Matlab editor freezes often... can't edit files

Using Matlab R2012b 8.0.0.783, Win 8 x64. I am having two problems with this version of Matlab:

1) The Matlab interface constantly 'freezes'. When it freezes, I can interact with some elements of the GUI (eg, I can double-click on text in the M-file editor and it highlights), but the text insertion point does not show up, and I can't edit or type into the window, and I can't execute any commands in Matlab, even through the menus. However, I can click through the different menu tabs. After about a minute, the GUI responds as normal.

2) Overall, Matlab response is very slow.

This makes it difficult to use Matlab at all, I am thinking about uninstalling and using a older version. Is anyone else having these kinds of problems?

[Mireia Torralba]

I have the same issue, but now happening with the 2022 version. What I am thinking off is about switching to Python, it does not make sense that for whoever knows the reason now it is not possible to make a propper cleaning of the data and therefore it is necessary to restart Matlab from time to time.

Answer 1

[Andrew]

Older question, but I think the answer is a spotty connection to a network .m file. I had a dozen m files open, and I could only edit half of them - the ones saved locally. I had a poor network connection, so I think Matlab freezes network files until there is a good connection.

[John Hatrick]

I am having this issue as well, and I think it began just after starting to work from files saved on a network drive. Will try saving the files locally and see if my laggy freezy MATLAB comes back to life.

Update: seems to work! The .m files seem to be the culprit. Luckily it seems .mat or other imported data are OK to source from non-local drives.

Answer 2

[Soumendu Majee]

I had the same issue. I couldn't edit text in the editor and the command window. But the GUI buttons still worked.

One hack to solve this is to create a new figure and close it. I added a shortcut button in the toolbar to do the same. Here is the code:

temp_fig = figure;
pause(0.1)
close(temp_fig);
clearvars temp_fig;

Is there any permanent fix?

[Jonathan SOARES]

It's unbelievable, but it works just fine! I'm using MATLAB 2021a, and it keeps freezing on me. Normally, I have to wait for it to come back, but it starts freezing again shortly after. I can barely save my work before having to restart the program. However, with this solution, whenever I manage to execute the trick, the freezing stops as if I had restarted everything.

Answer 3

[Andreas Goser]

I am aware of the following customer issue that may or may not be related:

Slow response similar to what you describe, but in the EDITOR. This may be address by changeing strict m-lint settings.

When you re-install, better choose R2013a while you are installing anyway. And if you still encounter issues contact Technical Support.

Answer 4

[Jay Carroll]

I have the same problem as the original post. In editor, my backspace button will work, but I cannot type any text until I restart matlab. It has occurred twice in 2 days on Matlab R2015a 8.5.0.197613 64 bit on windows 7. No apparent connection issues. All of my files are local. It is clear this happens on more than one computer. My computer shows no slowdown in the event. I simply can't add text to my script (I can delete as much as I'd like).

[Stephan]

Same problem here (Win 7, Matlab 2015b 8.6.0.267246). Any solutions?

Answer 5

[Michelle Hirsch]

Hmmm, this sounds like it might be something about your specific setup - maybe best for MathWorks development to dig in with you to figure out what is going on. I suggest you contact technical support for help. You can submit a service request with the "Request Support" button on the far right side of the Home tab of the Toolstrip.

Sorry that you are having problems - I hope that we can sort them out for you.

 - scott

Answer 6

[Corey]

Thanks for the suggestion Scott... I am still having this problem and I often have to close and restart Matlab. The GUI window just doesn't seem to accept any keyboard input in any of the windows (editor or command windows), but I can still use the mouse to click on things, close files, execute scripts, etc.

Since I seem to be the only one having this problem, I may try to reinstall first, and if that doesn't work I'll try your request support suggestion.