Error while trying to install Simscape Multibody Link Plug-In.

I'm trying to install the simscape multibody link using steps from this page, however when I run installaddon('smlink-r2026b-win64.zip') command I get the following error.

Error using copyfile
The location 'C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2026b\resources\physmod\en\smlink\invaddin.xml'
was not found.

Error in installaddon (line 107)
    copyfile(filePathTmpDir, destFile);
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I also followed the steps to try and install it without MATLAB, but the Simscape Multibody Link option was not available in Solidworks (ver 2025) add-ins after following them.

Would appreciate some help to resolve this!

[Torsten]

Answer from AI:

To resolve the copyfile error during the Simscape Multibody Link installation, you need to run MATLAB as an Administrator. [1, 2]

Because the installer tries to write and modify files inside the protected C:\Program Files directory, Windows blocks standard users from making changes, leading to the missing file or destination error. [1, 2]

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Close MATLAB completely.
2. Right-click the MATLAB R2026b desktop shortcut or the matlab.exe file in C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2026b\bin\win64\.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. In the MATLAB Command Window, re-run your installation command: [1]

matlab

installaddon('smlink-r2026b-win64.zip')

Alternative: Manual Path Reset

If running as an administrator still fails, your MATLAB folder cache might be out of sync. You can reset the path environment inside MATLAB using these commands: [1]

matlab

restoredefaultpath
rehash toolboxcache

After running those, try executing the installaddon command again. [1]

If you don't succeed, contact support:

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