Even I had the same problem when I installed the Matlab 2014a this morning. If your last installed Matlab version is showing the change folder dialog box then try to import the preferences from the older version if it exists in the C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\MathWorks\MATLAB\R2014a. Note this path may change accordingly, if so please use PREFDIR in Matlab command window. You can see a folder(s) called R2014a, R____a/b (your old versions if any), just copy and paste carefully to R2014a. Here carefully refers to the very old version to R2014a .pref file may not be compatible. If you are copying from, say R2013 or R2012 or R2011 a/b shall work. But anyways its up to your discretion. If you find particular line in .pref file which solves the issue, then please do post your solution. In anycase if you don't have older preferences folders, then you can get the older version preference folder from other computers where latest matlab is installed, make sure to change the path (its messy), but one solution. Lastly, the cause for this issue are: 1. You didn't saved the preferences, command history files from the old version while uninstalling it. Therefore is has completely removed the preferences from the local/roaming/Mathworks folder. In fact, this led to no preferences import for the new R2014a. 2. Even I rigorously checked the Matlab options/preferences for a check box or radio button with turning that dialog box on/off. Ended up in an unsuccessful attempt! Anyways if you find some other easy solution, please do post. I believe lot of them are having the same situation!