MATLAB 2024b startup folder does not change when I try to set another folder in Preferences

I recently installed version 2024b and the startup folder is "C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2024b\bin" which is obviously where I installed the recent version.

Now when I go to Preferences and set this folder as the one from previous session or as a fixed one, then close MATLAB and start again, it still starts at the same folder that I mentioned above.

I also don't remember having had this problem with the previous versions.

[Sumukh]

Hi Saeid,

I could not reproduce the issue in the startup folder. The functionality seems to be working fine. You can refer to the following documentation to debug the issue:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_env/matlab-startup-folder.html

There is a possibility that you have a "startup.m" file declared in your system. The above documentation states that the "startup.m" can change the "Initial Working Folder" and override the folder specified in the "Preferences" Window. You can refer to the following documentation to know more about the startup.m file:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/startup.html

Answer 1

[Manikanta Aditya]

Hi Saeid,

Firstly you need to check for a 'startup.m' file. MATLAB uses a startup.m file to execute commands when it starts. If this file exists in your MATLAB path, it might be overriding your preferences. You can search for this file in your MATLAB installation directory and any custom paths you have added.

As said by Sumuk above, try this and see if this resolves the issue:

1. Set the Initial Working Folder:
2. Go to Preferences > MATLAB > General.
3. Under Initial working folder, select Last working folder from previous MATLAB session or Custom and specify your desired folder

Refer the following documentation to know more about MATLAB startup folder:

• https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_env/matlab-startup-folder.html

Hope this helps.