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 that MATLAB has encountered a licensing issue. To resolve this error, try these possible solutions: 

Restart MATLAB 

If MATLAB is running, shut it down and restart it to see if that resolves the issue. 

Restart the MathWorks Service Host/Computer

The MathWorks Service Host is a critical required part of the MathWorks software installed on your machine. Try resolving the issue by restarting your computer. 

1. Shut down MATLAB if it is still running. 
2. Restart your computer. 
3. Start MATLAB to see if the issue is resolved. 

Reinstall the MathWorks Service Host 

If the previous possible solutions do not resolve your issue, try reinstalling the MathWorks Service Host. Follow the instructions in How do I uninstall and reinstall the MathWorks Service Host? 

Contact support 

If all other possible solutions do not resolve your issue, contact support. 

Include your MathWorks Service Host log files in the support case. To locate these files, see Where are the Installation, Activation, & Service Host log files located for MATLAB?