How do I launch the MATLAB activation client?

Solution:

This information only applies to MATLAB R2008a and higher. For previous versions of MATLAB, there is no activation process. To update an older release of MATLAB, see the solution: 1-2YJW8B - "How do I update the license for my existing standalone installation of MATLAB?"

For re-activating the MATLAB Student Version R2008b and higher, see the Related Solution "How can I re-activate MATLAB Student Version R2008b or higher?"

NOTE: If you have a Designated Computer activation type, you may need to deactivate the license before you can reactivate. For deactivation instructions, see the Related Solution "How do I deactivate MATLAB?"

For Windows:
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1. Click the Start Menu, go to "All Programs", then "MATLAB"

2. Go to the folder for the release of MATLAB you wish to activate (e.g. R2008a)

3. Click the option to "Activate MATLAB"

You can also launch the activation client directly by running activate_matlab.exe from $MATLABROOT\bin\win32 or $MATLABROOT\bin\win64.

(where $MATLABROOT is the MATLAB installation folder)

For Linux:
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To launch the activation client, you will need to use the activate_matlab.sh script in the $MATLABROOT/bin folder. To launch this script:

1. Open a Terminal window. On Mac OS X, go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal

2. In the Terminal window, run the following commands:

cd $MATLABROOT/bin
./activate_matlab

(where $MATLABROOT is the MATLAB installation folder)

NOTE: You may need administrator or superuser permissions in order to complete activation.

For Mac OS X:
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For MATLAB 7.8 (R2008b) and later on Mac OS X, you can also launch the activation client from Finder:

1. Locate the MATLAB folder in your Applications folder (e.g. MATLAB_R2008b.app).

2. Open the MATLAB folder by hitting CTRL+Click (or right-click) and select "Show Package Contents".

3. Double-click on "Activate" in the MATLAB folder to start the activation client.