Why do I receive Error 5203 - Unable to access services required to run MATLAB?

When I try launch to MATLAB, I get the following error:

Unable to access services required to run MATLAB (error 5203).

How do I resolve this?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

This error indicates MATLAB has encountered a licensing issue. Follow the steps below to resolve this.

1. End the MathWorks Service Host process

Windows

1. Open Task Manager. This is often done by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard
2. If you do not see tabs such as "Processes" & "Performance", select "More details" in the bottom left corner of the Window.
3. Navigate to the "Details" tab near the top of the Window
4. Find MathWorksServiceHost
5. Highlight it and select "End Task" in the bottom right corner of the Window

MacOS

1. Open the app Terminal by searching for it Spotlight Search. Spotlight Search is the magnifying glass in the top right corner of your Mac OS screen.
2. Type in and run: killall MathWorksServiceHost

Linux

1. Open Terminal. Doing this will vary depending on your Linux distribution
2. Type in and run: killall MathWorksServiceHost

2. Uninstall and reinstall the MathWorks Service Host

Follow the directions from the link below to uninstall and reinstall the MathWorks Service Host.

How do I uninstall and reinstall the MathWorks Service Host?

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/1815365-how-do-i-uninstall-and-reinstall-mathworks-service-host

3. Contact Support

If these steps do not resolve your issue, use the article below to find your log files and contact us with the files attached so we may troubleshoot further.

Where are the Installation, Activation, & Service Host log files located for MATLAB?

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/101927

Contact Support

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