MATLAB: Does the Windows 64-bit beta install into the Program Files (x86) directory by default

Question

When installing MATLAB Windows 64-bit beta version, the installer chooses the Program Files (x86) directory for the default path of the installation.

Answer 1

This bug has been fixed in Release 2006a (R2006a). For previous product releases, read below for any possible workarounds:

The reason for this is that the MATLAB installer for the 64-bit beta is still a 32-bit application. When the 32-bit installer asks for %PROGRAMFILES% we get the 32-bit directory, which is "Program Files (x86)". Typical 64-bit applications are installed by default in the "Program Files" directory.

The beta version of MATLAB for Windows 64-bit is in fact a fully 64-bit application. If you would prefer, you can change the path so that it installs into the Program Files directory instead.