MATLAB Installation Instructions (Windows and macOS)

MATLAB Installation Instructions (Windows and macOS)   

Step 1: Download and extract file.

  • File download and extraction instructions for Windows.

Download matlab_R2018b_win64.exe to your computer. After the download is complete double click to open. The file will be extracted and installation will start automatically.

  • File download and extraction instructions for  MacOS.

1. After downloading MATLAB, go to your downloads folder and extract downloaded ZIP file, by double-clicking on it.

2. Double-click on “matlab_R2018b_maci64.dmg”.

3. The window with MATLAB installer will pop up. Double click on “InstallForMacOSX”. This will launch the MATLAB installer.

Step 2: Install software ( the same for both OS's).

1. The installer will launch and you will see this window. Select “Log in with a MathWorks Account” and click “Next >”.

2. Read the Software License Agreement, and if you accept the terms, select “Yes” and click “Next >”.

3. Select “Log in to your MathWorks Account”, type in your email address and password for MathWorks account, and click “Next >”.

4. The license will be automatically selected for you. Click “Next >”.


5. The installer will ask about installation folder.

  • The default folder for macOS is “/Applications” folder.
  • The default folder for Windows is "C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2018b" folder.

Do not make any changes, click “Next >”.

6. Select from the list products that you want to have installed. Recommended products are preselected. Click “Next >”.

7. The installer will ask you if you want to Improve MATLAB by sending user experience information to MathWorks. You can either check or uncheck the box (if you do not want to send any information) and then click “Next >”.


8. You’ll get to the confirmation window. Click “Install >”.

9. Download/Installation process will begin. Be patient! This process may take up to 45 minutes.

10. After the installation is complete, you will see this window. Click “Next >”.

11. Make sure “Activate MATLAB” is checked and click “Next >”.

12. The activation window will pop up. Click “Next >”.

13. Leave the username field as it is at click “Next >”.

14. Click “Confirm >”. After activation is complete, click “Finish”. You can now start using MATLAB.