How to update MATAB without having to download and install a newer version

Traditionally what I have done in the past is whenever I get new release email, I download the MATLAB and install it. For intance the 2021a version, but this intalls 2021a alongisde the current installed 2020b. Thus having 2 copies of MATLAB.

How can I just update the current install to 2021a from within MATLAB. Although I received the email on the new release, I do not see the bell icon update in my MATLAB.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

There is no way to upgrade to a new MATLAB release from an existing release.

If you no longer need the previous release, then uninstall it, which is something you can do before installing the new version.

However, since it is not 100% certain that the new version will download and install properly and run properly for you, it is usually a better idea to hold off uninstalling until you are sure the new version is running.

Also, it is common for there to be incompatibilities between versions, such as functions that are no longer supported, so until you have finished testing your code on the new version it is usually a good idea to keep the old version around.

[Abhilash Sukumari]

Thanks. What about the toolboxes that are installed with the current version, wouldn't I need to re-install those as well once I install the new MATLAB version?

[Walter Roberson]

Yes.

At the time you install MATLAB, you will be given a menu asking you which of the toolboxes you are licensed for that you wish to install. Most people just leave the default to install everything they are authorized for.

If you are no more than two releases newer on the new version of MATLAB, then when you start MATLAB the first time, it will ask you if you want to install the support packages and add-ons that you had installed in the previous version.

[Fauzanul Ardhi]

Hi , I have a question, so if i already have r2020a version and i download the r2022b version, will the add on from my r2020a version can still be installed in r2022b version automatically, or i need to download it again for each add on? Will the diffrence of r2020a and r2020b count as different release or not?

[Walter Roberson]

I am not sure but I think that might be too much of a gap for the automatic installation.