> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cover-docs.diffblue.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cover-docs.diffblue.com/features/cover-plugin/cover-plugin-admin/core-maintenance.md).

# Core Maintenance

## Install

#### 1. Install Diffblue Cover Plugin for IntelliJ

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="From IntelliJ IDE" %}

1. In the IntelliJ IDE, open the `Plugins` menu - either `File > Settings > Plugins` (Windows/Linux) or `IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences > Plugins` (macOS).
2. Select the `Marketplace` tab, search for `Diffblue`, and click `Install`. Your plugin will now be downloaded and installed.
3. When prompted, click `Restart IDE` to complete the install.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/yZdmQKOSfbjavEKeQT2C" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="From a ZIP Archive" %}

1. Download the Diffblue Cover Plugin for IntelliJ as a `.zip` bundle from:\
   \
   \&#xNAN;**-** The Diffblue website - [Free Community Edition](https://www.diffblue.com/community-edition/download) or [Free Trial](https://www.diffblue.com/try-cover) versions.\
   \
   \&#xNAN;**-** The [JetBrains Marketplace](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/) (IntelliJ Plugin Marketplace).\
   \
   \&#xNAN;**-** The link sent to you via your Diffblue Cover welcome email.\
   \
   \&#xNAN;**-** Your organization's internal file/app store.\\
2. In the IntelliJ IDE, open the `Plugins` menu - either `File > Settings > Plugins` (Windows/Linux) or `IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences > Plugins` (macOS).
3. Click on the cog icon next to the `Installed` tab and select `Install Plugin from Disk...`. Navigate to the location of the plugin, select the zip file, and click `OK`.
4. When prompted, click `Restart IDE` to complete the install.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/ycvubmiRG7vxeLQ2vK8C" alt="" width="266"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### 2. Apply a license

Once IntelliJ has restarted, you'll be prompted for your license key (provided in your welcome email or by your organization) to activate the plugin. Alternatively, the license can be activated at any time from the IntelliJ toolbar `Diffblue > Activate License`. Diffblue Cover requires a remote license check with the Diffblue licensing server each time it's used. For help troubleshooting license keys, network connections, and proxy server settings, see [Licensing](/get-started/licensing.md). Note that:

* Applying a license provides access to the Teams and Enterprise Editions of Diffblue Cover.
* Cover Plugin Community Edition is free to use but does require product verification to activate your perpetual license.
* Offline license activation is available with the Diffblue Cover Enterprise Edition only. This can only be done through the CLI.
* See [Cover Editions](/updates-and-upgrades/cover-editions.md) and [Licensing](/get-started/licensing.md) for more details.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/UH5v6XEaJhuFUIstBSwa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### 3. Ensure VM is correctly set up

If not already using google-java-format please check and upgrade your VM options in IntelliJ following the guidance here. [Ensure formatter compatibility](/features/cover-plugin/cover-plugin-admin/ensure-formatter-compatibility.md)

## Update, Disable, Enable, Uninstall

1. In IntelliJ, go to `File > Settings > Plugins` (Windows/Linux) or `IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences > Plugins` (macOS) and highlight the Diffblue Plugin:

* Click `Update` in the details panel to update to the latest version. Note that updating Cover Plugin may take a few minutes to complete and will require an IDE restart - you won't be able to create any tests for your projects while the update is progressing.
* Select and click `Disable` from the drop down menu in the details panel to temporarily disable the plugin.
* Select and click `Enable` from the drop down menu in the details panel to re-enable the plugin.
* Select and click `Uninstall` from the drop down menu in the details panel to uninstall the plugin.

2. When you're ready, click `Restart IDE` to complete the update.