Matlab 2025b doesn't start up in the directory of the last session

I just installed version 2025b. In Settings, under the General tab, the "Initial Working Folder" is set to "Last working folder from previous MATLAB session." Yet, it always starts in the C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2025b\bin directory. Is this a bug, or is there something else I need to do? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

[Taylor]

I'm not able to reproduce this issue with R2025b. Assuming the folder you're targetting is also on the "C:\..." path, I would start with just setting it to a different folder, restarting MATLAB, and seeing if it works with that. If that still doesn't fix it, contact tech support https://www.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html

[Clay Fulcher]

Thanks Taylor. I do all my work on a different drive: the F:\ drive. So that may be the issue. I was hoping when I start Matlab, it would start in the last directory on the F:\ drive that I used. The executable for Matlab is on the C:\ drive. I wonder if there is some way to tell Matlab to start in the F: drive directory from the last session.

When I double-click on a Matlab-related file on the F: drive, Matlab does open up in that desired directory. But If I use the desktop shortcut to start Matlab, it opens up in the Matlab executable folder on the C: drive.

[Taylor]

Interesting, is your F:\ drive a network drive or local? I don't necessarily have an immediate answer for you, but I can take this to the dev team on your behalf to see if this is a known issue or something they haven't encountered yet.

[Clay Fulcher]

My F:\ Drive is a local disk, not a network drive. I appreciate your time Taylor.

[Taylor]

I checked in with the dev team, and they would like to make sure you're not in any of the scenarios listed (link: here ) in which MATLAB will not honor the last working directory.

[Clay Fulcher]

Taylor,

Clicking on the link you mentioned, I don't see a list specifying which scenarios Matlab will not honor the last working directory. However, Someone mentioned emptying the "Start In" field in the desktop shortcut. When I did that, Matlab starting opening in the last working directory as I wanted. That seems to be the key. Thank you for helping me chase this down.

[Taylor]

Glad this was at least able to set you down the right path! I've forwarded your comment on to the dev team. Hopefully it adds some context to this bug so they can track down the root cause.