diff --git a/apisupport/apisupport.ant/test/unit/src/org/netbeans/modules/apisupport/project/queries/SourceLevelQueryImplTest.java b/apisupport/apisupport.ant/test/unit/src/org/netbeans/modules/apisupport/project/queries/SourceLevelQueryImplTest.java
index b12f486f6c09..784f8f7dfccf 100644
--- a/apisupport/apisupport.ant/test/unit/src/org/netbeans/modules/apisupport/project/queries/SourceLevelQueryImplTest.java
+++ b/apisupport/apisupport.ant/test/unit/src/org/netbeans/modules/apisupport/project/queries/SourceLevelQueryImplTest.java
@@ -37,7 +37,8 @@ public void testGetSourceLevel() {
         String path = "java/junit/src/org/netbeans/modules/junit/api/JUnitSettings.java";
         FileObject f = nbRoot().getFileObject(path);
         assertNotNull("found " + path, f);
-        assertEquals("1.8 used for an average module", "1.8", SourceLevelQuery.getSourceLevel(f));
+        String expected = "17"; // must be bumped on module lang level updates
+        assertEquals(expected + " used for an average module", expected, SourceLevelQuery.getSourceLevel(f));
     }
     
 }
diff --git a/java/ant.browsetask/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ant.browsetask/nbproject/project.properties
index e435e6de6925..6b7c81423b57 100644
--- a/java/ant.browsetask/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ant.browsetask/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 ant.jar=${ant.core.lib}
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 
 # web.browser.api.dir is sometimes not set during the build (eg. nbms-and-javadoc build)
diff --git a/java/ant.debugger/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ant.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
index 9161491fed80..4cd947aa1dec 100644
--- a/java/ant.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ant.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.67.0
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=${tools.jar}
 # Make the debugger find it, even if it is not on the startup debug classpath:
diff --git a/java/ant.freeform/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ant.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
index 6e1af96aae06..60b08f4a58a4 100644
--- a/java/ant.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ant.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/ant.grammar/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ant.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
index 81286fc015b5..af506ef1b7df 100644
--- a/java/ant.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ant.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.eager=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 test.unit.cp.extra=
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=
diff --git a/java/ant.hints/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ant.hints/nbproject/project.properties
index 2fe9adf29043..fee6f3ce3177 100644
--- a/java/ant.hints/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ant.hints/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,4 +16,4 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
diff --git a/java/api.debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties b/java/api.debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
index 1351754eee32..dcdc5b13893b 100644
--- a/java/api.debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/api.debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 cp.extra=${tools.jar}:${jpda.classes.dir}
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 jpda.classes.dir=${build.dir}/jpda/classes/
diff --git a/java/api.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/api.java/nbproject/project.properties
index 4050fb607f96..080396702cf1 100644
--- a/java/api.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/api.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=${o.n.core.dir}/lib/boot.jar:${o.n.core.dir}/core/core.jar
diff --git a/java/api.maven/nbproject/project.properties b/java/api.maven/nbproject/project.properties
index 963ef7014984..0f87577593b3 100644
--- a/java/api.maven/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/api.maven/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/beans/nbproject/project.properties b/java/beans/nbproject/project.properties
index 099e4dd907ce..a4c8d9ba0d0b 100644
--- a/java/beans/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/beans/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.81.0
 
 
diff --git a/java/classfile/nbproject/project.properties b/java/classfile/nbproject/project.properties
index b6c758f4d2ac..a57259b830f3 100644
--- a/java/classfile/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/classfile/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:all -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/dbschema/nbproject/project.properties b/java/dbschema/nbproject/project.properties
index 3f08fb721acf..9a9ddb8eadcf 100644
--- a/java/dbschema/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/dbschema/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.71.0
 
 test.config.stable.includes=**/XMLGraphSerializerTest.class
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index 1dbaea63034c..bbbb04c2022e 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,6 +18,6 @@
 is.eager=true
 ant.jar=${ant.core.lib}
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.js/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.js/nbproject/project.properties
index 99bd7afc08e9..70e507dee684 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.js/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.js/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@
 
 cp.extra=${tools.jar}
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.jsui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.jsui/nbproject/project.properties
index 99bd7afc08e9..70e507dee684 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.jsui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.jsui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,6 +17,6 @@
 
 cp.extra=${tools.jar}
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.kit/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.kit/nbproject/project.properties
index 2d0646841380..6de5bbf77d6e 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.kit/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.kit/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,4 +16,4 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.projects/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.projects/nbproject/project.properties
index 1d73a45c3692..ff337d070147 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.projects/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.projects/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.projectsui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.projectsui/nbproject/project.properties
index 1d73a45c3692..ff337d070147 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.projectsui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.projectsui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.truffle/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.truffle/nbproject/project.properties
index 8e7e11308a78..ab4477373741 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.truffle/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.truffle/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.release=11
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 nbm.module.author=Martin Entlicher
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda.trufflenode/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda.trufflenode/nbproject/project.properties
index fee2c1465ac0..d3f4167e1695 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda.trufflenode/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda.trufflenode/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.eager=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 nbm.module.author=Martin Entlicher
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties b/java/debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
index 6c082e7bda08..f8206da82fb9 100644
--- a/java/debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/debugger.jpda/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ is.autoload=true
 cp.extra=${tools.jar}:${jpda.classes.dir}
 #cp.extra=${java.home}/../lib/tools.jar
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 jpda.classes.dir=${build.dir}/jpda/classes/
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/editor.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/editor.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
index 395535d31baf..f5b50dfd4db1 100644
--- a/java/editor.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/editor.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/form.nb/nbproject/project.properties b/java/form.nb/nbproject/project.properties
index c09146eb4962..66e0cc019695 100644
--- a/java/form.nb/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/form.nb/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=0.48.0
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/form.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties b/java/form.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
index ff3827cee77d..4b6ccccc0c20 100644
--- a/java/form.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/form.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=0.47.0
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/gradle.dependencies/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.dependencies/nbproject/project.properties
index e62440be9bf3..80b9d6aeb3ee 100644
--- a/java/gradle.dependencies/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.dependencies/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.7.0
 
diff --git a/java/gradle.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
index f32081d847fd..bd4c9fc1fd2a 100644
--- a/java/gradle.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.htmlui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 is.eager=true
diff --git a/java/gradle.java.coverage/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.java.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
index 583fa59ca40e..8930f5618a05 100644
--- a/java/gradle.java.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.java.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.module.author=Laszlo Kishalmi
 is.eager=true
diff --git a/java/gradle.kit/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.kit/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/gradle.kit/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.kit/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/gradle.persistence/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
index f39ff4a02687..6ef89b565a6b 100644
--- a/java/gradle.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.module.author=Laszlo Kishalmi
diff --git a/java/gradle.spring/nbproject/project.properties b/java/gradle.spring/nbproject/project.properties
index f39ff4a02687..6ef89b565a6b 100644
--- a/java/gradle.spring/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/gradle.spring/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.module.author=Laszlo Kishalmi
diff --git a/java/hudson.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/hudson.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index 3b054ca8045d..ee2e82fe015a 100644
--- a/java/hudson.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/hudson.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/hudson.maven/nbproject/project.properties b/java/hudson.maven/nbproject/project.properties
index b5744765ef3b..507fda5846b0 100644
--- a/java/hudson.maven/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/hudson.maven/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/i18n.form/nbproject/project.properties b/java/i18n.form/nbproject/project.properties
index 12ba77894ad8..b923dedd19a7 100644
--- a/java/i18n.form/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/i18n.form/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.80.0
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/i18n/nbproject/project.properties b/java/i18n/nbproject/project.properties
index 87aabfc6ef77..546158480d8c 100644
--- a/java/i18n/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/i18n/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 disable.qa-functional.tests=true
 
diff --git a/java/j2ee.core.utilities/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.core.utilities/nbproject/project.properties
index fe94fbd97ed7..4f8f12f5690c 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.core.utilities/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.core.utilities/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 is.autoload=true
 
diff --git a/java/j2ee.eclipselink/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.eclipselink/nbproject/project.properties
index b5ea6dec6e3c..6f244aa60811 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.eclipselink/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.eclipselink/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 jnlp.indirect.jars=\
     modules/ext/eclipselink/org.eclipse.persistence.core-2.7.12.jar,\
     modules/ext/eclipselink/org.eclipse.persistence.asm-9.4.0.jar,\
diff --git a/java/j2ee.eclipselinkmodelgen/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.eclipselinkmodelgen/nbproject/project.properties
index c0a9f125fa08..2e35b0475f4c 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.eclipselinkmodelgen/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.eclipselinkmodelgen/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 jnlp.indirect.jars=\
     modules/ext/eclipselink/org.eclipse.persistence.jpa.modelgen.processor-2.7.12.jar
 
diff --git a/java/j2ee.jpa.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.jpa.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
index fd0ac00528b8..1f0554c6def1 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.jpa.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.jpa.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=\
diff --git a/java/j2ee.jpa.verification/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.jpa.verification/nbproject/project.properties
index 8d92d5104631..edf693b4c542 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.jpa.verification/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.jpa.verification/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/j2ee.metadata.model.support/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.metadata.model.support/nbproject/project.properties
index a4d52046b158..57f2b863a7bd 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.metadata.model.support/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.metadata.model.support/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
 test.unit.cp.extra=\
diff --git a/java/j2ee.metadata/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.metadata/nbproject/project.properties
index 166cbd824f11..24f97f86006c 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.metadata/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.metadata/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/j2ee.persistence/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
index 33a5e1089299..3baef057362f 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.85.0
 
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=\
diff --git a/java/j2ee.persistenceapi/nbproject/project.properties b/java/j2ee.persistenceapi/nbproject/project.properties
index 5afe7e42ef4b..d8cbfcf973f3 100644
--- a/java/j2ee.persistenceapi/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/j2ee.persistenceapi/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
diff --git a/java/java.debug/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.debug/nbproject/project.properties
index b67e79fe8b86..3111bc068023 100644
--- a/java/java.debug/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.debug/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.68.0
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
diff --git a/java/java.editor.lib/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.editor.lib/nbproject/project.properties
index 984aebfd8ef6..bc6954434804 100644
--- a/java/java.editor.lib/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.editor.lib/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 javadoc.title=Java Editor Library
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 spec.version.base=1.60.0
 is.autoload=true
diff --git a/java/java.freeform/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
index 64894b37110e..e0dd024a473c 100644
--- a/java/java.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.freeform/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/java.graph/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.graph/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/java.graph/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.graph/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/java.guards/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.guards/nbproject/project.properties
index 54803b839ccd..e38a3e858970 100644
--- a/java/java.guards/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.guards/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/java.hints.declarative.test/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.hints.declarative.test/nbproject/project.properties
index 685ded7c99a7..79ed97d695c8 100644
--- a/java/java.hints.declarative.test/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.hints.declarative.test/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.46.0
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/java.hints.legacy.spi/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.hints.legacy.spi/nbproject/project.properties
index 44978717f074..73f2796e2364 100644
--- a/java/java.hints.legacy.spi/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.hints.legacy.spi/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.47.0
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/java.hints.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.hints.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 6ba9f796cb7f..6ddf46bb8e26 100644
--- a/java/java.hints.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.hints.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.48.0
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.j2sedeploy/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.j2sedeploy/nbproject/project.properties
index 0f4ec98bc91a..73811063fd2b 100644
--- a/java/java.j2sedeploy/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.j2sedeploy/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,5 +14,5 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/java.j2semodule/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.j2semodule/nbproject/project.properties
index be95b98557c9..48ed8a051b1b 100644
--- a/java/java.j2semodule/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.j2semodule/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.j2seplatform/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.j2seplatform/nbproject/project.properties
index c9a867089427..58cc3858b25b 100644
--- a/java/java.j2seplatform/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.j2seplatform/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 extra.module.files=modules/ext/org-netbeans-modules-java-j2seplatform-probe.jar
 jnlp.indirect.jars=modules/ext/org-netbeans-modules-java-j2seplatform-probe.jar
 
diff --git a/java/java.j2seprofiles/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.j2seprofiles/nbproject/project.properties
index 9f9ea400db59..6e428aef6048 100644
--- a/java/java.j2seprofiles/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.j2seprofiles/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,6 +14,6 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.j2seproject/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.j2seproject/nbproject/project.properties
index 3a323a2e75b6..0b7382534810 100644
--- a/java/java.j2seproject/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.j2seproject/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.117.0
 
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/java.kit/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.kit/nbproject/project.properties
index 571c049d5076..6105eb787317 100644
--- a/java/java.kit/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.kit/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 test.config.uicommit.includes=\
     org/netbeans/test/ide/IDECommitValidationTest.class
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=\
diff --git a/java/java.lsp.server/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.lsp.server/nbproject/project.properties
index 0c7c56cc0df8..8fdc79a62b42 100644
--- a/java/java.lsp.server/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.lsp.server/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=2.14.0
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
diff --git a/java/java.metrics/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.metrics/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/java.metrics/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.metrics/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.module.graph/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.module.graph/nbproject/project.properties
index b3de9cde324e..05a9b38fc7c3 100644
--- a/java/java.module.graph/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.module.graph/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.mx.project/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.mx.project/nbproject/project.properties
index 2a867ffacd61..cd517610d949 100644
--- a/java/java.mx.project/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.mx.project/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 #
-javac.source=1.8
-javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial -Xlint:-processing -Xlint:-options -Werror
+javac.release=17
+javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial -Xlint:-processing -Werror
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
 # For testing we need path to the MX executable. The executable is checked out by the buildscript.
diff --git a/java/java.nativeimage.debugger/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.nativeimage.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/java.nativeimage.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.nativeimage.debugger/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/java.platform.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.platform.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 446ce1492948..7d35af9ff0b5 100644
--- a/java/java.platform.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.platform.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
diff --git a/java/java.platform/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.platform/nbproject/project.properties
index 683c66639a29..f4ebb7ec0888 100644
--- a/java/java.platform/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.platform/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/java.preprocessorbridge/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.preprocessorbridge/nbproject/project.properties
index e8a4e0d7ec54..a2661185d524 100644
--- a/java/java.preprocessorbridge/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.preprocessorbridge/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 spec.version.base=1.79.0
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/java.project.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.project.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 591c668106bc..591a543630ec 100644
--- a/java/java.project.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.project.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.overview=${basedir}/overview.html
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
diff --git a/java/java.project/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.project/nbproject/project.properties
index 815f06f84d40..65dc4e8430ff 100644
--- a/java/java.project/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.project/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.overview=${basedir}/overview.html
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
diff --git a/java/java.source.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.source.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index b6f120692607..ebd61431f055 100644
--- a/java/java.source.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.source.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 ant.jar=${ant.core.lib}
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.61.0
 
diff --git a/java/java.source.compat8/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.source.compat8/nbproject/project.properties
index 0f73a1153601..f4e932deb55b 100644
--- a/java/java.source.compat8/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.source.compat8/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/java.source.queries/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.source.queries/nbproject/project.properties
index 0ffa0166e108..63f52ba830b2 100644
--- a/java/java.source.queries/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.source.queries/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
diff --git a/java/java.source.queriesimpl/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.source.queriesimpl/nbproject/project.properties
index ba2671c6270e..ac3af70146e5 100644
--- a/java/java.source.queriesimpl/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.source.queriesimpl/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
 
diff --git a/java/java.testrunner.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.testrunner.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index 3b054ca8045d..ee2e82fe015a 100644
--- a/java/java.testrunner.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.testrunner.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/java.testrunner.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.testrunner.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/java.testrunner.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.testrunner.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/java.testrunner/nbproject/project.properties b/java/java.testrunner/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/java.testrunner/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/java.testrunner/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/javaee.injection/nbproject/project.properties b/java/javaee.injection/nbproject/project.properties
index 9f9ea400db59..6e428aef6048 100644
--- a/java/javaee.injection/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/javaee.injection/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,6 +14,6 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/javawebstart/nbproject/project.properties b/java/javawebstart/nbproject/project.properties
index 97bd2ae9d324..1b767da03530 100644
--- a/java/javawebstart/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/javawebstart/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 extra.module.files=ant/extra/org-netbeans-modules-javawebstart-anttasks.jar
 jnlp.indirect.jars=ant/extra/org-netbeans-modules-javawebstart-anttasks.jar
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/jellytools.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/jellytools.java/nbproject/project.properties
index db1d38963bbe..10bad7fae76f 100644
--- a/java/jellytools.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/jellytools.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 test.config.stable.includes=\
diff --git a/java/jshell.support/nbproject/project.properties b/java/jshell.support/nbproject/project.properties
index 30b406a6d86e..bd3f707f9dae 100644
--- a/java/jshell.support/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/jshell.support/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.release=11
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.30.0
 is.eager=true
diff --git a/java/junit.ant.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/junit.ant.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/junit.ant.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/junit.ant.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/junit.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/junit.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index 3b054ca8045d..ee2e82fe015a 100644
--- a/java/junit.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/junit.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/junit.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/junit.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/junit.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/junit.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/junit/nbproject/project.properties b/java/junit/nbproject/project.properties
index bb410ebee9b2..e89d4ee3e0da 100644
--- a/java/junit/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/junit/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/junit/test/qa-functional/src/org/netbeans/test/junit/utils/Utilities.java b/java/junit/test/qa-functional/src/org/netbeans/test/junit/utils/Utilities.java
index eb7cd9f26bb8..d8140efaed76 100644
--- a/java/junit/test/qa-functional/src/org/netbeans/test/junit/utils/Utilities.java
+++ b/java/junit/test/qa-functional/src/org/netbeans/test/junit/utils/Utilities.java
@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@
 
 package org.netbeans.test.junit.utils;
 
-import com.sun.org.apache.bcel.internal.generic.IFEQ;
 import java.io.File;
 import java.io.IOException;
 import org.netbeans.jellytools.Bundle;
@@ -87,7 +86,7 @@ public static void saveAll() {
     
     /**
      * Deletes a file
-     * @param the file to be deleted
+     * @param file the file to be deleted
      */
     public static void delete(File file) {
         try {
@@ -136,7 +135,7 @@ public static void deleteDirectory(File path) {
     
     /**
      * Opens a file from TEST_PROJECT_NAME
-     * @param Filename the file to be opened
+     * @param path the file to be opened
      */
     public static Node openFile(String path) {
         Node pn = new ProjectsTabOperator().getProjectRootNode(
diff --git a/java/ko4j.debugging/nbproject/project.properties b/java/ko4j.debugging/nbproject/project.properties
index 16bac72534e7..b0841c0bf068 100644
--- a/java/ko4j.debugging/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/ko4j.debugging/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 nbm.homepage=http://bits.netbeans.org/html+java/
diff --git a/java/kotlin.editor/nbproject/project.properties b/java/kotlin.editor/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/kotlin.editor/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/kotlin.editor/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/languages.antlr/nbproject/project.properties b/java/languages.antlr/nbproject/project.properties
index 68135cc32706..be5ddbec946a 100644
--- a/java/languages.antlr/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/languages.antlr/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 # As of 30th Aug 2022, we use the Grammar from:
 # https://github.com/antlr/grammars-v4/tree/07518e5c5d3a43c75e17f0c196be93eab21d6c83/antlr/antlr4
diff --git a/java/lib.jshell.agent/nbproject/project.properties b/java/lib.jshell.agent/nbproject/project.properties
index 7ef332cbc46e..687ca3f60717 100644
--- a/java/lib.jshell.agent/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/lib.jshell.agent/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.autoload=true
-javac.release=11
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 extra.module.files=modules/ext/nb-custom-jshell-probe.jar
 jnlp.indirect.jars=modules/ext/nb-custom-jshell-probe.jar
diff --git a/java/libs.nbjavacapi/nbproject/project.properties b/java/libs.nbjavacapi/nbproject/project.properties
index 1fcc2a6a803b..efe0509fc907 100644
--- a/java/libs.nbjavacapi/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/libs.nbjavacapi/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 license.file.override=${nb_all}/nbbuild/licenses/GPL-2-CP
 release.external/nb-javac-jdk-25+31.1-api.jar=modules/ext/nb-javac-jdk-25-31.1-api.jar
diff --git a/java/libs.springframework/nbproject/project.properties b/java/libs.springframework/nbproject/project.properties
index 44b3f481e81e..b6d82a9111f5 100644
--- a/java/libs.springframework/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/libs.springframework/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 is.autoload=true
diff --git a/java/maven.checkstyle/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.checkstyle/nbproject/project.properties
index 69154df212bf..73811063fd2b 100644
--- a/java/maven.checkstyle/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.checkstyle/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,5 +14,5 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.release=11
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/maven.coverage/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
index 369506d6c14d..48de303f3717 100644
--- a/java/maven.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.coverage/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.homepage=http://wiki.netbeans.org/MavenCodeCoverage
 nbm.module.author=Jesse Glick <jglick@netbeans.org>
diff --git a/java/maven.grammar/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
index 3a175d2ebd2b..38ef25487001 100644
--- a/java/maven.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.grammar/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.77.0
diff --git a/java/maven.graph/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.graph/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/maven.graph/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.graph/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/maven.indexer.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.indexer.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index ee19dd20204e..a000cf2a4e6c 100644
--- a/java/maven.indexer.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.indexer.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.autoload=true
-javac.release=11
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
diff --git a/java/maven.kit/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.kit/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/maven.kit/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.kit/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/maven.model/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.model/nbproject/project.properties
index cc19b928521c..a4cdd1eb824c 100644
--- a/java/maven.model/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.model/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/maven.osgi/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.osgi/nbproject/project.properties
index d4de1d62108d..1ad477a6c72b 100644
--- a/java/maven.osgi/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.osgi/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 test.config.stableBTD.includes=**/*Test.class
diff --git a/java/maven.persistence/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
index 415ac5ecef4e..7a7ef858a669 100644
--- a/java/maven.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.persistence/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,5 +16,5 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/maven.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
index 8b302bca99a7..9c5be6613e93 100644
--- a/java/maven.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.refactoring/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
 spec.version.base=1.51.0
diff --git a/java/maven.repository/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.repository/nbproject/project.properties
index 5137752915a4..60729d846776 100644
--- a/java/maven.repository/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.repository/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/maven.search/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.search/nbproject/project.properties
index edf7dd1501b5..b0fd0e2d9db3 100644
--- a/java/maven.search/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.search/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
diff --git a/java/maven.spring/nbproject/project.properties b/java/maven.spring/nbproject/project.properties
index edf7dd1501b5..b0fd0e2d9db3 100644
--- a/java/maven.spring/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/maven.spring/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
diff --git a/java/nashorn.execution/nbproject/project.properties b/java/nashorn.execution/nbproject/project.properties
index 0884480fcc2b..38c9d8396d67 100644
--- a/java/nashorn.execution/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/nashorn.execution/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,6 +16,6 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 
 
diff --git a/java/projectimport.eclipse.core/nbproject/project.properties b/java/projectimport.eclipse.core/nbproject/project.properties
index 18fb8496fe1b..d199acf0cb16 100644
--- a/java/projectimport.eclipse.core/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/projectimport.eclipse.core/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 nbm.homepage=http://www.netbeans.org/kb/articles/import-eclipse.html
 test.unit.run.cp.extra=\
     ${libs.xerces.dir}/modules/ext/xerces-2.8.0.jar:\
diff --git a/java/projectimport.eclipse.j2se/nbproject/project.properties b/java/projectimport.eclipse.j2se/nbproject/project.properties
index eebd287c30db..f3329cb5c1b2 100644
--- a/java/projectimport.eclipse.j2se/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/projectimport.eclipse.j2se/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 spec.version.base=1.58.0
diff --git a/java/selenium2.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/selenium2.java/nbproject/project.properties
index 3b054ca8045d..ee2e82fe015a 100644
--- a/java/selenium2.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/selenium2.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/selenium2.maven/nbproject/project.properties b/java/selenium2.maven/nbproject/project.properties
index 3b054ca8045d..ee2e82fe015a 100644
--- a/java/selenium2.maven/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/selenium2.maven/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
diff --git a/java/spellchecker.bindings.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/spellchecker.bindings.java/nbproject/project.properties
index ca1f64289f3e..70611ce485bf 100644
--- a/java/spellchecker.bindings.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/spellchecker.bindings.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 # under the License.
 #
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 is.eager=true
 
 nbm.homepage=http://spellchecker.netbeans.org
diff --git a/java/spi.debugger.jpda.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/spi.debugger.jpda.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 496d3b87c80f..b2d26a8bef6e 100644
--- a/java/spi.debugger.jpda.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/spi.debugger.jpda.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ is.autoload=true
 cp.extra=${tools.jar}:${jpda.classes.dir}
 jpda.classes.dir=${build.dir}/jpda/classes/
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint:unchecked
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javadoc.arch=${basedir}/arch.xml
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/spring.beans/nbproject/project.properties b/java/spring.beans/nbproject/project.properties
index 4d954557ce07..986ee5329dce 100644
--- a/java/spring.beans/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/spring.beans/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 
 spec.version.base=1.70.0
diff --git a/java/testng.ant/nbproject/project.properties b/java/testng.ant/nbproject/project.properties
index 8ea5f6288d28..79cf0f6db914 100644
--- a/java/testng.ant/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/testng.ant/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.homepage=http://wiki.netbeans.org/TestNG
 nbm.module.author=Lukas Jungmann
diff --git a/java/testng.maven/nbproject/project.properties b/java/testng.maven/nbproject/project.properties
index 8ea5f6288d28..79cf0f6db914 100644
--- a/java/testng.maven/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/testng.maven/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 nbm.homepage=http://wiki.netbeans.org/TestNG
 nbm.module.author=Lukas Jungmann
diff --git a/java/testng.ui/nbproject/project.properties b/java/testng.ui/nbproject/project.properties
index 26aa41b5ff22..ea24dfd387a4 100644
--- a/java/testng.ui/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/testng.ui/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.eager=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/testng/nbproject/project.properties b/java/testng/nbproject/project.properties
index 362ab1a8c954..20d436f5fe3b 100644
--- a/java/testng/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/testng/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 # under the License.
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 nbm.homepage=http://wiki.netbeans.org/TestNG
 nbm.module.author=Lukas Jungmann
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/websvc.jaxws21/nbproject/project.properties b/java/websvc.jaxws21/nbproject/project.properties
index 9bc1cd4ebb68..3a62443949d7 100644
--- a/java/websvc.jaxws21/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/websvc.jaxws21/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 jnlp.indirect.jars=\
     modules/ext/jaxws22/FastInfoset.jar,\
     modules/ext/jaxws22/gmbal-api-only.jar,\
diff --git a/java/websvc.jaxws21api/nbproject/project.properties b/java/websvc.jaxws21api/nbproject/project.properties
index ddb93ef32f5e..03c0add9009e 100644
--- a/java/websvc.jaxws21api/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/websvc.jaxws21api/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 is.autoload=true
 
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 jnlp.indirect.jars=\
     modules/ext/jaxws22/api/jakarta.jws-api.jar,\
     modules/ext/jaxws22/api/jakarta.xml.soap-api.jar,\
diff --git a/java/websvc.saas.codegen.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/websvc.saas.codegen.java/nbproject/project.properties
index 16655cc49134..d65e6a920feb 100644
--- a/java/websvc.saas.codegen.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/websvc.saas.codegen.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 requires.nb.javac=true
diff --git a/java/whitelist/nbproject/project.properties b/java/whitelist/nbproject/project.properties
index c2291df464cc..33b62c8f77a2 100644
--- a/java/whitelist/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/whitelist/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 is.autoload=true
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
 javadoc.apichanges=${basedir}/apichanges.xml
 
diff --git a/java/xml.jaxb/nbproject/project.properties b/java/xml.jaxb/nbproject/project.properties
index 3babc415ac49..5fc1e84f846a 100644
--- a/java/xml.jaxb/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/xml.jaxb/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 # KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 # added to classpath for compilation of unit tests
 #test.unit.cp.extra=../../junit/external/junit-4.1.jar
 # added to classpath for running of unit tests
diff --git a/java/xml.tools.java/nbproject/project.properties b/java/xml.tools.java/nbproject/project.properties
index 3d6dec92d330..a1cd0bc8e73d 100644
--- a/java/xml.tools.java/nbproject/project.properties
+++ b/java/xml.tools.java/nbproject/project.properties
@@ -15,6 +15,6 @@
 # specific language governing permissions and limitations
 # under the License.
 javac.compilerargs=-Xlint -Xlint:-serial
-javac.source=1.8
+javac.release=17
 disable.qa-functional.tests=true
 requires.nb.javac=true