Matlab not starting (Ubuntu 22.04) - hangs with CPU 100% and no error messages

Hi,

My R2019 was working perfectly just a few weeks ago, but today it does not start (-nojvm -nodesktop does not help). It just outputs "MATLAB is selecting SOFTWARE rendering." and the Matlab prompt never opens. I checked and it still uses CPU, but nothing happens even after 20 minutes.

I even installed a later version (R2024a), but the same problem persists.

My system: 5.15.0-112-generic #122-Ubuntu SMP Thu May 23 07:48:21 UTC 2024 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[thalamocortical]

Hi, I have probably exactly same issue after upgradng 22.04 to 24.04. There are no debugging messages, just logo opens and stays open with 100% cpu. No safe mode options helped. Did you figure out what's wrong?

[Sarah]

I am also encountering the same issue, with Ubuntu 22.04 and several Matlab versions (2020, 2024 and 2025). With 2025b, the window shows up, but it freezes in the login window. Did you ever understand the issue? It's really annoying that no error message is showing up.

Answer 1

[Joni]

Hi,

I forgot to post the solution here. The Matlab helpdesk ultimately found the solution and below is their answer:

"After consulting with my colleagues, it appears that the Citrix Workspace App might have a file located at "/usr/local/lib/AppProtection/libAppProtection.so" that could be interfering with the startup process. Renaming or removing this file may resolve the issue."

That solved my problem and I hope it will help others as well.

Cheers, Joni

Answer 2

[Umar]

Hi Joni,

Try updating your graphics drivers or changing the OpenGL settings in MATLAB. You can disable hardware acceleration by running the following command in the MATLAB Command Window:

opengl('save', 'software')

This command will set MATLAB to use software rendering, which might help resolve the problem. If the issue persists, consider checking for any system updates or consulting MATLAB support for further assistance.

[Joni Kämäräinen]

Hi,

I don't believe this has anything to do with the graphics card since it is not even used (Matlab correctly detects that it needs to use software OpenGL rendering). The system does not even reach the Matlab command window - it just does not start at all or produce any error messages.

-Joni

Answer 3

[Umar]

Hi Joni,

Okay that seems to be serious issue using Linux operating system. Sometimes corrupted preferences or settings can cause MATLAB to malfunction. Try resetting MATLAB preferences by deleting the preference folder located in your user directory. This will reset MATLAB to default settings and may resolve the issue. Also, try running MATLAB in safe mode to rule out any potential conflicts with third-party software or toolboxes. Safe mode disables all user-installed customizations and only loads core MATLAB features, which can help identify if the issue is related to an add-on or customization.