MATLAB: Download & Installation for Windows

This article covers how CSUF students and faculty/staff can download and install Matlab. 

If you already have a CSUF MathWorks account please proceed to Step 2.

Step 1: Create a MathWorks Account

1. Open your browser to the MATLAB software page and click "Login to MathWorks"

a. Go to the MATLAB Software page

b. Click on Log In

CSUF MATLAB website

2. Enter your CSUF email address

MathWorks Enter Email Box
  1. Enter your full CSUF email address, e.g.:

3. Login using your Portal Username & Password

CSUF portal login
  1. Enter your Campus Portal username: (i.e. TuffyTheTitan)
  2. Enter your Campus Password
  3. Click Login

4. You'll be prompted to authenticate with Duo.

Duo two-factor authentication prompt

Remember you can use Other options to choose another way to authenticate with Duo.

5. You will be prompted to create your MathWorks account.

create account
  1. Fill out the form
  2. Click Next to complete the setup.
  3. You will automatically be logged in to MathWorks.
Step 2: Download the Software

If you are already logged in to your MathWorks account, proceed to step 3 below.

1. Login to MathWorks

a. Go to the MATLAB Software page

b. Click on Log In

2. You will be prompted to sign in to MathWorks

For step by step instructions reference the sign-in guides above

  1. Enter your full CSUF email address, click Next
  2. On the CSUF Portal page, login using your username and password
  3. You may be prompted to authenticate with Duo

3. Download the software

Note: There may be a newer version available than the one showing on the steps below.

3.1. Click on Install MATLAB

Install MATLAB button

3.2. Select Download for Windows from the drop down list.

Download button for Windows

Warning: The file download time may vary based on the device and internet connection.

Step 3: Install the Software

1. Open the installation file you downloaded. "Run" the file and click Unzip

Downloaded installation file

2. The installation file will automatically extract the files.

If you are prompted with "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" click Yes

unzip file

3. Once completed, you will be prompted to sign in to MathWorks

For step by step instructions reference the sign-in guides above

  1. Enter your full CSUF email address, click Next
  2. On the CSUF Portal page, login using your username and password
  3. You may be prompted to authenticate with Duo

4. Click on Yes to agree to the license agreement and then click on Next

software license agreement

5. Under Select License, the campus license 898604 should by default be selected.  Click on Next

select license screen

6. Click Next

You can leave the destination folder to the default location.  If you prefer to install the software at a different location you can change it, however it is not recommended.

choose installation folder

7. Select the products you want to install (recommended products are pre-selected).  Click on Next

Select Products to Install

8. Optional: You can select to create a desktop shortcut and/or sending user experience to MathWorks.  Click Next

optional settings window

9. Click on Begin Install

Installation confirmation screen

10. Allow MatLab tools to download, this may take a bit depending on the additional products selected

Installation progress window

11. Once the installation is completed, click on Close

Installation completed window
Step 4: Launch MatLab

1. Locate MatLab by either click on the Desktop shortcut (if one was created) or going to Windows and searching for MatLab

Open MatLab using desktop icon or Windows app search

2. If this is the first time you are opening MatLab, you will be prompted to enter your email to login.

enter CSUF email address

3. You will be prompted to sign in to MathWorks

For step by step instructions reference the sign-in guides above

  1. Enter your full CSUF email address, click Next
  2. On the CSUF Portal page, login using your username and password
  3. You may be prompted to authenticate with Duo

4. MatLab will then open, and you are ready to start using it

MatLab is now Installed & Activated

Matlab application window
Need help using MatLab?

LinkedIn Learning is available to all currently enrolled CSUF Students and active Faculty/Staff

- Contains over 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts and a library that is constantly up-to-date

- On the CSUF Portal, search for "LinkedIn Learning" to get started

Need technical assistance?

Contact the CSUF IT Help Desk

The CSUF IT Help Desk, Student Genius Center and Academic Technology Center can only assist with:

  • Issues with signing in to MatLab
  • Issues with installing MatLab