Do I need a special license to get access to 64-bit MATLAB?

I am considering purchasing MATLAB, but would like both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions. I would like to know if I need two separate licenses.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

There are no special license requirements for the MATLAB 64-bit version. The only exception is the MATLAB Student version. Due to product incompatibilities, the Student Version is 32-bit only.

To obtain access to the 64-bit MATLAB, you simply need to install using the 64-bit installer for your platform if it is available. If you are using the DVD to install, if you have a 64-bit machine, it will be installed automatically.

For a list of supported 64-bit operating systems, see the system requirements page here:

http://www.mathworks.com/support/sysreq/current_release/

[Walter Roberson]

Correct. You can install and execute either at need. It can make a difference for a few toolkits such as using the Legacy interface for Data Acquisition; or for calling 32 bit third-party libraries.

Note: as of R2016a there are no remaining 32 bit versions of MATLAB. The last 32 bit version was R2015b for MS Windows 7 and later; the last 32 bit version for Windows XP and Windows Vista was R2015a.