How to set newer release to default in Windows 7?

I have tried a few other forums on here but nothing is what I need.

I downloaded a new release but the old release remains the default.

I know this is a windows issue but the problem is when I try to change the default to the new versions .exe is does not allow it. I believe there is a very specific .exe I have to choose (there are a few matlab.exe files in various folders of the 2018a directory.

Any help is appreciated.

[Adam]

Default in what sense? For opening .m files when you double click them in File Explorer?

[David Stolnis]

Yes.

[Adam]

I'm using Windows 10, but I don't remember it being much different in Windows 7:

When you right-click the .m file choose 'Open with' and you should get a list that includes Matlab 2018a. If not it should be located at

C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2018a\bin\matlab.exe

for you to search and then click the option to always use this app to open this type of file.

There will be an option to associate .m files with a particular application via the Control Panel somewhere too I imagine, but I never know how to find these things.

[David Stolnis]

Thanks for the input!

That's exactly what I tried but apparently that matlab.exe is not the correct one. I think there is a another one in a different folder other than 'bin'. Idk if anyone else has had this struggle where the executable they choose is not a valid option for a default program and how they fixed it. This has happened before and I can't remember how I fixed it. I suppose I need to uninstall 2017..... I'd like to keep multiple releases though.

[Adam]

What happens if you drag and drop a .m file onto that exe? For me it opens Matlab with the .m file in the editor.

[David Stolnis]

Yes that works but I also know it is possible to make a newer relaease the default program. That is a work around but would get annoying with all the figures, functions, and codes that I open.

[Adam]

Well, I didn't mean it as a workaround, it was just to see if it is considered a valid target by the system for opening .m files - i.e. that it is the correct exe

[David Stolnis]

Sorry I thought you meant into the command window, my apologies. Yes, drag and drop any of the exe's will work. Unfortunately that doesn't help.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Look in the File Exchange for File Association Fix

[David Stolnis]

I'm pretty decent with digging through the computer and directories but I'm not exactly sure how to do that. I will keep plugging and let you know how I make out.

[Walter Roberson]

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/51165-matlab-file-association-fix

[David Stolnis]

Worked like a charm! Thank you Walter, this has been bugging me and is a nice relief.