How to Install MATLAB on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

MATLABInstallationWindowsMacLinuxSoftware SetupGetting StartedDownloadsSystem RequirementsInstallation Issues

Introduction

MATLAB is a powerful software for numerical computing, widely used by engineers, scientists, and analysts. It provides an interactive environment for algorithm development, data visualization, data analysis, and numerical computation. Installing MATLAB on your computer allows you to take advantage of its capabilities for your projects or studies. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the comprehensive steps to install MATLAB on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Is MATLAB right for you?

Before we move on to the installation steps, let's consider whether MATLAB is the right software for your needs. MATLAB excels at performing matrix operations, graphing functions, and implementing algorithms. It also integrates well with other programming languages. If you handle these tasks frequently and need an advanced but user-friendly computing platform, MATLAB is an excellent choice.

Preparing for installation

Before you begin, make sure your system meets MATLAB's requirements. You can find specific details on the official MathWorks website. It's also important to have a reliable internet connection to download the software and any additional toolboxes.

Installing MATLAB on Windows

Step 1: Get a License

Make sure you have a valid MATLAB license. You may have a license provided by your educational institution or workplace. If not, you can purchase one directly from MathWorks.

Step 2: Download the Installer

1. Go to the MathWorks website and log in to your account. If you don't have an account, create one.

2. After logging in, go to the "Downloads" section. Select the latest version of MATLAB or the version you purchased.

3. Download the MATLAB installer for Windows. This file is usually named `matlab_R20XXx_win64.exe`, where `XX` indicates the version year, and `x` indicates the release iteration.

Step 3: Run the installer

1. Locate the downloaded installer file and double-click on it to start the setup process. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to allow the program to make changes to your device.

2. In the installation window, select "Log in with your MathWorks account" and click "Next."

3. Enter your MathWorks username and password, then click "Next."

Step 4: Choose a license

After logging in, select the license you want to use from the list displayed. If you have more than one license, make sure you select the correct one.

Step 5: Choose the installation folder

Select the destination folder where MATLAB should be installed. The default path is often `C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R20XXx`. Unless you have a reason to change it, it is usually best to stick with the default. Click "Next".

Step 6: Choose the Product

1. Select the products you want to install. In addition to MATLAB, you can also choose various toolboxes and support packages.

2. If you are unsure about which toolboxes to select, you can add them later via MATLAB's addon manager.

Step 7: Configure the shortcut

You may be asked if you want to create a shortcut in the Start menu or on the desktop. Choose the one you prefer and click "Next."

Step 8: Begin the Installation

Review your selections on the final window before clicking "Install." Installation may take some time, as MATLAB is a large software package and may include additional products.

Step 9: Activate MATLAB

Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to activate MATLAB. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process.

Installing MATLAB on Mac

Step 1: Get a License

Before you download MATLAB, make sure you have a valid license. Academic institutions or companies often provide licenses. You can also purchase a personal license from MathWorks.

Step 2: Download the Installer

1. Go to the MathWorks website and sign in to your MathWorks account.

2. Under "My Account", go to "My Software" and select the MATLAB version you want to install.

3. Download the MATLAB installer for MacOS. The file usually appears as a `.dmg` file named `matlab_R20XXx_maci64.dmg`.

Step 3: Mount the installer

Double-click the downloaded `.dmg` file to mount it. This action opens a Finder window containing the MATLAB installer application.

Step 4: Run the installer

1. Inside the mounted folder, double-click on “InstallForMacOSX.app” to start the installation process.

2. If a security message pops up saying the file can't be opened, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy, and under the General tab, click "Open Anyway."

Step 5: Login

1. Select "Log in with a MathWorks Account" and click "Next."

2. Log in using your MathWorks credentials.

Step 6: Choose a license

Select the license required for installation and click "Next". If multiple licenses are available, make sure you select the correct license.

Step 7: Choose the installation destination

Select the default directory suggested by the installer as the installation location. Changing the location may be difficult for some users, so it is advisable to keep the default setting.

Step 8: Choose the Product

Select MATLAB and any additional toolboxes you need. If unsure, install only MATLAB now, other product packages can be added later.

Step 9: Enter the Mac administrator password

To proceed, enter the administrator password for your Mac when prompted and allow MATLAB installation on your system.

Step 10: Complete the Installation

Check your preferences, then click "Install". This process takes time due to the size of MATLAB and the toolbox chosen.

Step 11: Activation

Once the installation is complete, activate MATLAB by following the on-screen prompts to complete your setup.

Installing MATLAB on Linux

Step 1: Get a License

As with other operating systems, make sure you have the license provided to you either personally or by your institution or corporation.

Step 2: Download the Installer

1. Sign in to your MathWorks account on their website.

2. Go to your software section and select the required MATLAB version for download.

3. Get the Linux installer file. It usually appears as `matlab_R20XXx_glnxa64.zip`.

Step 3: Extract the installer

Open the terminal and navigate to the folder containing the downloaded `.zip` file. Use the following command to extract the contents:

unzip matlab_R20XXx_glnxa64.zip

Step 4: Run the installer

Make sure that your system has the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that the MATLAB installer requires. If your system does not have it, do the following:

sudo apt-get install default-jre

Next, run the installer script:

./install

Step 5: Installer GUI

If no graphical interface appears, make sure you have an X server installed. For Ubuntu, use:

sudo apt-get install xorg openbox

Step 6: Confirm the license

1. Select "Log in with a MathWorks account," then proceed by clicking "Next."

2. Enter your MathWorks account details to log in.

Step 7: License Selection

Select a license from your account list and press "Next". If more than one exists, make sure you select the relevant license.

Step 8: Installation Path

Determine the path for the installation. The usual default is `/usr/local/MATLAB/R20XXx`. It is usually best to stick to this default.

Step 9: Choose the Product

After defining the target folder, choose which packages to include. MATLAB and optional toolboxes can be installed, then click "Next".

Step 10: Installation

Start the installation by confirming the selection. Given the size of the application and the selected package, this may take some time.

Step 11: Activating MATLAB

After successful installation, follow the on-screen prompts to activate MATLAB with your account credentials.

After installation: Launching MATLAB

Once MATLAB is installed and activated on any operating system, you can find it in the following locations:

• Windows: Via the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
• Mac: Launchpad or Applications folder.
• Linux: Use the terminal command matlab to get started.

Conclusion

By following the steps mentioned above, you should have successfully installed MATLAB on your Windows, Mac or Linux machine. With MATLAB ready to use, you can now explore its extensive toolkit and capabilities to start valuable projects, perform complex calculations or enhance your programming expertise.

Remember, you can always adjust or add more toolboxes as needed by visiting the MATLAB Add-ons Explorer. For continued learning and updates, consider joining MATLAB's community forum or online tutorials for advanced tips and tricks.

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