Variables window doesn't work after undocking in R2023b

Hi!

I've been using the dark mode interface in R2023b for a few months now and I'm having some trouble using the variables window. When it's docked it works just fine. However, when I undock the variables window, clicking a variable in my workspace will no longer open it in the variables window, it just doesn't do anything. When I have, for example, a struct variable open and double click a subvariable, it would normally open in a new tab in the variables window, but again when I've undocked it, clicking doesn't do anything.

Sometimes, redocking the window will make the variables window function again, but mostly I have to restart matlab entirely.

Thanks!

[Greg]

Hello. I am seeing the undocking problem in 2025a too. I attempted all of the solutions above and I am still getting the same errors in dark mode & light mode.

Answer 1

[Adam Danz]

Hi Kim, please contact tech support and include your instructions above how to reproduce the problem.

[Kim]

Will do, thanks!

Answer 2

[Yichen]

Hi, I have the exact same problem on Matlab r2025b, I wonder if you have solved this? Thanks!

[Kim]

Nope, I'm unfortunately still having the same issue. Tech support suggested I regenerate my MATLAB preferences, which solves the issue but also disables dark mode... So I think it has to do with the dark mode beta. Do you also happen to be using dark mode?

[Yichen]

I'm actually not on dark mode, simply the classic one. And the problem is still there. How do you regenerate the MATLAB preferences btw?

[Stephen23]

"How do you regenerate the MATLAB preferences btw? "

Delete the preferences directory: https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/prefdir.html

[Yichen]

thank you!

[Nicholas]

Hi! I met same issue on 2025a and 2025b, even though I've deleted preference according to suggestion: https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/99625-how-do-i-regenerate-my-matlab-preferences

I wonder if you have solved this?

Thanks!

[Yichen]

Hi, no, the problem still prevails... I just made a compromise to have the variable window docked...

Answer 3

[Alexandre]

Issue still valid in 2025b. Window becomes dull and there is no way to deploy more variables, whatever the method. Only undocking fixed the issue.