MATLAB licenses use a computer's MAC address to identify the licensed computer. Since MAC address is a hardware value, it is persistent across operating systems installed on the same machine. Therefore, installations of MATLAB on different operating systems installed on the same physical machine count as the same activation. The Host ID needs to be the MAC address if a Unix OS is used, the activation will need to be done on our website.
Individual (Home & Student):
For the Individual license type, the Host ID and computer username should be the same for both operating systems.
Designated Computer:
For the Designated Computer license type, the Host ID should be the same for both operating systems.
Network:
The network license type is activated to a server, and the dual boot environment should not add any complexity to the licensing.
If you encounter any issues finding the Host ID or computer username you can use one of the corresponding articles below as a guide.
What is a Host ID? How do I find my Host ID in order to activate my license?
How do I find my computer username in order to activate my license?
R2014b and Older Releases:
On Windows, the volume serial number can also be used as the host ID. This value does not exist in Linux or MacOS. Therefore, if you are activating MATLAB manually on a dual-boot computer, and one of the operating systems in question is Windows, make sure you activate to the MAC address, not the volume serial number. A license file generated using the volume serial number will not work in Linux or MacOS on the same physical machine.
