Where Are MATLAB Preferences Stored?
MATLAB stores settings for each release in a separate folder named for that release. The prefdir command prints the full path for the running release.
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Each MATLAB release keeps favorites, layouts, history, and product settings in its own folder. The folder name matches the release, such as R2025a.
The parent location is fixed per operating system. Use prefdir to confirm the path when the install uses a custom MATLAB_PREFDIR value.
Where MATLAB stores this, by platform
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\MathWorks\MATLAB\<release>
Replace <user> with the Windows account name and <release> with the release name, for example R2025a. Run prefdir in the Command Window to print the path. The folder is hidden under AppData by default.
~/.matlab/<release>
Replace <release> with the release name, for example R2025a. Run prefdir to print the path. Override the location with MATLAB_PREFDIR when starting MATLAB. The folder requires write access or settings changes fail.
~/Library/Application Support/MathWorks/MATLAB/<release>
Replace <release> with the release name, for example R2025a. Library is hidden in Finder, so use Go to Folder with the prefdir output. Each release keeps its own subfolder. Override the location with MATLAB_PREFDIR only when needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset MATLAB to default settings?
Close MATLAB, rename the folder for the current release, then create an empty folder with the original release name. Restart MATLAB to regenerate defaults. Keep the renamed folder until the reset is confirmed.
Does MATLAB copy settings between releases?
On first start a new release imports settings from the most recent prior release folder when one exists. To start clean, create the empty release folder before first launch. Use prefdir after launch to confirm which folder is active.
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