie" "http://download.oracle.com/otn-pub/java/jdk/8u51-b16/jdk-8u51-linux-i586.tar.gz"
# tar xzf jdk-8u51-linux-i586.tar.gz
Note: If the above wget command doesn’t not work for you, watch this example video to download the Java source archive using the terminal.
Install Java with alternatives
After extracting the archive file, use the alternatives command to install it. The alternatives command is available in the chkconfig package.
# cd /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/java java /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/java 2
# alternatives --config java
At this point Java 8 has been successfully installed on your system. We also recommend to setup javac and jar commands path using alternatives:
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/jar jar /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/jar 2
# alternatives --install /usr/bin/javac javac /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/javac 2
# alternatives --set jar /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/jar
# alternatives --set javac /opt/jdk1.8.0_51/bin/javac
Check installed Java version
Check the installed version of Java using the following command.
root#tecadmin ~# java -version
java version "1.8.0_51"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_51-b16)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.51-b03, mixed mode)
Configuring Environment Variables
Most of Java-based applications use environment variables to work. Set the Java environment variables using the following commands:
Setup JAVA_HOME Variable
# export JAVA_HOME=/opt/jdk1.8.0_51
Setup JRE_HOME Variable
# export JRE_HOME=$JAVA_HOME/jre
Setup PATH Variable
# export PATH=$JAVA_HOME/bin:$JRE_HOME/bin:$PATH
Note that the change to the PATH variable put the new Java bin folders first so that they override any existing java/bins in the path. It is a bit sloppy to leave two java/bin folders in your path so you should be advised to clean those up as a separate task.
Also, put all above environment variables in the /etc/environment file for auto loading on system boot.

I had the same problem... a JDK and plug-in version conflict.
I compiled using 1.8 ... the latest one, and that message started to appear.
So I've searched for the JRE 7 (http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/server-jre7-downloads-1931105.html)... and installed it... again...
Now 1.8 and 1.7 in the same computer.
Using NetBeans, and compiling, and targeting to version 1.7, fixed my problem.

If you have a problem in Android Studio and you have installed Android N, change the Android rendering version with an older one and the problem will disappear.

If you're using the NetBeans IDE, right click on the project and choose Properties and go to sources, and you can change the Source/Binary Format to a lower JDK version.

Unsupported major.minor version 52.0 comes when you are trying to run a class compiled using Java 1.8 compiler into a lower JRE version e.g. JRE 1.7 or JRE 1.6. Simplest way to fix this error is install the latest Java release i.e. Java 8 and run your program.
Read more: http://javarevisited.blogspot.com/2015/05/fixing-unsupported-majorminor-version.html#ixzz4AVD4Evgv

It happens when you compile your projects on higher version of java(say jdk 1.8) and then run it on a lower version (say jdk 1.7).
If you have JRE-1.7 library in your project path then ,
1.Right click on project
2.Go to Properties
3.Select Project Facets
4.Find Java in rows and then choose version (say 1.7) if using JRE-1.7
5.Click Apply and run your project.

I solved my problem by removing old versions of JRE and installing JRE 8.

I could solve the same problem using the below solution.
In my project, I added a JAR file which were created in Java 8. And my project was referring to JRE 7. When I changed project JRE to 8, my problem was solved.
Steps:
In Eclipse, right click on the project name in project explorer → Build path → Libraries → click on JRE version → click Edit → Installed JRE → Add → Standerd VM → select JRE home click-path (path should be localePath\java\jdk1.8.0_25\jre) → provide name → Save → select same JRE for project → Finish → OK. Refresh/build project once → try to run your Java file. It should work.

I had Java 1.7 & 1.8 installed (with SBT 2.4 that requires Java 1.8).
Even though my project was linked to Java 1.8, I had to change the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point 1.8.
Finally, problem solved.

If you are using Eclipse, make sure your menu Project → Properties → Java build path → libraries → JRE system library matches your project requirements (as shown in the image).

All you need to do to solve the problem is... to make sure your version of Java is the same for both compiling and running. No matter what tools or IDEs you are using.

If you are using Linux and you have different versions of Java installed, use the following command:
sudo update-alternatives --config java
This will give a quick way of switching between the Java versions installed on the system. By choosing Java 8 I will solve your problem.

This occurred to me when I installed a fresh Java 1.8, but left the old command line interpreter open.
It had an old path and kept on executing the application with Java 1.7 whereas project was already built with Java 1.8.

If your JDK version is right. Another reason that may cause this error is that your Android Studio is in a low version, but your Gradle version is too high. Upgrade your IDE to a newer version may help this.

Upgrade your Andorra version to JDK 1.8.
This is a version mismatch that your compiler is looking for Java version 8 and you have Java version 7.
You can run an app build in version 7 in version 8, but you can't do vice versa because when it comes to higher levels, versions are embedded with more features, enhancements rather than previous versions.
Download JDK version from this link
And set your JDK path for this

You need to use JDK 1.7.0 rather than JDK 1.8.0.
To make sure it, you need to delete JDK 1.8.0 on your computer.
If you use Mac, you need to delete:
/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/jdk.jdk
/Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefPane
/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
Then, you need to reinstall JDK 1.7.0, and you will succeed to generate the .jar file.

You may want to check your Run Configurations setting if you're using Eclipse v4.4 (Luna) and have already completed all steps mentioned above.
There could be several possibilities that cause this error. The root cause is a mismatch of the project require compilation in JDK1.8/JRE8 while the environment compiler is JDK1.7/JRE7.
You can check my blog post to go through all your settings are correct.

None of these answers helped me, but I found a solution.
I had a webproject used in Wildfly 8.2, built with Maven, source and target was set to 1.8 on maven-compiler-plugin, as well as all Eclipse and Maven settings were set to Java 1.8.
The problem was that Wildfly 8.2 cannot handle Java 1.8, so I had to set everything to 1.7 and it worked.

Just want to add this. I had this problem today. Adjusted the settings in my project, rebuilt, and same problem. I had (incorrectly) assumed that changing the settings in my project (Eclipse) would cause the projects on which my project depends to be recompiled also.
Adjusting the settings to all of the projects up the dependency tree solved the problem.

Just go to http://java.com/en/download/ and update your version of JRE

If you are using IntelliJ IDEA, go to Project Structure (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S), and you can change your project's JDK.

I ran into this issue in Eclipse on Mac OS X v10.9 (Mavericks). I tried many answers on Stack Overflow ... finally, after a full day I *installed a fresh version of the Android SDK (and updated Eclipse, menu Project → Properties → Android to use the new path)*.
I had to get SDK updates, but only pulling down those updates I thought were necessary, avoiding APIs I were not working with (like Wear and TV) .. and that did the trick. Apparently, it seems I had corrupted my SDK somewhere along the way.
BTW .. I did see the error re-surface with one project in my workspace, but it seemed related to an import of appcompat-7, which I was not using. After rm-ing that project, so far haven't seen the issue resurface.