How to Move MATLAB to Another Computer [2026 Guide]
This article provides a comprehensive walkthrough on backing up preferences, transferring licenses to a new machine, and troubleshooting common migration challenges like path conflicts and toolbox mismatches.
By Ellie / Updated on May 8, 2026
Switching to a powerful new workstation or upgrading your laptop shouldn't mean losing days of progress or facing activation headaches. If you need to move MATLAB to another computer, the process involves more than just copying a folder. You need to manage license deactivation, installation, and preference migration to ensure your scripts run exactly as they did on your old machine.
In this guide, we will walk you through the official MathWorks procedures and provide a shortcut using professional remote desktop tools like AnyViewer to make the transition seamless.
What Does "Move MATLAB to Another Computer" Actually Mean?
When we talk about moving MATLAB, we are referring to the process of transferring your software environment, toolboxes, and, most importantly, your legal right to use the software (the license) from one hardware ID to another.
Since MathWorks ties your activation to specific hardware components (like your MAC address or Disk ID), you cannot simply "copy and paste" the installed files. To move a MATLAB license to a new computer, you must follow a structured "Deactivate-Install-Activate" workflow.
Benefits of Properly Moving MATLAB to a New Computer
Taking the time to migrate your environment correctly offers several key advantages:
- License Compliance: Avoid "activation limit reached" errors by properly deactivating old machines.
- Workflow Continuity: Transferring your "prefdir"(preferences directory) ensures your custom UI layouts, shortcuts, and path settings remain intact.
- Performance Optimization: A fresh installation on a new machine allows you to leverage updated hardware drivers and clean out legacy cache files.
- Data Integrity: Ensuring your local toolboxes and Add-Ons are reinstalled correctly prevents "function not found" errors in your critical scripts.
How to Move MATLAB to Another Computer: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition without losing your settings or violating your license agreement.
Step 1: Back Up Your MATLAB Files and Preferences
Before touching the new computer, save your work.
1. Locate your scripts: Ensure all ".m", ".mat", and ".mlx" files are backed up to a cloud drive or external disk.
2. Export Preferences: Run the command "prefdir" in the MATLAB Command Window. Navigate to that folder and copy its contents. This contains your history and settings.
Step 2: Deactivate the License on the Old Computer
You must release the license from the old hardware, so it becomes available for the new one.
1. Open MATLAB on your old computer.
2. On the Home tab, in the Resources section, click Help Licensing Deactivate Software.
3. Follow the prompts to complete deactivation.
4. Alternative: If the old computer is broken, log into the MathWorks License Center online, select your license, and manually deactivate the old "Computer Name."
Step 3: Install MATLAB on the New Computer
1. Log in to your MathWorks Account on the new machine.
2. Download the installer for your specific version (e.g., R2025b or R2026a).
3. Run the installer and sign in with your credentials to move the MATLAB license to the new computer.
Step 4: Migrating Settings via AnyViewer (Recommended Shortcut)
Sometimes, you need to access your old environment to check paths or copy specific local Add-Ons while setting up the new machine. This is where AnyViewer becomes invaluable.
Pro Tip: Use AnyViewer, a professional remote desktop software, to connect your new computer to your old one. This allows you to:
- Remotely trigger deactivation if you forgot to do it while at the office.
- Drag and drop large data files or custom toolboxes directly between the two machines.
- Compare environment settings side-by-side without needing two monitors or physical access to the old hardware.
Technical Details: Managing the License Transfer
Understanding how to move a MATLAB license to another computer depends on your license type:
| License Type | Migration Method |
| Individual | Deactivate on the old machine via the "Help" menu, then reactivate on the new one. |
| Designated Computer | Requires a manual update in the MathWorks License Center to change the Host ID. |
| Network Named User | Simply install on the new machine; the license server tracks the username, not the hardware. |
Common Challenges When Moving MATLAB
Even with a perfect installation, you might encounter a few technical hurdles that can disrupt your workflow if not addressed early.
- Toolbox Mismatches: Ensure you select the same toolboxes during the new installation. Use the "ver" command on your old machine to generate a list of installed products.
- Path Conflicts: If your scripts rely on absolute paths (e.g., "C:\Users\OldUser\Documents..."), they will break on the new machine. Update your paths to use relative references or the "userpath" function.
- MEX Files: If you are moving from Intel-based Windows to Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or vice-versa, your compiled MEX files will need to be recompiled for the new architecture.
Conclusion
To move MATLAB to another computer successfully, the priority is to deactivate the old license before setting up the new one. By backing up your preferences and using tools like AnyViewer for easy file transfer and remote management, you can return to your simulations and data analysis within minutes.
Always ensure your toolboxes are matched exactly during installation to avoid runtime errors, and keep your MathWorks login credentials handy throughout the process.
