Cannot change support package to the "program files" directory

>> matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('C:\Program Files\MATLAB\SupportPackages');

Error using matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot

Unable to set the support package root directory

Caused by:

Error using matlabshared.supportpkg.internal.SingleRootHandler.checkDirectory

The specified support package root folder name contains a space character.

Create or use a folder name that does not contain any space characters.

>> matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('C:\PROGRA~1\MATLAB\SupportPackages');

Error using matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot

Unable to set the support package root directory

Caused by:

Error using matlabshared.supportpkg.internal.SingleRootHandler.checkDirectory

The specified support package root contains invalid characters.

Folder names can only contain alphanumeric characters, dashes and underscores.

Answer 1

[Torsten]

Answer from AI:

The problem is that the MATLAB function matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot strictly forbids spaces and special characters (including the tilde ~ used in Windows short paths) anywhere in the target folder path. [1, 2]

Here is exactly why both of your attempts failed:

• First Attempt (C:\Program Files\...): It failed because "Program Files" contains a literal space character.
• Second Attempt (C:\PROGRA~1\...): While using the Windows 8.3 short name removes the space, it introduces a tilde (~). The underlying MATLAB validation checks the string directly and considers the tilde an invalid special character, as it only permits alphanumeric characters, dashes, and underscores. [1, 2]

How to Fix It

To fix this, you must choose or create a path that has no spaces and no special characters. [1]

Option 1: Use the MATLAB Default Location (Recommended)

Unless you have a specific reason to change it, let MATLAB use its built-in default path, which is pre-configured to avoid these syntax errors. Run the function with no arguments to reset it: [1]

matlab

matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('default')

(On Windows, this typically maps to C:\ProgramData\MATLAB\SupportPackages, which does not contain spaces). [1]

Option 2: Create a Custom, Clean Directory

If you must host it elsewhere, create a brand-new folder directly on your drive root or in a clean user path, and ensure you run MATLAB as an Administrator to grant it write permissions: [1, 2]

matlab

% 1. Create a clean folder (e.g., C:\MATLAB_SupportPackages)

% 2. Point MATLAB to it:
matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('C:\MATLAB_SupportPackages');

If you still encounter problems, contact support:

https://uk.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html

[Ningping Fan]

I cannot use the default directory, because the company group policy does not allow an executable to run if it is not in the C:\Program Files\.... I wonder if the Matlab could set default directory to C:\Program Files\MATLAB\SupportPackages, instead of C:\ProgramData\MATLAB\SupportPackages

[Torsten]

My suggestion: Let the system administrator install the package in the default directory for you.

I doubt that MATLAB can (will) change "matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot" for your purpose.

[Ningping Fan]

Solution is as follows:

1. create a C:\MATLAB_Support_Packages
2. mklink /J "C:\Program Files\MATLAB\SupportPackages\R2026b" "C:\MATLAB_Support_Packages" in cmd admin mode
3. >> matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('C:\MATLAB_Support_Packages'); in MATLAB
4. >> matlabshared.supportpkg.getSupportPackageRoot() in MATLAB to verify

[Torsten]

Creating a symbolic link is a nice solution.